Emergencies usually don’t come with a warning. But when the unexpected happens, preparation is key — especially when it comes to your health.

Here are some steps you can take, today, so that you feel better prepared in case of a future health crisis.

1. Familiarize yourself with your health plan
Knowing what’s available to you, including what doctors and health systems are covered by your plan, may help you feel prepared in an emergency. Log into your health insurance account and go over your plan in detail. Make a list of the nearest hospitals, urgent care facilities and pharmacies that you may need, and are in your network. In addition, familiarize yourself with the fees you’ll pay in different situations, such as co-pays for prescription medications, doctors, specialists, urgent care facilities, emergency visits and ambulance transportation. And be sure to always have your health insurance card handy. You never know when you’ll need to use it.

2. Understand when to go to the ER vs. when to go to an urgent care facility
Depending on where you live, you may have several options for fast treatment when dealing with an urgent illness or injury. However, in a moment of duress, the last thing you’ll want to do is research facilities and determine where to go. By planning ahead, you can feel better prepared for anything. First and foremost, find out if your insurance is accepted at urgent care facilities near you. Then, keep the following list in mind when deciding which facility to choose.

When to go to an emergency room or call an ambulance

• When a person has a situation injury that includes a lot of bleeding, extensive burns and/or broken bones that seem severe
• When a person has trouble breathing
• When a person is having a seizure
• When a person may be having a stroke or heart attack

When to go to an urgent care facility

• When a person has an injury that you suspect is a sprain or a broken bone that doesn’t seem severe
• When a person has cuts or burns that need treatment and don’t seem too severe
• For illnesses such as ear infections, bladder infections, strep throat, skin rashes and respiratory infections such as cold and flu
• For injuries such as eye injuries

 3. Set aside money each month for an emergency fund
According to a survey by Bankrate, one in four people have no emergency savings, and more than half of Americans feel uncomfortable with their emergency fund. Experts often recommend that people set aside enough money to cover three to six months’ worth of essential expenses. That sounds like a big number, but by establishing a monthly savings goal you can get there. It may help to create a budget and determine if there are expenses you can cut down on as you prioritize creating this emergency fund. If possible, open an account that pays interest on your savings to help your fund grow.

4. See your healthcare providers regularly and follow their advice
There’s a reason that health care is sometimes called “preventive.” It’s because certain appointments and services are designed to prevent illnesses and health emergencies! Be sure to see your primary care doctor annually for a physical. They can perform screenings and tests that may indicate any changes to your health or causes for concern. They can also give you the vaccinations you need to protect you from becoming seriously ill. And they can recommend cancer screenings, such as a mammogram and colonoscopy, that may detect any abnormalities early.

Emergencies tend to strike when you least expect them. But by thinking ahead, understanding your health coverage and creating an emergency fund, you’ll be better prepared to act quickly when called upon.

 

This information is provided for general information purposes. Information contained in this communication is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your healthcare needs. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read in this informational piece. Always check your benefits for coverage information and limitations.