Glasgow is a city located in the picturesque country of Scotland. It’s a lively city with a lot of unique, yet stunning architecture and is a great base for your Scottish vacation.
Glasgow is famous for its rich history and spirited culture. Knowing which places to visit here is the key to enjoying your time in Glasgow.
Glasgow Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers — FAQs
Glasgow is a safe city, but traveling internationally is never entirely risk-free. You could become sick or injured at any time, and treatment costs money. The best way to protect yourself from unplanned medical bills abroad is with travel medical insurance.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Glasgow?
Travel insurance is not mandatory to visit any location in the United Kingdom. However, consider the financial implications if you were to get sick or hurt.
While it is true that the UK has a socialized healthcare service called the NHS that provides tax-funded treatment for UK residents, it likely won’t provide comprehensive coverage for you as a visitor.
If you hold a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), you may be able to get treatment at public hospitals. However, if you need private treatment or emergency medical evacuation, the cost will be totally borne by you. If you don’t have an EHIC, any medical treatment will be your responsibility to pay for. The only way to get the treatment you need without draining your savings is by having travel medical insurance.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Glasgow?
Buying travel medical insurance is a basic precaution to practice while heading to any foreign destination. It helps pay your medical bills when you need healthcare abroad.
Prepare for medical calamities and buy travel medical insurance. This will help ensure that your bank account is not depleted on account of a single emergency.
Things to Do for Travelers in Glasgow
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum was named the #1 place to visit by TripAdvisor. Tourists seem to agree, because this museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Glasgow.
You can spend a lot of time here, as the museum has 22 galleries. From Renaissance art to taxidermy, there’s a wide range of exhibitions on display.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens
Take a break from the bustling city and visit this tranquil park. Roam amidst beautiful plants, flowers, and trees, exploring botanical wonders that are a treat for the eyes.
Glasgow Botanic Gardens is the perfect place for nature enthusiasts. It features several greenhouses, as well as a diverse range of temperate and tropical flora.
Riverside Museum
Located near Glasgow Harbor, the Riverside Museum is an award-winning transport museum. It’s known for its ultra-modern interactive displays and visually striking architecture.
Here you’ll find everything on display that relates to transport — from locomotives to skateboards. The Tall Ship at Riverside (Glenlee) is the principal attraction here, along with the magnificent reconstruction of a 1938 Glasgow street. This gives tourists a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the city.
The museum also has a café where you can grab something to eat.
Mugdock Country Park
Mugdock Country Park is an underrated tourist attraction in Glasgow. Visit for its serene landscape, which you can enjoy and explore without getting bored.
There are several trails here. Through these, you can take short strolls or bike rides; this will help you experience the park better. Orienteering is a fun and adventurous activity here that you can partake in.
Ashton Lane
A backstreet hidden away in the West End of Glasgow, Ashton Lane is an iconic cobblestone street known for its pubs, restaurants, and cinemas.
We would recommend going at night when the lights overhead lend a magical charm to the entire lane. Visit the Ubiquitous Chip restaurant to enjoy an unparalleled and delightful culinary experience.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Glasgow
Crime
Crime is an ongoing problem in Glasgow. It’s ironic that robberies and thefts are so common in a city known for its friendly people. Watch out for pickpockets, especially in crowded areas and touristy places.
Glasgow also has a drug problem, but most of it is concentrated in Possilpark; so, stay away from that area.
Other high-crime areas to avoid include:
- Parkhead West and Barrowfield
- Barlanark
- Central Easterhouse
- Dalmarnock
- Govan and Linthouse
- Keppochhill
- Wyndford
Fried food
Citizens in Glasgow love to eat fried food. They deep-fry everything — even pizza. For people who are not used to such high levels of cholesterol, this may cause digestive problems and other health risks.
Lack of sun
Glasgow may be a vibrant and lively place, but the sun rarely shines here. When we say that Glasgow is dark, we mean it in a much more literal sense.
Our bodies need sunlight; it has numerous benefits. One thing sunlight contains that is hard to find anywhere else is Vitamin D.
So, on your trip to Glasgow, carry some Vitamin D supplements along with you. It might sound excessive, but it is better not to take any risks when it comes to matters of your health. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new vitamin or supplement regimen.
Roads
Glasgow roads are infamous for their potholes. Over 21,000 complaints have been lodged by citizens concerning Glasgow roads in the past year.
The potholes are not only plentiful, but also disturbingly huge. Practice caution while driving here by watching out for potholes, and staying well within the speed limit. This will help you avoid immediate braking. Always remember to wear your seatbelts.
Midges
A midge is a highland insect synonymous with Scotland. Estimates say that there are about 180,750 trillion in the country. They are similar to mosquitoes, just more dangerous and annoying.
Midges carry unknown viruses, so it is best to stay safe from them and take certain precautions.
There are oils and repellents you can buy in Scotland. These will help you ward off these pesky little bugs and avoid irritating bites.
Before You Travel to Glasgow — Do This
Pack the following:
- Midge repellent to avoid being bitten by swarms of midges
- Vitamin D and calcium supplements to ensure that your body isn’t feeling the lack of sunlight
Buy a slash-proof purse
A slash-proof bag or purse will help you avoid pickpockets in Glasgow.
Buy insurance
Don’t even for a moment think that travel medical insurance is something that you can skip out on. You are bound to regret your decision if you find yourself in need of financial aid on your trip.