Insurance in Cuba

To travel to Cuba, as to any other country, it is necessary to take out travel insurance, which will significantly protect your trip from unforeseen expenses. We recommend taking out a general travel insurance that covers medical expenses as well as other unforeseen situations such as lost documents, lost luggage or flight delays. Selecting the best insurance package will help ensure you have a smooth, safe trip and allow you to enjoy your vacation without worrying about anything.

There are two main types of travel insurance: travel medical insurance and travel accident protection.

Medical insurance for travel to Cuba is mandatory. According to the laws of the Republic of Cuba, all those entering the territory of the country must provide an issued health insurance that covers the following expenses on the island:

• Emergency medical care, which include cases of unexpected illness or injury on the island.
• Hospitalization: covering the cost of hospital stays, surgeries and other medical procedures in Cuba in the event of an accident.
• Emergency Evacuation: transporting you to a hospital or back home in case of a medical emergency.
• Repatriation: transportation of your body to your home country in case of death.
• Prescription Drugs: Insurance will also cover the cost of necessary prescription drugs when you are treated at local medical facilities.
• Dental treatment will cover the cost of emergency care.

Contingency insurance is optional, but no less important. This type of insurance is taken out at your personal discretion and covers non-medical expenses such as:

• Cancellation or interruption of travel due to unforeseen events such as illness, natural disasters or death of a loved one.
• Flight Delay: this option allows you to cover unexpected food and lodging expenses if your flight is delayed.
• Lost or damaged luggage: the insurance will reimburse the value of lost, damaged or stolen luggage and personal belongings.

It is worth noting that this type of insurance is not compulsory for entry into the country. You can determine for yourself which coverage to choose according to the needs and peculiarities of your trip. Insurance policies can be combined into a single comprehensive travel insurance package.

The total cost of the insurance policy is formed on the basis of various factors. It is obligatory to take into account the timing of the trip, age and health condition of tourists, types of planned activities, such as extreme sports, the size of the sum insured, as well as other options that may be mandatory or additional at your discretion.

Very common insurance cases for which travelers seek medical attention are usually related to poisoning or viral infections.

In the list of the most frequent cases of travelers seeking help are injuries. Unfortunately, you can get injured not only during active vacations, but also during an ordinary walk.

If you plan to rent local transportation, you should also include bike or car driving coverage in your insurance policy to seek medical attention for injuries sustained in an accident.

Active vacations in Cuba are also worth considering. Surfing, diving or kite surfing means that such activities and sports should be included in the policy, as they are not covered by regular insurance.

Cuba is home to many different animals and insects whose bites may provoke allergic reactions. In addition, in some regions there may be mosquitoes that carry Zika and Dengue fever. Therefore, it is imperative to consider coverage for these risks.

Don't forget to include coverage for treating severe sunburn, especially if you plan to spend most of your vacation at the beach.

Carefully take into account all the nuances: the specifics of your body and the chosen type of vacation when taking out an insurance policy and include coverage for the relevant risks.

The insurance company determines how much help you can receive under the insurance policy. All the most important information is specified directly in the insurance policy, so you should keep it with you at all times.

General recommendations:

• It is necessary to call the insurance company. She, among other things, will be able to confirm whether the case is really considered insured and will tell you how to act in your situation.
• Give all the data of the insured: policy number, location, and describe the situation in order to agree on the necessary assistance.
• After providing assistance in the clinic, it is necessary to receive an invoice and reporting documents with a list of services in case of direct payment from the victim.

Medicine in Cuba is at a very good level. The health sector is well financed and Cuban specialists are highly professional. You can always get help in the nearest clinic, with which the insurance company cooperates.