When a worker is on medical leave, many questions arise about what is allowed and what isn’t during that period. One of the most common inquiries is whether travel is possible while on leave. The answer isn’t simple and depends on several factors.
First, it is essential to understand that medical leave is primarily aimed at helping the employee recover from illness or injury. During this time, the person is expected to take all necessary steps to aid recovery, which means following medical advice and avoiding activities that could worsen their health or delay the healing process.
As noted on the social media account of a popular legal page with a large following, there is a belief that traveling while on medical leave is a myth and that you can indeed travel provided certain conditions are met. The post emphasizes that no law prohibits travel, but compliance with specific requirements matters.
In this regard, a labor law expert explains that what can be done is to remove the medical leave if the individual engages in activities that hinder their recovery, such as taking a trip, engaging in certain physical activities or sports, or if they work for another employer while on leave.
In other words, according to the attorney, travel, leaving the province, or taking a short trip can be permissible as long as the person attends their primary care doctor for checkups and goes to appointments with the social security mutuals for evaluations.
Can I lose the medical leave if I travel?
Yes, the temporary disability benefit can be denied, canceled, or suspended if certain conditions are met as outlined in the corresponding statute.
1. The right to the temporary disability subsidy may be denied, annulled, or suspended:
a) When the beneficiary has acted fraudulently to obtain or maintain the benefit.
b) When the beneficiary works for themselves or for others.
2. The right to the subsidy may also be suspended if, without reasonable cause, the beneficiary refuses or abandons the indicated treatment.
3. The beneficiary’s failure to appear at any of the appointments scheduled by the doctors assigned to the national social security system and its collaborating mutuals for examinations and medical recognition will lead to provisional suspension of the right, to determine whether the absence was justified. The regulation will set the suspension procedure and its effects.
The practical takeaway is that traveling while on medical leave can be permissible under strict adherence to medical guidance and regular medical evaluations. Any step that undermines recovery or violates prescribed treatment could jeopardize the benefits and even lead to suspension or loss of the subsidy.