Managing Your Health

Heat Safety in Arizona: How to Stay Safe (and Use Your Benefits)

May 19, 2026

Heat Safety in Arizona: How to Stay Safe and Use Your Benefits

Arizona summers are here, and the heat is no joke. Between record-breaking temperatures and long, sunny days, even seasoned Arizonans need to stay alert. Approximately 4,298 people visit Arizona emergency rooms every year because of heat-related illness, and that number has been climbing. 

The good news: staying safe is easier than you think. And if you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), your insurance benefits can actually help cover the cost of heat-related essentials like sunblock and SPF lip balm. 

What To Know:

  • AZ Blue members with an HSA or an FSA can use those dollars on heat-related items like sunblock, SPF lip balm, cooling towels, and thermometers.

  • Heat exhaustion and heat stroke have different warning signs. Knowing the difference could save a life. 

  • In a true emergency, AZ Blue covers emergency care as in-network, even if the hospital is not. 

Did You Know Your Health Benefits Cover Heat-Related Items?

Most people do not realize that everyday items used to prevent heat-related illness are actually covered by their health benefits. If you have an HSA or FSA, you can use those pre-tax dollars on:

  • Sunblock and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher with broad-spectrum protection)

  • SPF lip balm

  • Cooling towels

  • Thermometers (for tracking heat-related illness)

  • Aloe vera and aftersun gels for sunburn relief

  • Prescription sunglasses

Stocking up on these before the worst of the heat hits is one of the easiest ways to put benefits to work for you and your family. 

Spot the Signs of Heat Exhaustion 

Heat exhaustion is your body’s warning sign that things are getting dangerous. Watch for:

  • Heavy sweating

  • Weakness or fatigue

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Headache

  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

What to do: Get to a cool place, ideally air-conditioned. Sip water slowly. Loosen tight clothing. Rest until you feel better. 

If you are out and about, you can find cooling centers across Arizona here. If vomiting does not let up, it's time to get medical help. 

Spot the Signs of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. The signs include:

  • Body temperature above 103 degrees

  • Red, hot, dry skin (no sweating)

  • Throbbing headache

  • Confusion or trouble thinking clearly

  • Rapid pulse

  • Nausea

What to do: Do not try to push through it. Call 911 or get to a hospital right away—every minute matters. 

For AZ Blue Members in an Emergency

In a true emergency, we want you to get the fastest, closest care. Emergency care is covered as in-network, even if the hospital isn’t. To learn the difference between in-network and out-of-network care, visit: What’s the Difference Between In-Network and Out-of-Network Care?

Stay cool, stay safe, and put your benefits to work.

Arizona’s heat is intense, but a little planning goes a long way. Keep sunblock and SPF lip balm handy when you are headed outdoors. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. And remember that in a true emergency, AZ Blue has you covered. 

AZ Blue wants to help keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy. All summer long, we’ve been packing heat relief kits, connecting Arizonans to water, and so much more! Explore volunteer opportunities and take action with us to provide heat relief to vulnerable Arizonans: azblue.com/azblueinaction.

To learn more about the warning signs and symptoms of heat illnesses, visit: Heat Illness Symptoms Flyer.