ARTA Traveler ’ s Health Care

How to report an emergency to AXA Assistance , Emergency Travel Assistance Provider

In a dire situation , get medical help immediately and call AXA Assistance as soon as possible . Call first in non-dire situations .

You must inform AXA Assistance within 48 hours of the emergency , or as soon as is reasonably possible . This includes events that result in your needing to make a trip-cancellation or interruption claim .

PHONE : In Canada / USA : 1 – 888 – 996 – 9003 Any other country , call collect : 1 – 514 – 285 – 0142

1 . Before you make the call , have these items ready : - pen and paper ; - ARTA / AXA Assistance ID number ( included on your ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan ID Card ); ARTA / AXA ID number : _______________________ - the policy number , which is 1MW60 ; - hotel , ship or mobile phone number where an AXA Assistance agent can reach you ; - Hotel / ship / mobile phone number : _________________

2 . The phone call : - Use the appropriate AXA Assistance phone number ( above ). - During the phone call with AXA agent , - Ask the name of the person with whom you are speaking ; - Agent ’ s name : ____________________________ - State the medical problem ; - Ask the agent for direction in having the problem addressed ; - Ask if AXA Assistance will pay medical bills up front ; - Ask when and how their communication with medical accountants starts .

3 . Ask for a file number , and do not hang up before the agent assigns one . Emergency file number : ___________________________ ( This could take between up to fifteen minutes .) Take this information to the hospital or medical provider for reference .

4 . Keep all receipts : boarding passes , train tickets , taxi fares , hotel receipts , cruise ship registration , payments made at a hospital , pharmacy or medical clinic , ship to shore phone calls , any costs related to the emergency , etc . You will need these should you need to file a claim upon return home .

5 . Always carry the name and telephone number of your own medical practitioner .

Your doctor ’ s name : ___________________________ Telephone number : + 1 _________________________

Editor ’ s note : As a result of a misfortune that happened on a recent holiday , Sue Stein and Mary Turner created this little checklist for travellers . Photocopying it , filling it out and carrying it with you on your holiday will enable you to have the information you need all in one place when you need it most .

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 31

Taking time out for reflective thinking is an effective technique for temporarily separating ourselves from the world . Such time out is a chance to clear the mind and gain perspective in many areas . Entries in a journal are not as crucial as the enjoyment and insights gained from creating it . It is important not to forget to write when feeling joy and gratitude , too . And , of course , a journal can be used for various formats of creative expression like poetry , art , and memoir writing .

It is important to reflect and to assess your writing weekly , leaving margins to make comments about changes , results , and improvements . A journal can serve as your biggest nonjudgmental motivator and record of your lifestyle .

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35

and thirty hours per chair . “ I have had no formal carpentry instruction .

Woodworking has always been an interest of mine and I developed my own ideas from year to year .” Many of these treasures , received as gifts , are proudly displayed in the homes of family and friends .

Steve embodies the true essence of the ARTA vision . He is active , engaged and informed , and leads a vibrant lifestyle . Steve ’ s note on retirement : “ I have never been idle or bored — I have always had things to do .”

news & views SPRING 2015 | 39