
For many Canadians, vacation time means escaping the cold, and for some, that also means enjoying a drink or two. If you plan on drinking during your travels, it’s important to know how alcohol could impact your travel insurance coverage.
How Alcohol Affects Travel Insurance Coverage
Many Canadians buy travel insurance, either on their own, through a benefits plan, or by relying on what’s offered by their credit cards. However, if you have alcohol in your system when a medical emergency occurs, your insurance might not cover you.
Most travel insurance policies include some form of alcohol-related exclusion, but the specifics can vary. The strictest policies remove coverage if your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) exceeds a certain threshold, even if alcohol wasn’t the cause of your injury.
For example, a common exclusion states:
“Coverage will be denied if your medical condition occurs while you are: “… impaired by drugs or alcohol or have an alcohol concentration exceeding 80 milligrams in 100 milliliters of blood.”
Understanding BAC Limits in Travel Insurance
According to SmartServe’s BAC estimator:
A 175 lb. man will reach this level can reach a BAC of 80 mg after consuming seven standard drinks over six hours.
A150 lb. woman can reach the same level after five drinks, over the course of 6 hours.
Travel insurance coverage may still be denied, even if you weren’t actually impaired. For instance, in Ontario, many drivers are convicted of having a BAC over the legal limit but are not convicted of impaired driving because the Crown couldn’t prove actual impairment.
If you weren’t tested for BAC at the hospital, the insurer may estimate it based on your bar tab—which can be tricky to do, especially if you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort.
Types of Alcohol-Related Exclusions
Some travel insurance policies have more lenient exclusions but still require a connection between your medical issue and alcohol consumption. These may include exclusions for:
“… alcohol-related sickness, injury, or death, or the abuse of medication, drugs, alcohol, or other toxic substances.”
“… being under the influence of or addicted to intoxicating liquor or drugs.”
Why You Should Review Your Travel Insurance Policy
If you plan on drinking while traveling, it’s crucial to check the terms of your travel insurance policy. Whether you're considering purchasing a new policy or already have one, knowing the details could save you a lot of trouble. If you end up facing a large medical bill due to a denied claim, winning a dispute later won’t be much help if you’re stuck paying tens of thousands of dollars upfront.
Contact Wallace Smith for Travel Insurance Assistance
If you need help understanding your policy, Wallace Smith Lawyers can assist. Our experienced team specializes in navigating complex insurance claims and ensuring your rights are protected. Contact us today for expert guidance and support.
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