When most people envision the Southwestern USA, a place like Tucson is what they have in mind. Located just 60 miles north of the US-Mexico border, Arizona’s second-largest city is known for its saguaro cacti, rugged mountains, and unique urban culture.
If you’re ready to experience the rugged beauty, interesting arts scene, and singular feel of Tucson, all you need before you go is an itinerary, and the right visitors medical insurance. This guide aims to help you with both of those things.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in Tucson – FAQs
No matter what you might have heard or where you go for treatment, healthcare in the USA is never free. In fact, it’s extremely expensive. If you’re visiting Tucson from abroad and become sick or injured, you need to have health insurance that can cover you here, as the domestic insurance from your home country will not. To avoid being stuck with a medical bill you may not be able to afford to pay, get visitors medical insurance.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Tucson?
Those visiting the USA on a tourist visa or without a visa are not required by law to have visitors medical insurance. However, you could face serious financial consequences if you go without coverage. A single medical issue in the US can cost tens of thousands of dollars to treat. Since most people cannot afford to pay that amount themselves, it only makes sense to have visitors medical insurance coverage.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Tucson?
Tucson is full of outdoor adventures for hikers and mountain bikers, but one wrong turn could land you in the hospital. You could just as easily slip and break a bone while sightseeing in the city, or catch a virus and need medical attention. It’s impossible to predict every health issue you may encounter on a trip. What is possible is to be prepared for them with visitors medical insurance.
Tucson’s Most Popular Places for Travel
Tucson is renowned for its desert landscape, fantastic food, and unique culture. While you’re visiting, consider checking out the following:
Saguaro National Park
When most people picture the deserts of the American Southwest, the Sonoran Desert is what they envision. And no place in the United States displays it better than Saguaro National Park. Visitors can of course see the region’s famous saguaro cacti, a massive, tree-like cactus that grows as much as 40 feet tall and lives for up to 200 years. The jagged peaks, fascinating wildlife and unrivaled scenery of this national park means its should be a centerpiece of your visit to Tucson.
Pima Air & Space Museum
Are you interested in the history of human flight? Pima Air & Space Museum is one of the largest aerospace museums in the world that is not funded by a government. It boasts almost 300 aircraft spread over 80 acres, including the famous Lockheed SR-71 spy plane, an array of World War II-era bombers, vintage and modern airliners, and more. The museum is adjacent to the “The Boneyard” at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, which houses the largest aircraft storage facility in the world.
Mission San Xavier del Bac
Though the United States may be a younger country than many others, this historic Spanish Catholic mission showcases a region with history that goes back much further than its borders. First built in 1692 and rebuilt in the late 18th century, the Mission today is a well-known pilgrimage site, and an excellent example of Spanish Colonial architecture.
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
With a zoo, art gallery, botanical garden, museum, and aquarium, it’s easy to see why the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is one of the region’s most popular attractions. Visitors can explore over two miles of paths across 21 acres of native Sonoran Desert, enjoy interactive exhibits, see indigenous wildlife up close, and even see a demonstration where native birds of prey like peregrine falcons and red-tailed hawks fly by so close you can feel their feathers brush your skin. This is a fantastic place to visit for the whole family, but a must if you’re traveling with kids.
Gaslight Theatre
If you’re ready to get out of the heat, step inside the Gaslight Theatre and take in a live theatre performance that’s fun for everyone in your family. The theatre has been a staple in Tucson for over 40 years, and regularly hosts westerns, musical comedies, sci-fi shows, and melodramas. Pizza and free popcorn are available for the kids, while mom and dad can enjoy a bottle of beer or glass of wine during the performance.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Tucson
Beat the Heat
Tucson is one of the warmest cities in the US, and it’s downright hot in the summer. The average high temperature in June and July is above 100°F (38°C). If you’re visiting in the summer, plan your outdoor excursions very early in the morning, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the extremely arid climate. Most visitors will find the spring, fall, or winter more enjoyable times to visit and be outdoors. Even in February, the temperature reaches nearly 70°F (20°C) on most days.
Natural Risks
While how bothersome the heat is will depend on the person, Tucson is subject to other natural risks that can severely impact anyone. The extremely dry climate of Tucson makes the surrounding desert susceptible to wildfires, which can close natural areas and degrade air quality. And while Tucson doesn’t get much moisture, rain can fall in buckets when it happens, leading to a risk of flash-flooding. This can render roads impassable, and make travel dangerous. Remember to never drive into water flowing over the road.
Pesky Pickpockets
Although not a major risk, pickpockets can strike in busy areas. Your best defense is to put your wallet in your front pocket. If you’re carrying a purse, be sure its strap goes across your body. Other than that, simply leave nonessential cash and valuables locked securely in your accommodation while you’re out for the day.
Boisterous Bars
As Tucson is home to the massive University of Arizona, some of its bars and clubs can become raucous with young revelers, especially during and after college sporting events. These bars are easy enough to avoid if you aren’t interested in the atmosphere. But if you do decide to go in, keep your drink in sight at all times; unsavory individuals have been known to spike unattended drinks, only to make off with the victim’s valuables while they’re incapacitated.
Transportation Options
Tucson is served by both the SunTran public bus system, and the Sun Link Streetcar, providing access to many popular areas of the city. Still, Tucson is mostly a car-centric location. If you want access to national parks and natural areas outside of the city, you will likely need to rent a car.
Before You Travel to Tucson – Do This
- Avoid summer – Unless you truly enjoy hot temperatures, it’s best to visit outside of the summer season if you plan to participate in lots of outdoor activities.
- Pack comfortable footwear – It would be a shame to visit Tucson and not experience the beautiful Sonoran Desert, so bring shoes that are comfortable for hiking. Also, make sure they cover your toes. Many things in the desert are sharp and prickly.
- Buy the right insurance – Whether you’re planning on hiking, camping, or just enjoying the sites, accidents and mishaps can’t always be avoided. Do your part to prepare for them with visitors medical insurance .