El Paso is a major city in western Texas, and the second-largest city in the Southwestern USA. Nearly one million residents call the El Paso area home, and it is a major center of American and Mexican culture, due to its position on the USA-Mexico border.
If you’re planning a trip to El Paso, take all the necessary steps to protect your health and your finances by first purchasing visitors medical insurance or travel insurance.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in El Paso – FAQs
While the USA is a world leader in healthcare, it comes at a high price. Medical treatment in the United States is among the most expensive in the world, and you need to be prepared for the cost if you’re visiting from abroad by purchasing visitors medical insurance.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for El Paso?
Those visiting the USA on a tourist visa or without a visa are not legally required to purchase travel medical insurance. But due to the potential financial consequences of going without it, coverage is highly encouraged. Visitors medical insurance can cover new illnesses and injuries that occur after the effective date of the policy for an international trip to the United States.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to El Paso?
If you require medical treatment while in the USA, the resulting bill may shock you if you do not have insurance coverage. And the domestic health insurance from your home country is unlikely to be accepted or sufficient here. Buy visitors medical insurance so you can get the care you need at a predictable price. Without it, a single accident or illness could result in serious financial difficulty.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in El Paso – FAQs
When you’re forced to cancel a trip, you stand to miss out on more than just the experience and fun of going. You can also lose a lot of money due to nonrefundable, prepaid trip expenses. This is why prepared travelers plan for every eventuality by purchasing trip cancellation insurance.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my El Paso travel?
If you’re traveling a long distance for a trip or vacation, you typically have to book your flight and hotel room ahead of time. These charges are often nonrefundable, meaning that you won’t get your money back if a sudden emergency forces you to cancel your plans.
With trip cancellation insurance, you can be reimbursed for the nonrefundable portion of your prepaid travel costs. Since life is unpredictable, it only makes sense to protect your travel investment with trip cancellation insurance.
What can be covered by trip cancellation insurance for El Paso?
In addition to trip cancellation coverage, a travel insurance plan can provide financial protection for instances such as a delayed or interrupted trip, lost or delayed luggage, and even emergency medical care, in case your destination is outside the network of your primary medical insurance coverage. The right plan can provide comprehensive financial protection for every aspect of your trip.
El Paso’s Most Popular Places for Travel
Located in the arid American Southwest, El Paso offers an intriguing mix of stark natural beauty, and exciting urban entertainment options. Consider these five suggestions for your next trip.
El Paso Scenic Drive
Take a winding drive through the scenic Franklin Mountains and enjoy the very best views of the El Paso cityscape. The high elevation means you can see both into downtown El Paso and into Juarez, Mexico. Take this drive in the early evening to enjoy the city lights. But be careful, as this is a curvy mountain road.
El Paso Museum of Art
Enjoy over 7,000 works stretching back nearly 1,000 years in this unique museum of American, European, and Mexican art. You can see classic works by Rembrandt Peale and Gilbert Stuart, or more modern art from the likes of Henry O Tanner and Milton Avery. You can even enjoy taking part in a workshop.
Franklin Mountains State Park
If you enjoy the outdoors, you’re sure to enjoy one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Covering some 27,000 acres, Franklin Mountains State Park is ideal for rock climbing, mountain biking, hiking, or wildlife watching. The desert peaks and wildflowers make for a uniquely beautiful atmosphere, and there are maps and permits available if you’d like to camp out.
Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
This outdoor wonder is named for the massive natural rock formations that collect rainwater, which helped sustain this land’s native inhabitants for thousands of years. You can see ancient pictographs that provide evidence of early human presence, though it’s recommended that you take a guided tour to fully understand the history of the place. However, don’t just head to this park on a whim. There is a strict cap on the number of daily visitors in order to protect and preserve the history of the site. You’ll want to make a reservation by calling ahead of time.
The Plaza Theatre
Want to see a live country music show, mariachi band, or touring Broadway play? Head to the Plaza Theatre in downtown El Paso. Originally built in 1930, the theatre was painstakingly restored in its original Spanish Colonial Revival style in the early 2000s. The interior décor alone makes the theatre a must-visit for architecture aficionados.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in El Paso
Every destination has its own unique identity and things to keep in mind. Here are our key guidelines for when you visit El Paso.
Crime and Safety
Some people may watch the news and assume that El Paso is a dangerous place due to its location on the Mexican-American border. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, El Paso is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the USA. While this does not mean crime is impossible, you don’t need to take anything other than usual precautions to feel secure while visiting.
So Much Sun
When you visit El Paso, chances are it will be sunny out. El Paso experiences an average of 302 sunny days each year, leading to its nickname, “The Sun City.” While this is ideal if you enjoy the sunlight, you do need to protect your skin. Bring sunscreen and apply it regularly when spending long periods outdoors.
Stay Hydrated
El Paso gets less than 9 inches (220mm) of rain each year. It is very much a desert climate. This means you can get dehydrated quickly if you’re exerting yourself outdoors. Always bring plenty of water along, and take frequent breaks in the shade during warm days.
Outdoor Safety
Natural dangers abound in the desert surrounding El Paso. Wildlife can include venomous snakes and scorpions, and there are plenty of prickly cacti if you wander off a trail. The desert is also quite isolated. It is recommended that you hire a guide for exploring new areas, or have a GPS navigation unit for hikes and bike rides at the very least.
Transportation
To put it simply, you will probably need a car to explore El Paso. The city does have a small streetcar system and bus system, but renting a car makes it far easier to see all of the attractions.
Before You Travel to El Paso – Do This
- Pack some warm clothes – Even if you’re visiting in the summer when daytime temperatures are quite hot, the arid climate can cool quickly in the evening. Don’t get caught with nothing to keep you warm during chilly nights.
- Plan on several flights – If you’re traveling to El Paso from an abroad, you’ll first need to fly into a major international airport in a city like Dallas, Chicago, or Atlanta. From there, you can take a flight to El Paso International Airport. If you plan to drive, keep the vast distances of West Texas in mind.
- Expect the unexpected – Traveling always involves some degree of uncertainty. But with visitors medical insurance or travel insurance protecting you, it’s a lot easier to be prepared for them.