As the snow flies, so do the snowbirds who flock to the southern climates for months at a time.
In honour of National Seniors Day today, the Society of Notaries Public of B.C. share some tips for seniors and B.C. boomers.
It's important to make sure healthcare coverage is in place and to have a power of attorney in case disaster strikes.
"There is nothing worse than being stuck out of country in an accident or with a serious medical condition and no one having legal authority to act on your behalf to coordinate care, ensure payment with insurance companies, pay medical or travel bills, and arrange to get you home," said Laurie Salvador, a Sidney notary.
B.C. notaries or lawyers can draw up a power of attorney, which allows a capable adult to appoint a person to handle their financial and legal matters if they are not able to do so themselves.
"Because of the financial authority conveyed, it is critical that the person fully understands what powers they are granting with this document and have complete trust in the person they are appointing," says Akash Sablok, president of the Society of Notaries Public of BC and Vancouver Notary Public. "BC Notaries quite often encounter situations where power of attorney is needed for someone traveling outside of the country."
Travelers should make copies of all documents in case of an emergency or if papers are lost or stolen. Leave a copy with a friend or relative at home and carry the other copy, stored separately from originals.
Also make copies of passport ID pages, itineraries, hotel confirmations, airline tickets, driver's license and credit cards.
Make sure to pack more than enough medication for the duration of the trip in case of unexpected delays. Place medication in their original labeled containers in carry-on baggage in case luggage is lost or delayed. Sometimes a letter from a physician is required as some countries have restrictions on bringing medications into the country without documentation.
Purchase additional medical coverage when necessary.
