Sitting at the confluence of the massive Mississippi and Missouri rivers, St. Louis is known as the "Gateway to the West." It gets its nickname because it was a common starting point for settlers heading to the western frontiers of the United States in the 19th century. Today, it's home to exquisite cuisine, popular sports teams, and the tallest monument in the US: The Gateway Arch.
To make your trip to St. Louis hassle-free, prioritize your safety and financial stability by purchasing visitors insurance or travel insurance. The right insurance can help protect your finances in case your trip takes an unexpected turn.
Visitors Insurance for Travelers in St. Louis - FAQs
Healthcare in the U.S. is very expensive, and most people cannot afford to pay for medical care without insurance. For visitors, it's important to note that the domestic health insurance you use in your home country is unlikely to be accepted or provide sufficient coverage in the United States. In order to receive medical care without being solely responsible for major out-of-pocket expenses, you need to have visitors insurance.
Why buy visitors insurance before traveling to St. Louis?
Illnesses and injuries are just as likely during a vacation as they are at home. In cases of stomach ailments due to unfamiliar food, or an injury due to a different activity than you're used to, they may be even more likely. Whatever befalls you on your trip, you'll want to get the best treatment you can in a timely manner. However, you also don't want to end up with a bill that could damage your finances. To make sure you can get needed medical care will less worry about the cost, don't vacation in St. Louis without visitors insurance.
What should I look for in my St. Louis visitors insurance?
Your St. Louis visitors insurance should provide coverage for new illnesses and injuries for the entire duration of your stay. If you intend to participate in activities like camping, golf, or any other activity, make sure to purchase insurance that can cover it. When selecting a plan, take these benefits into consideration as well:
- The option to extend coverage if you decide to stay longer
- The ability to cancel coverage if your travel plans change
- PPO network participation
- Coverage for emergency medical evacuation
- Coverage that meets all requirements if you're an exchange visitor on a J visa.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in St. Louis - FAQs
Airfare and lodging costs for international trips generally have to be paid for ahead of time, and are often nonrefundable. In the event of a canceled trip, you could stand to lose all of this money if you don't have the right coverage. Trip cancellation insurance can help relieve you of this financial burden by providing you with a way to get your money back.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my St. Louis travel?
Unfortunate circumstances like a death in the family, injury, illness, natural disaster, or government travel restrictions may leave you no choice but to cancel your trip. If this happens, your nonrefundable prepaid travel expenses could essentially leave you paying for a trip you're unable to take.
When you have to cancel a trip, you'll want a way to get this money back. Trip cancellation insurance can help you receive reimbursement for these expenses if your trip has to be canceled for a reason that's covered by your policy. A vacation abroad can be a big investment, so it only makes sense to insure it.
What should I look for in my St. Louis trip cancellation insurance?
- Coverage for trip cancellation
- Flight delay coverage
- Trip interruption coverage
- Coverage for baggage delays or loss of baggage
- The ability to cancel for any reason, with certain plans
When you buy travel insurance, make sure to purchase a plan that meets your budget and covers all the situations that you're worried might occur.
St. Louis's Most Popular Places for Travel
Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch towers 630 feet over the Mississippi River, and serves as an architectural representation of St. Louis at the "Gateway to the West." You can visit the Gateway Arch Museum, and then take a tram ride to the top of the tallest monument in the U.S. with fantastic views of the city. Keep in mind that the tram can be a little claustrophobic, so those bothered by tight spaces or heights may want to admire the monument from the ground.
National Blues Museum
St. Louis has produced some of the most influential blues musicians in history, including Albert King, Little Milton, and Big George Brock. You can discover many of the legends of this musical genre at the National Blues Museum. The facility boasts a state-of-the-art theatre, and artifact-driven exhibits to enjoy.
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Anheuser-Busch is one the USA's leading breweries, producing famous brands such as Budweiser and Michelob, and is headquartered in St. Louis. You can take a free tour of the Anheuser-Busch brewery and enjoy two free glasses of beer in the hospitality room after the tour.
Muny Theatre
The St. Louis Municipal Opera Theatre, also known as The Muny, is the oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre in the United States. It plays host to a variety of performances throughout the year that can make for a perfect evening out. If you're traveling on a budget, arrive early. There are 1,500 free seats in the last nine rows that are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Busch Stadium
Baseball is an important part of the culture of St. Louis. The St. Louis Cardinals are the second-most successful team in the history of Major League Baseball, trailing only the New York Yankees, and Busch Stadium is where they make their home. Spend a day at the ballpark to take in a game with beautiful downtown views, or just spend a few hours exploring the stadium and Ballpark Village across the street.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in St. Louis
Climate
Like most cities in the American Midwest, the weather in St. Louis is seasonal and constantly changing. Summers are quite warm, and winters are cold and snowy. It's not unheard of for the temperature to change drastically in a period of less than 12 hours, so pack a variety of clothing no matter what time of year you visit.
Traffic
St. Louis is largely a driving city with a lot of commuters, so traffic can get especially heavy during rush hours. If you need to head somewhere around the morning or evening rush, it isn't a bad idea to turn on local media to get a traffic report.
Public Transport
St. Louis has a bus system as well as a train system, which is called MetroLink. However, the train system is limited to two lines, and doesn't access all parts of the city. To have access to the most attractions during your visit, it' a good idea to rent a car, or book a ride-sharing service like Uber.
Before You Travel to St. Louis - Do This
To get the most out of your trip, we advise you to consider these suggestions.
- Make an itinerary. There are a lot of attractions in St. Louis. An itinerary can help you make sure you don't miss anything you want to see.
- Pay attention to the weather. Conditions can change quickly in St. Louis, so check the weather forecast before heading out.
- Buy visitors insurance or travel insurance before your trip. It can help save you a lot of money if something unexpected occurs.