Sure it seems ironic to plan for an emergency room visit. However, when you’re having trouble breathing or you’ve hurt yourself, you’re not going to take the time to get organized. If you are organized when you’re not hurt and not under pressure, it will help you to have a much smoother experience, should you need to visit the emergency room at some point.
You should always have your identification materials and your insurance materials together – and with you. If something happens to you when you aren’t home, and you’re taken to the emergency room in an ambulance, you’ll certainly want to have a way for them to identify you and to check your coverage. How many of us have run out of the house “just for a second” to buy something carrying only a $20 in our pocket? Or, who hasn’t gone jogging, carrying nothing but the iPod? It’s really quite important to make sure that you always have your identification on you.
You should also check with your health insurance company to know exactly what is covered in your plan. If you have an emergency that you think needs immediate care, will they cover it? What about if you have broken a limb? Have a terribly sore throat? Have a reaction to a rash? Finding out exactly what is covered and what isn’t with your emergency room care can save you hours of headaches – and bills – later.
