Getting your affairs in order before a big objective
Philip SetterLicensed advisor since 2014 · Updated September 2026 · 2 min read
Key takeaways
- Most of this takes one evening and protects the people you'd leave behind.
- Check beneficiaries on every policy, pension and registered account.
- Life insurance doesn't pay for rescue. Look at rescue and travel medical cover separately.
Why do it now
Nobody plans on an accident. But the families who cope best are the ones who can find a will, know the passwords and aren't waiting on a claim for money to pay the mortgage. Here's the list Philip uses himself.
The checklist
- Will: make one or update it. Name a guardian if you have kids.
- Powers of attorney: name someone to handle your money and health decisions if you're injured and can't.
- Beneficiaries: check them on life insurance, work benefits, RRSPs, TFSAs and pensions.
- Life insurance: make sure it doesn't exclude the sports you do. Take the activity check.
- Rescue and travel medical: life insurance doesn't cover rescue or hospital costs abroad. Look at separate coverage.
- Passwords and accounts: use a password manager with an emergency-access contact.
- Trip plan: leave your route, dates and who to call with someone you trust.
Climb, ski or fly?Take the 60-second activity check to see what you qualify for.
Start the check →A note on timing
Buy coverage before a trip is booked. Some insurers ask about planned expeditions, and it's easier to get covered at home than from a trailhead.
This checklist is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a lawyer about your will and powers of attorney.
Climb, ski or fly?Take the 60-second activity check to see what you qualify for.
Start the check →About the author
Philip Setter has been a licensed life insurance advisor since 2014 and founded Affinity Life in 2020. He's a climber, ice climber and ski tourer based in Calgary.