Are You Allowed To Travel While on Workers’ Compensation in Virginia?

You suffer a workplace injury and successfully apply for benefits. While recovering, you consider going on vacation. After all, why should you stay home if you can’t work anyway?

Traveling can improve your mental health, but are you allowed to travel while on workers’ compensation?

Workers’ Comp and Travel Permissions: Can You Travel While on Workers’ Compensation?

The short answer is yes. There’s no law against traveling while receiving workers’ comp. If you’re physically capable of doing so, you can certainly book a vacation or travel to visit family while recovering after a workplace injury. 

Your employer’s workers’ comp provider should continue paying your disability benefits (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to a certain cap). However, you won’t be eligible for paid vacation time for the same period. 

Can a Vacation Harm Your Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation?

Legally, you aren’t facing travel restrictions while on workers’ compensation. Nevertheless, your vacation plans should be compatible with your condition. You shouldn’t do anything that could show you weren’t as badly injured as you stated in your workers’ compensation claim. Otherwise, the insurer could curtail your benefits.

Potential Issues With Traveling on Workers’ Comp

Many insurance providers automatically suspect injured workers of fraudulent claims. Even if the insurer has already approved you for benefits, an investigator working for the insurance company might keep tabs on you via social media or other means.

You could face problems if, for example, you collect disability benefits for a serious spinal injury that limits your mobility but then take a vacation that involves a lot of hiking and climbing. First, if you aren’t careful, you could undermine your recovery. Second, even if your activities comply with your doctor’s instructions, an investigator could take individual photos or posts out of context and use them against you.

As a rule, insurance companies will try to pay you as little as possible. They won’t hesitate to try canceling your benefits by using photos or videos that show you’re supposedly a lot healthier than you claimed.

Workers’ Compensation Travel Guidelines

Are you allowed to travel while on workers’ compensation? While there’s no contradiction between workers’ comp and traveling rights, you should plan your vacation carefully to preserve your eligibility for benefits by doing the following:

• Consult your healthcare provider. Ask your doctor about the extent of traveling and vacation activities that would suit your condition. 
• Adjust your plans. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly. If necessary, change your mode of travel, plan for a shorter vacation, or alter your itinerary. 
• Limit the use of social media. If you can’t resist sharing vacation photos, don’t post anything that might work against you. For instance, if you’re supposed to use a walking aid, ensure all your vacation photos show you using this device. 
• Keep up with your medical treatment. You must have a proven record of follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, and other treatment you’re supposed to receive while on workers’ comp benefits. Make sure you plan your vacation around healthcare appointments. If you’re preparing for future job opportunities during your recovery, consider exploring a professional resume template to ensure your application materials stand out.

Questions About Workers’ Comp in Virginia? Call Geoff McDonald & Associates

Do you have questions beyond “Are you allowed to travel while on workers’ compensation?” Are you unsure how a vacation may affect your eligibility for workers’ comp? Call our law firm today. At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we stand up for the rights of injured workers in Virginia. We can help protect your interests and fight for the maximum available workers’ comp benefits.

Call (804) 203-0581 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation today.