Medical Info and Insurance
Travel Insurance for Cuba: Medical Insurance for Cuban Visa and Other Medical Information.
Travel Medical Insurance is Mandatory for Visitors as per the Government of Cuba.
Starting in May, 2010, the government of Cuba requires that all travelers visiting from abroad purchase travel health insurance. The rule applies to all visitors from overseas as well as Cubans living abroad.
For those visiting Cuba, the intent is to ensure that those on holiday have adequate travel medical coverage prior to arriving on the island of Cuba. The Cuban authorities will not allow anyone with outstanding medical bills to leave the country, so having travel health insurance prior to visiting Cuba is highly recommended.
Entry Requirements Into Cuba
Upon entry into Cuba, tourists must have a return air ticket, evidence of sufficient funds for their minimum financial needs, a valid visa, and proof of travel health insurance. The travel medical insurance plan must include coverage for medical evacuation by air, medical emergencies, and repatriation.
In addition, a visitors passport must be valid for at least three months beyond their expected date of departure. After arrival in Cuba, travelers shall present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or travelling assistance card that is valid for the time they will stay in Cuba.
Travel Medical Insurance Requirements by Country
Travelers who arrive on the island of Cuba without travel health insurance, or with an invalid travel medical plan, will be able to buy a policy from a Cuban insurance company at the airport, port, or marina where they enter the country.
Travel health insurance recommendations by the visiting country include the following:
FOR BRITISH VISITORS: the coverage purchased in Cuba is likely to be less comprehensive than most UK-based policies and could have more expensive premiums.
FOR CANADIAN VISITORS: proof of Canadian provincial health insurance is sufficient for entry, but the provincial plan may only cover a portion of the cost of medical treatment and it will not pay the bill up-front and instead require you to pay up front and then claim for reimbursement. It is therefore recommended that Canadians purchase supplemental health insurance for their visits to Cuba.
U.S. RESIDENTS WHO ARE ABLE TO GET A VISA: can purchase an insurance policy before they arrive in Cuba or once they arrive in Cuba (at the airport, port, or marina where they enter the country).
In case of any medical emergency, the Cuban health system guarantees the necessary medical care through a network of polyclinics and hospitals, covering every corner of the island. Primary health care is provided in most hotel facilities.
Most US domestic health insurance and Medicare do not provide coverage outside of America, it is recommended to check with your health insurance company to confirm whether or not your current health insurance will cover you in Cuba; if not, you may buy travel medical insurance from a private insurance company. The policies below are recommended for traveling to Cuba for a holiday.
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Medical Insurance information for Travellers willing to come to Cuba.
Asistur:
Travel Medical Insurance most be presented to Cuban authorities on arrival. Travelers who previously didn't get an insurance could get coveraged by the time of entry through ASISTUR S.A, this company provides specialized assistance to travelers like, Travel Medical Insurance, financial and legal assistence, return in case of desease or death, luggage localitation and any document you may need in Cuba.
24/7 ASISTUR Assistance Numbers:
(53) 7866 8527
(53) 7866 8339
(53) 7866 8920
Health and medical care:
Cuban Heath Services are ussually compare to first world medical assistence standars, despite of economic restrictions due to US embargo, Cuba has managed to provide a first class service. Some lack of resources are evident when entring a Cuban hospital but when it comes to medical assistance all resoures are gathered. International pharmacies are widely spread all ovcer the country. We recommend to bring your own medicins in case your taking any along with analgesics, antibiotics and stomach medications, you can always donate them to locals if not needed.