Before next trip look ™*/ into emergency funding (| SHE THOUGHT it was indigestion when stomach pains laid her low during a holiday in Spain. But when it turned cial. “f had taken out excess travel and medical insurance,’’ the 39- year-old woman told ‘me. ‘‘But the hospital demanded $2,500 be- fore they would even do any tests — and warned an even higher de- posit would be needed if an operation became necesary. “My travelling companion had dollar traveller’s cheques, but the hospital refused to accept them. The banks weren’t open and the weekend was coming up, so he couldn’t cash the cheques. The hospital would take -Visa, which | my friend had. But what with our travelling expenses, he was close to his limit. “He-had to call a_ business associate in Canada who deposited $10,000 to his Visa account. Only then did the hospital go ahead with X-ray and ultrasound tests.”’ When surgery was indicated, the woman asked if it could be done in Canada ‘‘but the surgeon said 1 was in a life-threatening situa- tion.’” The couple had called the in- © surance company about advancing “money to the hospiial in Marbella, ‘on the south coast of Spain. But apparently due to a communica- tions breakdown, the hospital said it had not been contacted. “In the hospital, there is limited nursing care — they expect a fam- ily member to take care of the pa- tient’s needs,’ said the woman . who, ironically, works in hospital administration herself. friend stayed with me practically 24 hours a day. “But we still had to keep our hotel room. We couldn't get an outside phone line from the hospi- tal, and the switchboard was open only part of the day for incoming zalls. So my friend had to use the hotel to make calls and take messages as he arranged for fi- nancial help, changed travel plans and so on.’ The woman spent one week in hospital. The bill: $11,082. “The hospital and ‘doctors’ fees weré the main items,’’ she said. -"They charged me $5,750 for the hospital stay and $4,800 for the two surgeons who did the opera- tion,’ she said. ‘‘A private nurse for 15 hours following the opera- tion cost $316. RRIFIANNUITY RATES | Monthly incomes for an investment of $50,000 RRL Minimum income ‘Ast Year personalized Annuity or ARIF. itustration or a tree copy of ovr guide to R.B.SP. matuzity options, 925-3101 * Rate Subject to change a without notice. Conveniently located at Park Royal ne STD SOLSOARD FIANCIAL LED. Consultants & Brokors since 1974 “So my out to be peritonitis, the indigestion became acutely finan- DOLLARS AND SENSE “‘] had to have the nurse as the hospital nursing staff doesn’t tend to any personal hygiene for pa- tients, and we needed somebody who could speak English as well as Spanish so we could deal with the medical staff in the hospital.’’ Now back in Gdnada, the woman is still recovering from - both the medical and financial experiences as she files her claim * with the insurance company. The total cost came to more than $15,006 including the air fare and other additionai transporta. tion, Jong-distance calls, transla- tion services, meals, accommoda- tion ‘‘and interest on the money my friend had to use because the insurance company didn’t advance funds to the hospital.”’ You cannot blame the hospital for wanting some money up front before treating a fordign visitor. ‘And it appears you cannot always count on getting an advance from your insurance company in time, especially if you have an urgent health problem or are in a remote part of the world. So before your next trip, once you have your out-of-country medical-hospital coverage, you should arrange for a source of emergency funds. Talk to your banker to see what arrangements are most effective; different financial institutions have different approaches. You might carry extra travell- er’s cheques in the currency of the CHUGGA WOogGa CHUGG, woOGA CHUugcA WO0G, CHUGGA WooGA CHUGG,A WOOGA CHUGGA WooGA CHUGG, wOOGA causes WOO0cGa, cHUGGA OR HVE HN I} ULL vee XG, Bie ‘é Real be a pOoao Lops; frasoanoagp fasadapoaog = Cees a Niele OL ee: C eo cree aro Oo There’ ene, 3 Sen BEY OOCA CHUGG4 WOOGA CHyGGA WOoG;, CHUGG, wWOOG4 country you are visiting, or a let- ter of credit drawn on a local bank. You can increase the limit on~- your credit card, as long as you won't spend the extra money. Ar- ranging a line of credit for the duration of the trip is another op- tion — provided you can access it through a banking machine (which will provide local currency) cr your credit card (if card and line of credit are the same place). Cail the company with whom you have the excess insurance coverage (there’s usually a 1-806 number). Tell them (or fax this column) about the problems the woman in Spain had. Ask what you should do if you find yourself in a similar situation — especially if it’s after normal business hours. Note the name of the person who replies. That individual will be a useful contact if you do need help. Mike Grenby is a North Shore-based columnist and in- ‘dependent financial adviser who works with individuals; he. will answer your questions as space allows — write to him c/o The . North Shore News, 1139 Lonsdale North Vancouver V7M Important Message to Blood Donors RED CROSS BLOOD DONOR CLINIC West Vancouver Recreation Centre . 780 22nd Street West Vancouver Thursday, June 25 2:30-8:00pm reas ew ea! Ss vs nothing like a rollicking 2 ride on the grand old steam @ Meee train, the Royal gm Hudson. 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