BEHAVIOURAL MODIFICATION

WE’VE ALL HEARD HORROR STORIES

of snowbirds that require emergency hospitalization while on vacation, only to find that their travel insurance coverage is refused when they try to make a claim. To avoid what could be a ruinously costly fiasco, the onus is squarely on you to wade through the fine print of your insurance product and be aware of the exclusions that could cancel your coverage. It’s also important to realize that there are certain kinds of behaviour that may void your policy. Don’t take a dive Extreme activities like skydiving or scuba diving aren’t covered under most travel insurance policies. Risk-loving snowbirds should buy additional insurance.

Avoid bar brawls Injuries sustained while under the influence of alcohol or drugs may forfeit coverage Be a snowbird,

not a jailbird Want to make a claim for an accident that occurs during criminal activity? Fuhgeddaboudit! Thou shalt

not lie Don’t fib about your pre-existing medical conditions on your policy application. When the insurance company inevitably susses out the truth, they will cancel your coverage.

Take the jab If you fall ill to a disease that you were advised – but refused – to get vaccinated for, it’s unlikely the insurance company will pick up the medical bill. Don’t go there If the Canadian government puts out an advisory warning against all non-essential travel to a certain region, travellers to said region shouldn’t expect coverage. — Peter Muggeridge

“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters in the end” —

Ernest Hemingway