YourStyle Financial

Planning for the Unexpected in Today’s World

October 05, 2017

In 2017 the world has experienced some extremely traumatic events; many centered around major tourists areas. Many people were injured and killed in cartel related shootings in Mexico and most recently the tragic mass shooting in Las Vegas. We have even experienced suspected terrorist activities in Canada with the recent attack in Edmonton. Our hearts and sympathies go out to all those affected indirectly and directly by these events. While we like to believe these circumstances will never happen to us, the sad reality is they can happen to anyone, anywhere. This is why it’s so important to plan for the unexpected. Most travellers don’t realize how essential travel insurance can be to both their present and their future. Imagine just flying out for the weekend to enjoy a good time with your family or friends. Now imagine you are being transported to the hospital due to accident, violence or medical issues. Do you want to experience the panic of realizing you could be responsible for tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical bills? Or would you rather focus on your current situation and your healing? Travel insurance can make the difference between those two scenarios. If you’re not thinking about yourself at that moment, have you thought about the impact a tragedy of this nature could have on your family? For one of the Manitoba victims of the Las Vegas massacre, her husband and son are on their way to be with her during her recovery. This is going to involve time off work, flights costs, hotel and food. Were you aware many travel insurance plans provide for these types of costs? Now imagine the worst case scenario (something we all avoid facing), and that is you do not survive. Now your family must not only arrange to transport you home, but also address possible outstanding medical bills. This, at a time when they should be focusing on grieving and healing. In addition to travel insurance, this is another reminder of the necessity for will and estate planning. Choosing someone to be in charge if you become mentally incapacitated and after you die and deciding who will get what, when they will get it, and how they will get it after you’re gone will go a long way towards avoiding family conflict and costly court proceedings. The world is an unpredictable place, but planning your finances and insurance is something within your control. If this is something you are ready to address, we’d be happy to help.

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