When you’re on workers’ compensation, especially if you’re planning to travel overseas, it’s crucial to understand the restrictions and responsibilities associated with your benefits.

If you’re considering travelling while receiving workers’ compensation, knowing how this impacts your entitlements can help you make informed decisions. 

This guide is tailored for employees in South Australia, exploring the intricacies of workers’ compensation travel policies and what steps you need to take to ensure compliance.

Can You Legally Travel Overseas While on Workers Compensation?

The short answer is that it is possible to travel overseas while on workers’ compensation in South Australia, but it requires planning and permission from RTWSA. 

Failing to notify the relevant parties or not obtaining necessary approvals can result in penalties, suspension of benefits, or even accusations of non-compliance.

Why You Need Permission to Travel

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to aid your recovery and, in most cases, facilitate a return to work. Travelling, especially internationally, may impact your recovery or be seen as a risk factor that contradicts the purpose of your workers’ compensation benefits. 

Permission from your case manager or RTWSA ensures that:

• Your travel plans align with your current medical restrictions and recovery goals.
• Any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan are arranged before departure.
• There’s a clear record of your intentions to prevent future disputes or complications with your claim.

Steps to Take if You Plan to Travel Overseas on Workers Compensation

Before packing your bags, follow these essential steps to ensure you remain compliant and protect your benefits.

1. Consult Your Doctor or Medical Practitioner

Your treating doctor plays a critical role in the workers’ compensation process, as they assess your ability to perform specific tasks and determine the restrictions related to your injury. Talk to your doctor about your travel plans and seek a medical assessment on whether travel is suitable for you at this stage of your recovery.

2. Notify Your Case Manager and Obtain Approval

The next step is to contact your case manager or claims administrator. Explain your reasons for travel, duration, and how the trip will fit within your recovery plan. It’s advisable to outline any potential activities you may engage in and confirm that they won’t impact your injury or recovery.

Once you’ve informed your case manager, they may require additional details to make an assessment. If approved, they’ll provide written permission, which you should keep on record in case any issues arise during or after your trip.

3. Stay Transparent About Your Itinerary and Activities

Provide your case manager with a clear outline of your itinerary, including travel dates, destinations, and the nature of your trip. Transparency about your activities will prevent misunderstandings and demonstrate your commitment to the recovery process.

For example:

• If your injury requires frequent physiotherapy or medical treatments, discuss how these treatments will continue while overseas.
• Avoid engaging in physical activities that may aggravate your injury, as this could be deemed a violation of your recovery plan.

4. Arrange for Ongoing Medical Treatment Overseas (If Necessary)

If your recovery process includes regular medical appointments, therapy sessions, or treatments, you’ll need a plan to continue these overseas. In some cases, RTWSA may cover the cost of overseas medical treatments, but this requires prior approval. You may also need to obtain documentation from your overseas medical provider to update your case manager on your condition.

Potential Consequences of Travelling Without Approval

Travelling without notifying RTWSA or your claims manager may result in serious consequences. Some potential repercussions include:

• Suspension of Benefits: Benefits may be suspended if RTWSA discovers that you’ve travelled without prior permission.
• Loss of Medical Coverage: Without approval, you may have to cover your own medical expenses while overseas.
• Impact on Claim Validity: Failing to disclose your travel plans could be perceived as a breach of trust, affecting your claim’s status or future benefits.

It’s essential to act responsibly to avoid jeopardising your financial support and medical coverage.

Key Factors to Consider Before Travelling Overseas

Before making travel plans, there are several critical factors to consider:

1. Stage of Recovery: Your medical condition should be stable enough to allow for international travel. Consult with your healthcare provider about the potential risks of travelling during your recovery.
2. Purpose of Travel: Consider whether your trip is for family, leisure, or other personal reasons. If travel is deemed non-essential or risky, your case manager might recommend postponing it.
3. Impact on Treatment Plans: Extended periods away from home could impact your access to necessary treatments, which might slow down your recovery.
4. Country-Specific Considerations: Ensure your travel plans take into account the healthcare infrastructure of the country you’re visiting. Access to quality care and the language barrier may affect your recovery journey.

Common Scenarios for Travelling Overseas on Workers Compensation

Some typical scenarios and how they might be assessed include:

• Travelling for Medical Reasons: Occasionally, workers may need to travel for specialist treatments. If this is the case, provide your case manager with all supporting documentation to justify the trip. RTWSA may even cover some medical expenses if travel is deemed necessary for treatment.
• Family Emergencies: If you must travel for a family emergency, communicate this to your case manager. Emergency circumstances are often given special consideration, but clear documentation is still essential.
• Leisure Travel: If your trip is for leisure, ensure that you’ve discussed how it may impact your recovery with both your doctor and case manager. Even if you’re allowed to go, follow guidelines about physical activity and maintain compliance with your recovery plan.

What If Your Condition Changes While Overseas?

Unexpected changes to your medical condition while abroad can be challenging. To safeguard your workers’ compensation entitlements, promptly report any exacerbations or changes in your condition to your case manager. It’s advisable to seek local medical care and document these visits, as well as follow up with your treating physician upon your return to Australia.

Tips for Managing Workers Compensation Responsibilities While Overseas

Here are some additional tips to manage your responsibilities effectively:

• Carry All Relevant Documentation: Keep a copy of all your workers’ compensation documents, approval letters, and medical records while travelling.
• Limit Physical Activity: To avoid worsening your injury, engage only in light activities as permitted by your medical provider.
• Stay Accessible: Make sure to keep open lines of communication with your case manager. Provide them with emergency contact details and inform them of your return date.

In Summary: Key Takeaways

• You can travel overseas while on workers’ compensation in South Australia, but you must obtain approval from RTWSA and consult your treating doctor.
• Transparency and planning are essential to ensure your travel aligns with your recovery plan.
• Travelling without approval can jeopardise your workers’ compensation benefits and lead to potential penalties.
• Adhere to any restrictions and guidelines set by your case manager to maintain compliance and safeguard your entitlements.

By following these steps and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider and case manager, you can responsibly manage your workers’ compensation claim while travelling. This ensures you stay on the right side of the law and maintain the benefits you need during your recovery.

Need Help With Your Workers Compensation Claim?

If you have further questions about travelling while on workers’ compensation, or need other help regarding your claim, speak to our workers’ compensation lawyers today. We can help you navigate the complexities of your claim, ensuring you meet your obligations and retain the benefits you’re entitled to. Call us on 08 8211 9932.