Boise is the capital of Idaho and the state’s largest city. A metropolis of 750,000 people in the northwestern US, Boise combines a delightful downtown area with pleasant suburbs and endless recreation in the surrounding mountains and high desert.
If you’re traveling to Boise for a vacation or perhaps in advance of a new job, be sure you’re protected with visitors medical insurance .
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Boise – FAQs
As a foreign visitor to the US, you won’t have to worry about finding quality medical care if you need it. However, the prospect of paying for it could cause you to lose some sleep. You can rest easy if you buy visitors medical insurance.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Boise?
Tourists in the US aren’t required to have visitors medical insurance. But don’t let the lack of requirement convince you that it’s OK to go without it. Healthcare in the US is the most expensive in the world. You need visitors medical insurance to protect your bank account from ruin if you get sick or injured.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before visiting Boise?
The domestic health insurance from your home country is unlikely to be accepted in Boise or anywhere else in the US. Even if it is, it won’t do much good. The cost of a few days in the hospital here could exceed what you earn in a year.
Since no one can completely avoid the possibility of coming down with an illness or breaking a bone while visiting the US, the best thing you can do is be prepared with visitors medical insurance. It can help you pay for necessary medical care outside your home country.
Boise’s Most Popular Activities
There’s a reason Boise is growing so fast. There’s tons to do here, people are friendly, and the scenery is wonderful. Check out these ideas of things to do in Boise for your next trip.
Take a Trolley Tour
One of the best ways to discover urban Boise is by taking a downtown trolley tour. You can sit comfortably in a vintage trolley as you roll through some of the best sightseeing areas of the city, all while getting a historical education from an experienced guide. If you see someplace that interests you, put it on your itinerary to explore next. These tours are a lot of fun and perfect for families.
Ride the Boise Greenbelt
Boise’s Greenbelt is an outdoor recreation gem. The multiuse trail runs 25 miles and connects tons of park, restaurants, and museums right next to the beautiful Boise River. Rent a bike or electric scooter for a perfect way to get around town while getting some exercise. And if you crave more adventure, the Greenbelt connects to over 850 miles of other recreational trails.
Bring the Kids to Zoo Boise
The whole family will enjoy a trip to Zoo Boise, home to over 300 exotic animals with a focus on species preservation and conservation. You can see giraffes up close in the summer, or even book private experiences. Kids will love the opportunity to hand-feed sheep, goats and llamas. Best of all, your admission fee goes to help support animal preservation.
See the Spooky Penitentiary
Old Idaho State Penitentiary functioned as a real prison for over 100 years, with roots that go back to the turbulent Wild West of the 19th century. These days, many consider the buildings to be haunted, making it a perfect spot for ghost hunters or true crime enthusiasts. To get the most out of your visit, consider joining a guided tour for just a couple of dollars.
Go Hiking
The natural areas surrounding Boise are home to countless great hikes. One of the most popular is the Table Rock hike, which ends at the top of a low mountain overlooking the Boise skyline. Keep in mind that it is a moderately challenging loop that’s nearly four miles, so you’ll need good footwear, plenty of water, and sun protection to take it on.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Boise
Weather Extremes
Unlike locations that are closer to the west coast, Boise’s climate changes drastically with the season. Summers can be hot and dry, whereas winters are extremely cold and can be snowy. May, June, September, and October have the most agreeable weather. Rain is rarely a huge concern in this dry region, but sunblock is a must.
Crime Concerns
Compared to most large US cities, Boise’s crime rate is fairly low, and you shouldn’t feel any undue concern when visiting. However, crime such as theft does occur, particularly from automobiles. Keep your car or rental car locked whenever you park, and take care to remove valuable items.
Getting Around
Though Boise does have a bus system, the vast majority of visitors and residents use personal vehicles for transportation. If you’re flying in, you will likely want to rent a car. Those staying near the downtown area can rely on electric scooters and bikes or rideshare services to get around, as well as the aforementioned greenbelt.
Before You Visit Boise – Do This
- Pack sunblock – Boise is sunny for much of the year, so you’ll want to protect your skin when spending time outdoors.
- Bundle up in winter – Winter visitors should be sure to pack heavy coats, gloves, and waterproof boots that are insulated.
- Buy insurance – Don’t risk your financial wellbeing. Buy visitors medical insurance to protect yourself.