Novy Lodder
- Mar 4
- 3 min read

Jo Lodder Here: Embracing Life, But Planning for It Too!

Hey, I know life's going great right now. You're busy, things are good, and insurance probably isn't the most exciting topic. But hear me out for a sec.

Imagine this: you're cruising on your mountain bike, feeling fantastic, and BAM! You take a tumble. Now, hopefully, it's nothing too serious, but even a minor injury can leave you with a hefty bill for the doctor and hospital. Not exactly the way you want to spend your hard-earned cash, huh?

Yep, that's me on my 50th birthday. One minute, I was on the trails on my bike, and the next, I had fallen off a cliff, broken my collarbone, and smashed my face. Life can change in the blink of an eye.

You all know me – I've never been the most organized person, and planning for the future hasn't always been my strong suit. I've always lived life to the fullest, embracing every adventure, especially when it comes to pushing myself with extreme ultra running.

But things changed that day on my 50th birthday. I decided to take out both health and life insurance. Now, some of you might be surprised that I didn't have them previously, especially considering I had them when I was a jockey and used them constantly. But when I stopped riding, I figured I wouldn't need them anymore. How wrong was I?

Well, life has a funny way of throwing curveballs. Pushing myself on the trails is what I love, but it wouldn't be honest to say I don't worry about the risks. What if something happens out there, and I leave my amazing wife, my incredible kids, and even my dear old parents with a mess to deal with?

That's where the insurance comes in. It's not about being negative or fearing the future. It's about taking responsibility and ensuring that even if something unexpected happens, my loved ones won't be burdened financially. It's also about securing my own access to the best possible care, should I need it.

I know I'm not the most conventional, but this feels like the right move for me. I'm still living life on my own terms, chasing those adventures, but now I do it with a safety net. It's a way to embrace life fully while also taking care of the people who matter most.

So, yeah, even this old dog can learn new tricks! Maybe it's something you might want to consider too. Just sayin'.

P.S. I made this decision at 50 years old, and interestingly, my wife has decided to do the same. Her mother's unexpected passing at 58 years old (despite her family history of longevity) made us realize the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.

Check out www.yotei-advisors.com

"Disclaimer - I buy my health and life insurance through them - I m not receiving any commissions and can recommend their service. There are many reputable insurance companies out there. I encourage you to do your own research and find a company that you trust."

Jo Lodder is a trail runner, business leader, and philanthropist. He's the co-founder of JNW Asia, a property marketing company based in Hong Kong focused on Niseko projects, and a master agent of SnowDog, a hospitality brand. He also became the first person in history to complete the HK5Trails in Hong Kong with the Run for Freedom challenge to raise money for charity.