It is my impression that the first instinctive reaction of insurance companies is to deny a claim often after dragging it through a lengthy process, thereby leading to two outcomes: either the exhausted claimant gives up or, if he is of a persevering nature, he hires a lawyer. The latter step usually leads to a better outcome for the claimant but the cost is not cheap.

In hindsight I wonder why we doctors, so accustomed to working out the odds of an event happening, should fork out money to buy OMA insurance when we know that the money is being put to work for someone else. The best we can expect in return is our own capital at 40% of its original value. Assuming we are healthy with few risk factors (and many of us are), chances are we will not put in a claim until death — at which stage the benefit will have dwindled to a paltry amount. Surely physicians can devise a better plan to protect themselves and their dependants. I await suggestions from your readers. (Conflict of interest: I have been denied partial disability from the OMA's disability insurance provider, Sun Life.)

Dr Farook Hossenbux
Ottawa, ON

SURPRISE, SURPRISE
Boy was I surprised to open a mysterious FedEx package at the office and find a gold men's Bulova watch inside! I had forgotten about entering the contest and I never really anticipated winning a prize.... My husband is very happy with his new watch. Many thanks.

Dr Beverly Goodwin
Smith Falls, ON