The bustling urban core of New York City, Manhattan is not just a business and cultural hub of the United States, but of much of the world. Even if you've never visited Manhattan, there's a good chance you're familiar with much of it from films and television. Iconic attractions such as the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Central Park draw millions of visitors each year from across the globe.

If you're ready to visit one of the world's most popular travel destinations, read on. However, before you go, don't forget to research and purchase visitors insurance or travel insurance. Having the right insurance is essential to get the most out of your Manhattan vacation.

Visitors Insurance for Travelers in Manhattan - FAQs

Manhattan is a place that will undoubtedly make for a wonderful destination to visit, however, it is important that you don't forget one important thing: Proper insurance coverage. With visitors insurance, you can get the financial coverage you need in case you require medical attention while in Manhattan, protecting both your health, and your budget.

Why buy visitors insurance before traveling to Manhattan?

If you were to become ill or get injured while visiting Manhattan, you'll have easy access to world-class medical facilities. However, these facilities can be among the most expensive in the world as well. An ambulance ride will cost hundreds. A broken bone can cost thousands. If you don't have insurance, you'll be responsible for that entire bill yourself.

Don't assume your domestic health insurance will be accepted in Manhattan. It most likely will not provide adequate coverage, or it may not be accepted at all. To mitigate the possibility of financially damaging medical bills, you need to have visitors medical insurance.

What should I look for in my Manhattan visitors insurance?

There are endless activities available for visitors to Manhattan, ranging from the relaxing to the adventurous. Be sure that your insurance will cover you for any activities you plan to participate in, and for the entire duration of your stay. Other aspects of visitors insurance you should consider before making a purchase include:

• PPO network participation
• The ability to extend coverage or cancel coverage
• Coverage for acute onset of preexisting conditions
• Coverage for emergency medical evacuation back to your home country
• Insurance that meets all requirements for exchange visitors on a J visa

Trip cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Manhattan - FAQs

Trip cancellation insurance is the safety net that you can fall back on in case you need to cancel a trip that you've already paid for. It can help ensure that the money that you've spent on your trip doesn't go to waste.

Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my trip to Manhattan?

In most cases, many of your travel costs for a trip to Manhattan will have to be paid for up front. There are airline tickets, hotel reservations, and possibly tickets to Broadway shows or other events that you'll need to buy ahead of time. If you were to have a health or family emergency, or perhaps travel restrictions were put in place, you may have to cancel your trip unexpectedly.

If this happens, you may find that a lot of your prepaid expenses are nonrefundable. Those that can be refunded may charge cancellation fees that are quite high. With trip cancellation insurance, you can be reimbursed for these charges if your trip has to be canceled for a covered reason.

What can be covered by my Manhattan trip cancellation insurance?

Your travel insurance plan can offer coverage that goes beyond just trip cancellation. Depending on the plan you choose, there can be coverage options such as:

• Flight insurance
• The option to cancel for any reason
• Flight delay coverage
• Trip interruption coverage
• Coverage for lost baggage or baggage delays

Take a close look at the different travel insurance plans that are available to you. Each will have a policy document that thoroughly explains what is covered and what is not.

Manhattan's Most Popular Places for Travel

Empire State Building

One of the most famous skyscrapers in the world, the Empire State Building was built in 1931 in just 11 months, and was once the tallest building in the world. The top of the Empire State Building offers amazing views of Manhattan. To best experience it, book an elevator ride to the open-air observation deck on the 86th floor. However, keep in mind that this attraction should be avoided by anyone who is uncomfortable with heights.

Central Park

Central Park has made appearance in more songs, books, movies, and television shows than perhaps any other park in the world, and is visited by an estimated 40 million people each year. This 843-acre oasis of green in the middle of New York City was the first landscaped public park in the US, and is the perfect place to relax and get away from frenetic urban life. The park offers ice skating in winter and boating in summer. You can also visit the zoo, Strawberry Fields, and take a stroll to Belvedere Castle.

Times Square

Times Square is famous for its billboards, shops, restaurants, and theaters. It is one of the most famous attractions in New York City. It's said that Times Square makes time move faster. The square is crowded, especially during New Year's Eve. If you decide to visit during that time of the year, make sure you make time for the famous fireworks show.

Rockefeller Center

Rockefeller Center is an entertainment and shopping area in the center of Manhattan. It is also home to media corporations such as NBC-TV. Visiting the top of Rockefeller Center, or the "Top of The Rock," as it is popularly known, is something you shouldn't miss if you enjoy a good view. You need to book tickets in advance, especially if you want to get the sunset slot. Rockefeller Center is decked out with Christmas decorations during the holidays, and the annual 70-foot Christmas tree adds to its glory.

The High Line

Want a way to enjoy nature in one of the densest urban areas in the USA? Just head up! The High Line is an elevated park measuring 1.5 miles long that's situated on a former section of the New York Central Railroad. You can walk high above Manhattan neighborhoods in a relaxing setting full of plants, trees and pleasant views. The park has limited hours and may need advanced reservations, so plan ahead if you want to visit.

Key Guidelines for Travelers in Manhattan

Don't expect to see everything

Manhattan is constantly changing. It is impossible to see all of it in one trip. However, if you spend about three days in Manhattan, you can explore the area well. So, instead of focusing on the number of things you can check off your list, relax and enjoy your experiences in the busiest borough of New York City.

Familiarize yourself with the area

Although Manhattan is a relatively safe area, as with any place you travel to, familiarize yourself with the area you will be visiting. There are numerous maps and informational websites for tourists to help you get around.

Use public transportation

New York City's boroughs and surrounding regions are well-connected with public transport. Consider taking the subway or bus instead of driving, as parking in Manhattan is very difficult and can be expensive. If you plan to use the train a lot, consider getting an unlimited subway pass for your visit. Ubiquitous New York taxis and ride services such as Uber or Lyft can also help you get around.

Before You Travel to Manhattan - Do This

• Get advanced tickets. Whatever attractions you plan to visit, buy tickets ahead of time if you can. This can help you avoid standing in long lines at popular tourist spots.
• Dress accordingly. The weather in Manhattan can vary greatly depending on the season, and even the week. Pay attention to weather forecasts before you depart so you can pack the right clothing.
• Insure yourself. Before you take off, make sure your finances are protected with the right visitors insurance or travel insurance.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.

The insurance plans available on this website are not specifically targeted towards the destination mentioned in this article. They can provide coverage while traveling away from home, according to the terms and conditions and geographic restrictions applicable to the specific plan.