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7 Timely Tips For Summer Travel

Jun 20, 2018 6:30:00 AM

Gibson_Blog_(2_of_122)It’s no secret that most people enjoy getting away for a week or two in the summer to enjoy the sunshine and quality family time. Studies have shown that taking occasional vacations has many work and health benefits, including lowering stresslevels, avoiding burnout, and increased work quality and creativity. However, before you get over-excited and hit the open road, here are some quick tips to make sure you are prepared for the unexpected.

Re-Stock The First Aid Kit
Bandages, Anti-bacterial solution, ibuprofen, and many other items can help with minor cuts, scrapes, aches and pains while you are out enjoying the sights. The American Red Cross and KidsHealth.org both have excellent first aid kit checklists that you can refer to for more information.

Refill Your Prescriptions
Before you leave home, make sure you have an adequate amount of any maintenance medications that you take on a regular basis. One of the last things you want to worry about is finding a pharmacy while you should be lying on the beach!

Pack Extra Water And Food
If you are traveling any sort of distance for vacation this summer, it is usually a good idea to keep bottled water and non-perishable foods in your vehicle. You never know when you could have mechanical issues and be stranded for an extended period of time in hot daytime temperatures.

Find The Sunscreen
Even if you aren’t headed to a warm climate this summer, sunscreen and other skin protection is a great way to fend off harmful UV rays. Please see our “Protecting Your Child’s Health This Summer” blog for more information.

Don’t Forget Your ID Cards
You never know when accidents will happen. Before leaving home, make sure you have your health insurance cards packed in a safe location. Also, it may be a good idea to save your insurance company’s customer service number into your emergency contacts in your phone.

Know When To Use Urgent Care Vs. The Emergency Room
Sounds familiar, right? As urgent care facilities continue to pop up all across the United States, many Americans now have the opportunity to gain quality care in urgent situations without making unnecessary trips to the ER. Emergency rooms tend to be more expensive than urgent care facilities, and urgent care facilities can perform many of the services that the ER can until you are admitted.

Be Prepared Across The Pond
If you are traveling overseas and have an emergency situation, please do not hesitate to get necessary treatment at an emergency facility. Many insurance carriers have 24 hour helplines for people in these situations that can give the member access to translation services, as well as many other services, when thereis a language barrier. However, be warned that you will probably pay out of pocket for services, and then be able to reconcile the claim with your insurance carrier once you return to the United States.

One important tool when traveling abroad is to purchase an international travel health insurance policy. It is an inexpensive way to make sure you have the umbrella of protection you may need when traveling outside of the United States. You can easily apply online at Global Underwriters.

A healthy work/life balance is highly stressed here at Gibson, and relaxing time with family is a big component of this balance. Have a great time and safe travels as you venture away from home this summer!

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Gibson

Written by Gibson

Gibson is a team of risk management and employee benefits professionals with a passion for helping leaders look beyond what others see and get to the proactive side of insurance. As an employee-owned company, Gibson is driven by close relationships with their clients, employees, and the communities they serve. The first Gibson office opened in 1933 in Northern Indiana, and as the company’s reach grew, so did their team. Today, Gibson serves clients across the country from offices in Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Utah.