Probability is a very hard branch of maths that exercises actuaries, the people who provide the glib yet unexpected reasons why you won’t get your insurance dosh. Here’s an example of actuarial small print.I was invited to take out a policy to cover a very mean funeral. A meat-paste-sandwich funeral. But not even meat paste if my earlier-than-expected death were attributable to:
* Illness, disease or naturally occurring condition.
* Suicide, attempted suicide or intentional self-injury.
* Being under the influence of alcohol or of any drug except as prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.
* Being engaged in aviation except as a fare-paying passenger on a recognised airline.
* Being actively engaged in any riot, civil commotion or usurpation of power, or participating in any military, naval or air force action.
The questions rise like flies round a dust-bin. To die of illness? Would clipping my toe-nails constitute intentional self-injury? Am I covered if I dodge my plane fare? And thank goodness my power usurping tendencies are now over.
I’m tempted to go for it and sign up for bungee-jumping.
The front "garden" is even lower maintenance.
