Located 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles, Irvine is a bustling city of 300,000 in Orange County, California. Once a farming community, Irvine has developed into a hub for technology companies and higher education, making it a wonderful place to visit and to work.
If you’re planning on visiting Irvine for business or pleasure, read on below to learn more. But first, let’s discuss the importance of visitors medical insurance for your trip.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers visiting Irvine – FAQs
If you’re a foreign visitor to the United States and you get sick or injured while you’re here, you will need insurance to help pay for the massive cost of US healthcare. But you cannot buy standard health insurance for US citizens, and you can’t use the health insurance from your home country. You need to have visitors medical insurance.
Do I need visitors medical insurance for Irvine?
It isn’t required from a legal perspective unless you’re on a J visa, but it’s something all visitors should have. The cost of care without insurance coverage is far more than most people can afford. You could seriously risk going bankrupt if you do not have visitors medical insurance coverage.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before visiting Irvine?
It all comes down to paying for care. American citizens cannot typically afford healthcare without insurance, and you are no different. What is different is your insurance eligibility. Visitors medical insurance is designed specifically to cover international travel outside your home country. Be sure to purchase this essential coverage prior to your trip.
Irvine’s Most Popular Activities
Get Outside at Great Park
Formerly the site of a US Navy air station, Great Park today is the center of outdoor enjoyment in Irvine. You can shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables at the farmer’s market, take part in or watch a game at the sports complex, go ice skating at the massive rink, or let your children climb around at Kids Rock Playground. The park is fun for the whole family.
Enjoy Cuisine from Around the World
Nearly 40% of Irvine’s population is of Asian descent, so the city is home to countless restaurants serving a variety of fare. These can range from casual diners all the way to Michelin starred restaurants. The city is especially known for showcasing dishes from Japan, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Korea.
Shop Till You Drop
If you’re a retail enthusiast, Irvine is the place for you. Check out the latest fits at the high-end stores of Fashion Island. Or enjoy a variety of other shopping options at Irvine Spectrum Center, South Coast Plaza, Market Place, or Daiso.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Irvine is a planned community, and part of that plan was to include a lot of greenspace. The city currently has 16,500 acres of open space. Head to Quail Hill to access Irvine’s extensive recreational trail network. Walk or bike your cares away at Shady Canyon. See the agricultural history of the area at Irvine Ranch Historic Park. You can even get a true wilderness feel at the 300-acre San Joaquin Wildlife Marsh and Sanctuary.
Explore Your Artistic Side
Irvine is home to a variety of museums and galleries. You can see the works of up-and-coming artists from UC-Irvine at the University Art Gallery. Or check out 4,500 works that capture the spirit of California at the UCI Jack and Shanaz Langson Institute and Museum of California Art. Irvine Historical Museum offers an extensive research library and photo collection that showcases the region’s history dating back centuries.
Key Guidelines for Visitors to Irvine
Getting There
The majority of international visitors going to Irvine will fly into Los Angeles International Airport, which is about 40 miles away. Certain international flights and many domestic flights also serve nearby John Wayne Airport, which is considerably smaller, but much easier to access from the city.
Local Transportation
The best way to get around Irvine is by car. Rideshare services can suffice if renting a vehicle isn’t an option. The city is served by bus, shuttle, and passenger rail through the Orange County Transportation Authority. Irvine also boasts over 300 miles of bicycle lanes and bicycle trails for greener transportation options.
Crime and Safety
Irvine has consistently ranked as a city with one of the lowest crime rates in the USA since 2005, so there’s no reason to have any undue concern. Just watch your wallet or purse when walking around in public, and keep the doors of your vehicle and accommodation locked at all times to reduce the chance of petty crime.
Before You Visit Irvine – Do This
- Reserve a rental car if you plan on leaving the innermost part of the city during your trip.
- Pack sunscreen, as the city can be quite sunny during much of the year.
- Shop for visitors medical insurance to stay protected.