Being told you must attend an Insurance Medical Examination (IME) as part of your long‑term disability (LTD) claim can be stressful and intimidating. Many people worry about saying the wrong thing, being judged, or having their benefits taken away.

An IME is not medical treatment and it is not neutral. It is an assessment arranged and paid for by the insurance company to evaluate your claim. Below are practical tips to help you prepare, protect yourself, and reduce anxiety.

What an IME Really Is (and Is Not)

An IME is:

• An evaluation requested by your insurer under the terms of your policy
• Conducted by a doctor or health professional chosen and paid by the insurer
• Focused on work capacity and disability definitions—not your overall well‑being

An IME is NOT:

• Treatment or care
• A replacement for your treating doctor’s opinion
• A supportive or therapeutic appointment

The examiner’s role is to provide an opinion to the insurer—not to advocate for you.

Before the IME: How to Prepare

Review the appointment details

• Confirm the date, time, location, and specialty of the examiner
• Ask what type of assessment it will be (physical exam, psychological exam, file review, testing)

Clarify logistics

• Ask whether travel time, mileage, meals, or accommodation are covered
• Request accommodations in advance if you need breaks, mobility supports, or virtual attendance

Understand the scope

• The examiner should only assess the conditions already part of your LTD claim
• If the exam seems broader than expected, make note of it

Rest beforehand if possible

• Do not over‑exert yourself before the exam to “prove” you can function
• Attend as you normally would on an average day

During the IME: Key Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Be honest, accurate, and consistent
• Describe symptoms, limitations, and variability (good days vs. bad days)
• Take your time answering questions
• Ask for breaks frequently
• Say “I don’t know” or “I can’t recall” if that is true
• Explain how your condition affects your ability to work, not just daily life

Don’t:

• Minimize symptoms to appear polite or resilient
• Exaggerate or guess
• Speculate about recovery timelines
• Push through pain or fatigue during testing without saying so
• Assume the examiner understands invisible or fluctuating symptoms

If something hurts, worsens your symptoms, or feels unsafe—say so.

Be Aware of Observation Beyond the Exam

You may be observed:

• In the waiting room
• Walking to and from the building
• During breaks

Your behaviour before and after the exam should be consistent with your reported limitations. Remember: isolated moments do not equal work capacity, but insurers may still try to rely on them.

After the IME: What to Do Next

Write down your experience as soon as possible

• Length of the exam
• Tests performed
• Questions asked
• Any concerns about fairness, discomfort, or scope

Watch for changes from the insurer

• Increased forms or questionnaires
• Requests for updated medical records
• Pressure to return to work or attend rehabilitation

IME reports are often relied on heavily by insurers, even when they conflict with treating doctors. Early action matters.

When to Contact Us

You should strongly consider legal advice if:

• You feel the IME was unfair, rushed, or biased
• The examiner ignored key conditions or limitations
• The insurer relies on the IME to reduce or terminate benefits
• You receive a notice of review, suspension, or termination after the IME

Getting guidance before or immediately after an IME can help protect your claim and reduce unnecessary stress.

Key Takeaway

An insurance IME can feel intimidating, but preparation and knowledge make a difference. You are not required to prove anything beyond the reality of your disability, and you are entitled to be treated with respect.

If you are anxious about an upcoming IME or have concerns after attending one, we are happy to offer free coaching and guidance to help you protect your LTD benefits and ease the process.

Contact Us

At Mulqueen Disability Law, we focus exclusively on long-term disability claims. We can review your policy, assess the risks of an accommodated return to work, and help you protect both your health and your benefits.

If you have questions about your LTD claim, contact an experienced Ontario long-term disability lawyer before your benefits are reduced or terminated.

Mulqueen Disability Law is a boutique law firm, focused on litigating long-term disability insurance benefit claims. Courtney Mulqueen and her team of legal professionals are Trauma-Informed Certified and have over two decades of experience exclusively in the area of long-term disability law. She and her team draw on their “insider” experience working for the insurance companies (including, Canada Life, Sun Life, Manulife, and OTIP), that they now sue for their clients.  

The preceding is not intended to be legal advice. This blog is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog, you understand that there is no solicitor client relationship between you and the blog publisher. The blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed lawyer in your jurisdiction. If your disability claim has been denied and you require legal advice, please contact a lawyer specializing in disability law.