With Christmas almost upon us and New Years a week away, many families are preparing for travel to see loved ones. Planning and packing for a trip can be a chore all in itself. Preparing for the possibilities of what can happen while on a holiday or winter trip is essential to staying a safe and healthy.
With the help of Health Insurance Specialists, not only can all of you medical insurance needs be covered, but we can also assist with your auto insurance needs as well as travel insurance and identity theft protection. This is also a good time of the year to review or update your life insurance policies, long term care plans and wills. Please check out our online store or contact Jon Belinke for more information on how we can be of service to you, this holiday season.
Preparation and organization are key factors when packing for a long distance trip. Be sure to take extra pillows and blankets for every member in the car. If the vehicle you are in happens to break down or worse, is involved in an accident, it could be little while for help to get to you. Your blankets, as well as coats, could protect you from the winter weather hazards and keep you warm.
Be sure your car is equipped with flares, in the event you do break down you will want to be sure you and your car are safe on a busy highway by signaling to other drivers that you are broke down. A jack and spare tires are also handy in the event of flat tire, but only if you know how to use them. Be sure to check your cars manual or the internet for instructions on how to change a tire, before you start your journey.
A toolbox for a car is essential. Make sure your toolbox is equipped with the tools such as a flashlight, Swiss army knife or Leatherman (a multi tool devise), screwdriver, small hammer, as well as fresh batteries. It is always wise to keep a first aid kit in your car with items such as band-aids, topical antibiotic ointment, scissors and eye wash. Your toolbox will not be as effective if it is kept in the back of your trunk under all the luggage, try to pack something small enough that can fit in the front seat with you.
Be sure to have a fully charged cell phone, as well as a car charger. You never know when you will need it for assistance. The driver of the car should not be using, or talking on the cell phone while driving, leave that to your passengers.
Whether you are flying or driving make sure you have all your important documents. Be sure to keep them accessible and all in one place. Make sure to include your car insurance documentation, any ticket or flight information, a list and description of all the people who you are traveling with, health insurance cards and a list of phone numbers marked “In Case of Emergency.” This will help in an emergency to contact the proper family members in the case of an accident. It is also a good idea when traveling with kids, that a recent photo or id is placed with the important documentation for easy accessibility. Make sure each person you are traveling with, children included have some sort of identification physically on them. It could be a bracelet, a wallet or written on their socks. In the case of an emergency, the information will help the authorities with identifying them quickly.
When traveling with someone who is on medication or has a medical condition, make sure it is clearly documented and kept with your important papers. Include their doctor’s name and telephone numbers, which medications they are on and the dosage. If you are traveling with a diabetic be sure to take extra insulin and a snack or drink in case their blood sugar drops. Contact your doctor ahead of time for a prescription for an extra epi pen for those that have serious allergic reactions, one should be kept in the first aid kit. It is wise for anyone who has a serious medical condition or allergies to medication to travel with a medical bracelet or necklace that has their conditions listed on it.
The transportation security administration has their own tips when traveling in airports this year. Please print the 3-1-1 flier for information on how the TSA recommends to get through security checkpoints safely and with less hassle. By not wrapping your gifts, knowing what is prohibited on a plane, arriving on time, and dressing the part, (wearing no metal and shoes that are easily removable), your transition period through security should be quick and smooth.
Health Insurance Specialist’s would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season. We are here to help you prepare for any of life’s emergencies that may occur this holiday season.