At the picturesque Goblin Hill in Portland, where the sea breeze meets lush greenery, Camp Porti Wellness unfolded as a sanctuary for movement, mindfulness and meaningful reset. From sunrise Pilates to energising pickleball sessions, the focus was clear: achieving balance in mind and body. 

But balance, as conversations at the event revealed, must also include financial protection, especially when it comes to health, life and the future. 

Adding a thoughtful dimension to the wellness experience, Scotia Insurance was on site, engaging attendees in practical discussions about preparedness and the often-overlooked connection between health and financial stability. Between sessions, and alongside refreshing coconut water, patrons were encouraged to think beyond immediate wellness goals to the longer-term question of how well they are protected against life’s uncertainties. 

In Jamaica, non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes account for nearly 80% of all deaths. At the same time, retirement readiness remains a significant gap, with fewer than 20% of Jamaicans enrolled in an approved pension plan, highlighting the importance of taking a more proactive approach to long-term financial security. 

Against this backdrop, discussions at Camp Porti centred on building a well-rounded “insurance basket”, one that supports individuals not just in moments of crisis, but across every stage of life. This includes planning for the future through pension solutions such as ScotiaBRIDGE, protecting loved ones through life insurance like ScotiaELEVATE, and strengthening financial resilience with critical illness coverage through ScotiaCritiCare. 

ScotiaCritiCare, for example, offers coverage of up to JMD $9 million upon confirmation of major conditions, including cancer, heart attack, stroke and paralysis, helping to offset the financial strain that can accompany serious illness. For many attendees, this sparked a broader reflection on the importance of being able to focus on recovery without the added pressure of financial uncertainty. 

“Wellness isn’t only about what we do to stay healthy today,” said Kerry-Ann Chong, Senior Manager, Sales Service and Channel Delivery at Scotia Insurance. “It’s also about how prepared we are for the unexpected. Having the right mix of financial protections in place can make a meaningful difference when it matters most.” 

While a wellness retreat may not seem like the obvious setting for conversations about insurance, the openness of the environment made it easier for attendees to engage with topics that are often postponed. The idea of “what if” felt less daunting when framed as part of a broader commitment to balance and self-care.

The Scotia Insurance booth became a space for reflection as much as information, where participants could pause, ask questions and consider how their current plans align with their long-term wellbeing. 

At Goblin Hill, where the goal was to restore and realign, one message came through clearly: true wellness extends beyond the physical. It includes the confidence that comes from knowing you are prepared, not just for today, but for whatever tomorrow may bring.