Getting hurt at work can change your whole life. You may be stuck at home, in pain, and going to lots of doctor appointments. So it’s understandable if you want a break or time away with your family. But if you’re receiving workers’ compensation in California, you might wonder: Can I still travel while I’m on workers’ comp?
The short answer is yes—you can travel. But that doesn’t mean you should just pack your bags and leave without thinking things through. Traveling while getting workers’ comp benefits comes with risks. It’s important to know what’s allowed, what could cause problems, and how to protect your case.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.
Traveling While Hurt May Affect Your Recovery
Even though there’s no law that stops you from going on vacation while on workers’ comp, traveling can slow down your healing or make your injury worse.
Think about how traveling affects your body. Sitting for hours in a car or on a plane might be uncomfortable or even painful. If your injury limits your movement, long trips can make things worse. Also, different places may not have easy access to doctors, physical therapy, or even your medications.
Before making any plans, talk to your doctor. Ask if it’s safe for you to travel and what kind of activities you should avoid. If your doctor thinks it’s a bad idea, you should probably listen. They might also need to update your treatment plan or give you refills for any medicine you’ll need during the trip.
Missing Appointments Could Hurt Your Claim
When you’re getting workers’ compensation benefits, one of the most important things is showing that you are doing your part to recover. That means showing up to doctor visits, getting treatment, and following your medical plan.
If you skip appointments because you’re on vacation, the insurance company might see that as a red flag. They could argue that you aren’t taking your recovery seriously. In some cases, they might even stop your payments or deny further treatment.
Even if you reschedule your appointments to fit around your travel plans, the insurance company might still question your dedication to getting better. That’s why it’s smart to schedule trips only when they won’t interfere with your care.
Don’t Overdo It While You’re Away
Another big concern is how your actions during the trip could be seen. For example, if you say you can’t work because of back pain but are seen hiking or jet skiing, that could be used against you.
Insurance companies don’t always take your word for it. They may investigate your claim—sometimes without you knowing. They might look at your social media, ask people about you, or even send someone to watch you. If they get pictures or video of you doing things that don’t match your claimed injury, they could try to stop your benefits.
This doesn’t mean you have to stay inside all day. You can still enjoy light activities, rest, and spend time with family. Just don’t do anything that goes against your medical restrictions. And be careful about what you post online. A simple photo of you smiling at the beach could be misunderstood and taken out of context.
You May Be Watched—Even on Vacation
Workers’ compensation insurance companies are known to investigate injured workers. Their goal is to catch fraud or prove someone is better than they say. This means you might be watched while you’re out in public—even on vacation.
Investigators may:
- Watch your social media accounts
- Talk to your neighbors or coworkers
- Take photos or video of your actions in public
- Ask you questions while pretending to be someone else
However, there are limits. Investigators cannot go into your home, place tracking devices on your car, or lie to get private medical information. If you ever feel like your rights have been violated, tell your lawyer right away.
Talk to a Lawyer Before Making Travel Plans
It’s always a good idea to talk to a workers’ compensation attorney before making any big decisions, including travel. A lawyer can explain how your trip might affect your case and help you avoid mistakes that could lead to losing your benefits.
They can also let you know what kind of activities to avoid, what paperwork you might need from your doctor, and how to protect yourself if an insurance company tries to use your trip against you. If your benefits ever get denied or reduced because of your travel, your lawyer can help you fight back.
So, Can You Travel While on Workers’ Comp in California?
Yes, you can. But that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. You need to be careful about when, where, and how you travel. Most of all, don’t do anything that makes it seem like you’re no longer injured or don’t need your workers’ comp benefits.
Stay in touch with your doctor, keep your lawyer informed, and think twice before posting anything online. If your trip causes you to miss care or appear more active than your injury allows, it could hurt your claim.
Call the Law Offices of Hinden & Breslavsky for Help
If you’ve been injured on the job and are wondering if travel will affect your case, we can help. At the Law Offices of Hinden & Breslavsky, APC, we focus on workers’ compensation cases across Los Angeles and California. We’ve helped injured workers keep their benefits while still living their lives.
Call us at (323) 954-1800 for a free consultation. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and help you protect your claim every step of the way.