American Express takes me everywhere

Friday, December 30, 2011
By TAMMY MALGESINI
East Oregonian
 

Here’s a tip — American Express is widely accepted across Canada. This is important because I enjoy using my American Express, specifically to earn Sky Miles.

Vacations and weekend trips always seem to be the highlight of the year. And this year was no different. I’m glad to report I didn’t require any medical treatment while visiting places afar. However, I did end up taking my husband to the emergency room in Invermere, British Columbia.

After spending several leisurely days in the quaint village of Radium Hot Springs, my husband and I decided to scout out activities in the area. We headed up to Panorama Mountain Village so John could tear up the trails on his mountain bike.

It was a great day. “Was” is the key word. After meeting for lunch, John headed back to the trails and I found a comfortable spot to people watch and read my book. Then I received some garbled text message from John. Then another, “massive pain.”

I headed to the truck to find John writhing in pain. He did an endo on the trail and landed on his shoulder. He said he needed to see a doctor — this coming from the man who never meets his insurance deductible.

We got some ice and headed down the mountain. As I drove the 13 twisting and turning miles to the hospital in Invermere, John and I pondered how they would deal with United States citizens seeking medical care in Canada. Canadians are enrolled under a socialized medical plan and our friends to the north guard their Provincial Health Insurance cards like I guard my American Express.

We soon found out the answer to our ponderings — point of service. We were required to pay before leaving. More than $800 later, I tried to look at the bright side.

“At least I get some Sky Miles out of the deal,” I said with a laugh.

With a complicated sling shoulder-stabilizer thingie, our vacation plans changed drastically. John wouldn’t be riding his bike and I would be driving the truck.

Coming highly recommended by the ER doctor, John and I headed toward Canal Flats to Lussier Hot Springs, some primitive springs located in a remote location.

To get there we had to drive on forestry roads near the western boundary of Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. The brochures said nothing about the road being treacherous, much less the fact it narrows so much on the last stretch that it allows only one-way traffic. Oh, and the little turnouts leave you virtually hanging on the edge of the Lussier Gorge — with nowhere to go but down. Way down.

By the time we reached the hot springs, I needed to pry my hands off the steering wheel. Ah, but my tension was soaked away — that is until I had to drive back to civilization. Next stop, a massage therapist.

Good thing I had my American Express — I never leave home without it.
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Tammy Malgesini is the EO community editor. Her column, Inside my shoes, include general musings about life. You can reach her at tmalgesini@eastoregonian.com or 541-564-4539.