When you’re finally on a well-deserved vacation after all of the stress and waiting, who wouldn’t want to lay in the sun and have a few too many drinks? But… a few too many drinks can make your heart skip a beat…and not in a good way! It might be “holiday heart syndrome”; an irregular heartbeat in an otherwise healthy person. Holiday heart syndrome is usually temporary and often follows binge drinking. It can also be a result of stress or dehydration, so you can see how it can show up during vacation.
If you have to seek medical care for holiday heart syndrome or any other alcohol-related accident or illness, will your travel insurance cover the costs?
Travel insurance and alcohol don’t mix
Many travellers assume they’re covered once they buy travel insurance, no matter what. But alcohol-related illness and/or injuries are one of the most common reasons claims are denied. Make sure to understand your insurance policy including any alcohol exclusion(s) before buying, or ask your travel insurance provider to go over the details with you. Emergency Medical Insurance is designed to cover unexpected medical emergencies and accidents, not acts of negligence. That’s why most travel health insurance plans won’t cover alcohol and drug-related injuries.
We recognize that a drink or two is very different than consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. But if you do end up in a medical emergency and you’ve misused or abused intoxicants, be prepared that your claim will likely be denied. With TuGo, we won’t cover you when you have reached a blood alcohol level of 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, or when records indicate you were intoxicated, and no blood alcohol level is specified. Plus, if your chronic use of alcohol contributes to any medical condition, like cirrhosis, you won’t be covered either.
Speaking of intoxication…what about cannabis? Find out what you need to know about cannabis and travel insurance on our blog.
Keep these travel safety tips in mind
As you’re preparing for your trip, also check out the Government of Canada’s safety tips related to alcohol, drugs and travel including:
- Follow the same safety rules for drinking and drug-use as you would at home. Use alcohol responsibly and stay away from drugs.
- Always keep an eye on your drinks, and don’t accept drinks from strangers. As at home, unsavoury characters could lace your drink with narcotics.
- Be aware that alcohol served at your destination may be stronger than you’re used to. Don’t drink home-brewed alcohol and never drink in countries where alcohol is banned.
- And of course, never drink and drive or get into a vehicle with a driver who’s under the influence.
Questions about travel insurance and alcohol? Ask below!
Safe travels,
Sarah
