Indianapolis, or "Indy," as the locals call it, has it all. Major league sports, a thriving racing culture, plenty of museums and historical sites, and ample greenspaces. Indianapolis will enthrall you with its countless attractions, warm and inviting spaces, and delicious food and beverages. Strap in for a trip to remember in one of America's most vibrant and happening cities. However, before you go, be sure to look out for your finances by purchasing visitors insurance.
Visitors Insurance for Travelers in Indianapolis - FAQs
When visiting the USA, it's important that you be prepared for the extremely high costs of American healthcare. Treatment for even a minor injury or illness can be prohibitively expensive if you don't have insurance. In addition, your domestic health insurance is unlikely to be accepted outside your home country. If you require medical care while in the United States, you need to have visitors insurance.
Why buy visitors insurance before traveling to Indianapolis?
Illnesses and injuries can occur at any time, and in any location. The risk of getting injured only increases when you're sightseeing, and participating in different activities than you normally would. If you were to require medical care, you'll have access to excellent facilities in Indianapolis, but they will not be cheap. A single night in the hospital can cost thousands. It's imperative that you have proper insurance coverage to reduce your out-of-pocket medical costs.
What should I look for in my Indianapolis visitors insurance?
Buy visitors insurance with your trip-specific needs in mind. For instance, if you plan to undertake activities like hiking, golf, etc., make sure that your policy covers these risks. Your policy needs to provide coverage for the entire duration of your stay, and should include the following coverage where applicable to your needs.
- PPO network participation
- Coverage for acute onset of preexisting conditions
- The ability to extend coverage if necessary
- The option to cancel coverage if required
- Compliant coverage for exchange visitors on J visas
Indianapolis's Most Popular Places for Travel
White River State Park
Indianapolis's biggest recreation space is White River State Park. It has attractions like the sprawling White River and Canal, the Indianapolis Zoo, the Indiana State Museum, and an amphitheater. You can walk into WRSP any day of the year and find a unique cultural event happening.
Southwestway Park
Indianapolis is a city that values its greenspaces, and Southwestway Park is one of its most popular urban nature reserves. It has ample space for biking, picnics, soccer, and delicious street food.
Castleton Square
This shopping hub is a paradise for anyone looking for a bit of retail therapy. Castleton Square is the largest mall and shopping center in the whole state of Indiana. It has hundreds of stores for clothing, jewelry, makeup, shoes, electronics, sporting goods, and restaurants as well.
Indiana War Memorial Plaza
Located in a serene corner of White River State Park, the Indiana War Memorial Plaza is an awe-inspiring space. The sprawling monument is dedicated to all the fallen and missing veterans of the American armed forces, and is the second-largest memorial in the U.S. The plaza has two museums and a well-staffed information center.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
If you're a fan of auto racing, Indianapolis Motor Speedway simply cannot be missed. Covering 560 acres with a capacity for 400,000 fans, it is the largest sports venue in the world. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is home to the famous Indy 500 and NASCAR's Brickyard 400. The track has also hosted the US Grand Prix Formula 1 race on numerous occasions.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Indianapolis
Stay aware of the weather
The weather in Indianapolis varies by season. Winter is cold and snowy, with temperatures often below freezing. Summer days can be quite hot, and thunderstorms are especially prevalent in the spring. Late spring and early fall are the most popular times to visit. The weather is mild during these times, allowing you to walk around in comfort.
Indy 500 rush
In the United States, the last Monday in May is a federal holiday called Memorial Day, which honors fallen military personnel. The weekend preceding Memorial Day is a popular time for events, including the Indy 500. Each Memorial Weekend, hundreds of thousands of fans pack Indianapolis to watch the race, hiking up hotel rates and visiting attractions. Unless you plan to attend the festivities, try to avoid visiting around the end of May.
Getting around
Indianapolis is a highly walkable city. If the weather is nice, you may feel no need to rent a car. You can also rent a bicycle or e-bike to explore. Of course, for farther distances you can always book an Uber or Lyft, or take a taxi.
Before You Travel to Indianapolis - Do This
- Be prepared for the weather. Winters in Indianapolis can get chilly. Pack enough warm clothes and protective gear, especially if you plan to go out in the countryside.
- Book in advance. If you're planning to attend the Indy 500, you'll need to book your race tickets, hotel, flights and car rentals far in advance. You can also get a better deal if you book ahead of time.
- Purchase insurance. Don't take your health or your finances for granted. Protect every aspect of your trip to Indianapolis with visitors insurance.