Colorado’s second largest city is a hotbed for tourism, allowing easy access to all of the recreation the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains has to offer. Whether you’re into skiing, hiking, biking, rock climbing, or shopping and sightseeing, you’ll find it in Colorado Springs. Just bring your sense of adventure, and get visitors medical insurance before your trip.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in Colorado Springs – FAQs
The same is true whether you’re at home or visiting an international destination: If you get sick or hurt, you go to the doctor or to the hospital. The difference is, when you need medical attention abroad, you won’t be covered by the health insurance you have back home. In order to get the treatment you need for a predictable price, visitors medical insurance is essential.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Colorado Springs?
Legally? No. But practically? Absolutely.
In the USA, it’s not uncommon for a doctor’s visit to cost hundreds of dollars. It’s also not uncommon for treatment at a hospital to cost tens of thousands. Because of these sky-high prices, everyone in the US needs medical insurance in order to afford treatment. And if you’re a visitor to the USA, your only option for coverage is visitors medical insurance.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Colorado Springs?
Outdoor recreation is a way of life in Colorado Springs. But those fun outdoor activities put you at increased risk of injury, so you’ll want to make sure you have a way to pay for treatment.
Even if all you want to do is visit family in Colorado Springs and have no plans for strenuous outdoor adventures, visitors medical insurance is still essential. A sudden illness or household injury is just as likely abroad as it is in your home country. Shouldn’t you have coverage here just like you do there? Visitors medical insurance can ensure that you do.
Colorado Springs’ Most Popular Places for Travel
Being located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Colorado Springs has been a popular tourist destination in the US for over 150 years. That tradition continues today with a variety of attractions both outdoors and in. Here are our top picks.
Pikes Peak
Located just 12 miles from downtown Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak is one of the most famous mountains in the USA; primarily because it’s one of the few fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet) that is easily accessible by the general public. The most popular way to ascend Pikes Peak is by driving. Pikes Peak Highway is a 19-mile route up the mountain that is now totally paved, although the switchbacks can get tight as you approach the 14,115-foot summit. You can also take the Manitou and Pikes Peak Railway, which is the highest cog railroad in the world.
For those interested in a much more strenuous ascent, there are several hiking routes to the summit, with the most popular being Barr Trail. But keep in mind, the high elevation means that these climbs are only for those with appropriate physical conditioning.
Once atop the peak, there is a gift shop, restaurant, visitors center, and absolutely incredible photo opportunities all around, if you can catch your breath!
Garden of the Gods
This public park in Colorado Springs is renowned for its incredible rock formations, including the famous Steamboat Rock, Balanced Rock, and the Three Graces. The area is extremely popular for many kinds of outdoor recreation including mountain biking and road cycling, hiking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The visitor and nature center is packed with educational exhibits, including a short film that explains the geological history of the area.
United States Air Force Academy
The United States has the largest Air Force in the world, and the US Air Force Training Academy is where many of its pilots earn their wings. With commemorative displays, regular flying demonstrations, and a tradition dating back to the beginnings of the USAF, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Colorado Springs.
Old Colorado City
Once a town called Colorado City that was founded during the state’s gold rush of the 19th century, Old Colorado City today is a neighborhood in Colorado Springs that’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many period-correct 19th century buildings are preserved and utility lines are buried, so you can get a true feel for what the area looked like back when Colorado was still a wild frontier. Naturally, there is a shopping district that’s full of restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and gift shops to explore.
Flying W Ranch
Want to feel like a cowboy? Head to Flying W Ranch in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Although this is a working cattle ranch, it’s just as much an entertainment venue that is known for its chuckwagon suppers, Native American dance shows, musical performances, and opportunities to see a real cattle ranch at work. However, don’t assume that you’ll be roughing it. Flying W Ranch is currently building a new 8,000-square-foot event facility that can seat up to 900 people.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Colorado Springs
Although part of the enjoyment of experiencing a new place comes from the unexpected, it’s never a bad idea to get a few tips ahead of time in order to make the most of your trip. Here are our top guidelines so you can enjoy your time in Colorado Springs.
Catch Your Breath
The urban portion of Colorado Springs sits at an elevation of over 6,000 feet. Head west to into the Rocky Mountains and elevations can extend upwards of 14,000 feet. At these heights, the concentration of oxygen in the air is quite low. If you’re from an area near sea level, you may find yourself feeling winded just walking up the stairs until you’ve had time to acclimate to the altitude. Keep this in mind when exerting yourself outdoors. Don’t bite off more than you can chew on a hike unless you have the physical conditioning to do it.
Transportation
Unlike other Colorado cities such as Boulder, Colorado Springs is not particularly bicycle or pedestrian-friendly. In fact, out of the 50 largest cities in the USA, Colorado Springs is ranked the 34th most walkable. In other words, cars reign supreme here. There is local bus service, but most people will prefer to use rideshare services, or simply rent their own cars.
Cannabis Laws
Colorado is somewhat famous for being the first US state to legalize cannabis for recreational use and sale. However, don’t go looking for a place to buy it in Colorado Springs. Since legalization, the city has staunchly resisted issuing licenses for recreational cannabis dispensaries. Thus, you can only buy cannabis in Colorado Springs from a medical dispensary, and only if you have a valid medical marijuana prescription. Regardless, please obey all local laws regarding the purchase and use of cannabis.
Best Time to Visit
Depending upon your preferences, Colorado Springs can be enjoyable to visit at any time of year. However, most tourists prefer to visit during the summer, as mountain roads to the west of the city can close in the winter due to heavy snowfall, and temperatures at higher elevations are significantly cooler than they are in the city.
Getting to Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs Airport is the second-largest airport in Colorado. However, almost all visitors traveling to Colorado from international locations will first fly into Denver International Airport. Colorado Springs is located just 70 miles south of Denver, so most people will rent a car and drive to the city, or take a short connector flight from DIA to Colorado Springs Airport.
Before You Travel to Colorado Springs – Do This
- Bring your hiking boots – A trip to Colorado Springs isn’t complete unless you explore the mountains, and you’re going to need comfortable footwear to do it.
- Prepare for the elevation – If you want to take part in strenuous activities around Colorado Springs, it will pay dividends if you improve your cardiovascular fitness beforehand. Always speak to your doctor prior to beginning a new exercise plan.
- Insure your vacation – No matter what you plan to do while visiting Colorado Springs, you should protect your health and finances with visitors medical insurance.