Roberta Aguirre
If you're planning a trip to Cuba, it's important to consider travel insurance. Cuban authorities require visitors to have medical insurance, which is often included in the price of an airline ticket for flights originating in the US. However, if you don't have insurance, you can purchase it at the airport upon arrival. Asistur S.A., a Cuban organisation, offers travel insurance that covers medical and dental emergencies, hospitalisation, treatment, and evacuation, as well as bail bonds in case of legal issues. It is recommended to have supplemental insurance for medical evacuation, as it can be difficult and costly to arrange. Additionally, due to the trade embargo, US-based insurance cards are not accepted in Cuban medical facilities, so be prepared to pay out of pocket and file for reimbursement. When choosing a travel insurance policy, look for reputable companies and ensure your policy covers your destination and activities, including medical assistance, cancellation, and lost/stolen luggage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is travel insurance mandatory for Cuba? | Yes |
| What type of insurance is required? | Medical insurance |
| Can you buy travel insurance at the airport? | Yes, at an airport kiosk |
| What are the consequences of not having travel insurance? | You may be denied entry into Cuba |
| What does travel insurance cover? | Emergency medical bills, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, travel delays, etc. |
| What does travel insurance usually not cover? | Pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or pregnancy |
| What is a reputable travel insurance company for Cuba? | Asistur S.A. |
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What You'll Learn
- You can buy Cuban travel insurance at the airport if you don't have it already
- You need health insurance to enter Cuba
- Your insurance must cover medical evacuation and hospital stays
- Cuban travel insurance covers unexpected financial loss, including emergency medical bills
- Asistur S.A. is a Cuban organisation that provides travel insurance
You can buy Cuban travel insurance at the airport if you don't have it already
If you're travelling to Cuba, you need to have travel medical insurance. This is often checked by immigration upon arrival. If you don't have proof of insurance, or if the proof you show doesn't satisfy the Cuban immigration authorities, you'll need to buy insurance from a local insurance provider at the airport. Asistur S.A. is a Cuban organisation that provides travel insurance and has an office in the immigration area of the airport.
US airlines that fly directly to Cuba include Asistur travel medical insurance in the cost of the airline ticket. Your boarding pass serves as proof of insurance. You can verify this information on the airline's website, but you shouldn't call the airline as the call centre staff are usually misinformed.
It's important to note that Cuban authorities won't let you leave the country with outstanding medical bills. You'll need to remain in Cuba until all debts are paid. Medical bills are payable by credit card only.
When choosing a travel insurance policy, it's important to select a reputable company and ensure that your policy covers your destination country. It should cover medical assistance, emergency medical bills, trip cancellation, lost or stolen items, travel delays, and repatriation of remains in case of loss of life.
Additionally, due to the trade embargo, no medical facility in Cuba will accept US-based insurance cards, credit cards, or cheques. Therefore, you should be prepared to pay for medical services in cash and file for reimbursement with your insurance company.
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You need health insurance to enter Cuba
It is mandatory to have health insurance to enter Cuba. Since May 1, 2010, all travellers to Cuba have been required to carry proof of travel insurance covering medical costs during their stay. Cuban authorities will ask to see your insurance policy, insurance certificate, or health insurance card upon arrival. If you don't have proof of health insurance or if the proof you present doesn’t satisfy the Cuban immigration authorities, you may have to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company upon arrival. This insurance may have limited coverage.
US airlines that fly directly to Cuba include Asistur travel medical insurance in the cost of the airline ticket. Your boarding pass serves as proof of insurance. Asistur S.A. is a Cuban organisation that specializes in various kinds of assistance to foreigners. If you need medical treatment or hospitalization while in Cuba, you simply call the local Asistur assistance number, quote your policy number, and follow the instructions given to you by the duty officer. Asistur has agencies in all the major tourist centres and represents 200 insurance and assistance companies of 40 countries.
It is important to note that Cuban authorities will not let you leave the country with outstanding medical bills. You will need to remain in Cuba until all debts are paid. Medical bills are payable by credit card only. Make sure you purchase the best health insurance you can afford. Ensure the insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays.
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, travellers to Cuba are required to purchase COVID-19 travel medical insurance that covers coronavirus-related expenses and that lasts the full duration of the stay in the country. Cuban authorities have the power to perform random PCR tests on any visitor arriving in Cuba. If the visitor tests positive, they will be required to enter a mandatory quarantine at a government facility or hospital for 14 days at the traveller's expense.
To further protect yourself, consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that includes coverage for hurricanes if you plan to visit Cuba during hurricane season.
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Your insurance must cover medical evacuation and hospital stays
It is essential to have travel insurance that covers hospital stays and medical evacuation when travelling to Cuba. Cuban authorities will not allow you to leave the country if you have outstanding medical bills, so it is important to have comprehensive insurance that will cover any eventuality.
Medical evacuation insurance is typically included in travel insurance policies and can be purchased as part of a comprehensive travel insurance plan. It can also be bought separately, in tandem with travel medical expense insurance, which covers emergency medical treatment during your trip. This type of insurance covers medical transportation, such as an ambulance ride or air evacuation services, to the nearest adequate medical facility. It is important to note that the definition of "adequate" can vary, and a medical facility deemed adequate by your insurer may not meet your personal standards.
Additionally, some policies cover not just your transportation but also the cost of someone else accompanying you, which may need to be a medical professional in certain circumstances. This can include interpretation services if needed. It is also worth noting that most medical evacuation insurance coverage starts at $100,000 per year, but this may not be sufficient for all situations.
When travelling to Cuba, it is important to ensure your insurance meets the country's requirements. Cuban Adventures, for example, offers travel insurance through Asistur S.A., a Cuban organisation that specialises in assisting foreigners. Their insurance covers medical treatment and hospitalisation in Cuba, and you can receive treatment without paying in cash by simply quoting your policy number. Asistur has agencies in all major tourist centres and represents insurance and assistance companies from 40 countries.
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Cuban travel insurance covers unexpected financial loss, including emergency medical bills
Cuban travel insurance is mandatory and offers financial protection in unexpected situations, including emergency medical bills. It is a requirement for entry into Cuba and can be purchased from various sources like non-US insurance companies, airlines, credit cards, and the Cuban broker Asistur, which has an office at Havana Airport. Asistur is a Cuban organisation that assists foreigners and allows them to deal directly with Cuban institutions without needing to contact an external agency to confirm coverage.
US citizens are required to take the "Special" option, which includes a supplement for travellers over 70 years old. For travellers 70 and older, death is not covered, except in the case of accidental death while travelling on public transport. Asistur travel medical insurance is often included in the cost of an airline ticket for US airlines flying directly to Cuba, and your boarding pass serves as proof of insurance.
Cuban travel insurance covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, evacuation, repatriation, prescription medication, and dental care. It also covers baggage and personal effects, including loss or physical damage by rough handling, fire, robbery, or transportation hazards. Additionally, it covers the cost of accommodation and transportation in the case of an accident or illness that prevents the insured person from leaving Cuba as scheduled.
It is important to note that Cuban authorities will not let you leave the country with outstanding medical bills, and you will need to remain in Cuba until all debts are paid. Medical bills are payable by credit card only. Therefore, it is crucial to have adequate travel insurance to cover any unforeseen medical expenses and ensure access to quality care.
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Asistur S.A. is a Cuban organisation that provides travel insurance
All visitors to Cuba are required to have travel medical insurance before arriving in the country. If you are unable to obtain this beforehand, you will be asked to purchase Cuban travel insurance from Asistur S.A. at the airport. Asistur S.A. is a Cuban organisation that provides travel insurance and has offices in all major Cuban ports of entry and tourist destinations. Asistur represents hundreds of international insurance and assistance companies on the island.
Asistur travel insurance offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to deal directly with Cuban institutions without having to contact an external agency to confirm your coverage. Secondly, Asistur has agencies in all the major tourist centres, making it easily accessible. Finally, Asistur's insurance coverage includes a range of medical and travel-related risks, such as medical treatment, trip cancellation, baggage loss, and repatriation or transportation in case of illness or injury.
If you need medical attention while in Cuba, it is important to contact Asistur as soon as possible, preferably before receiving treatment. You can do this by calling the Asistur assistance number provided on your insurance policy statement. Asistur will then coordinate with Cuban institutions to provide you with medical services without the need for cash payment.
It is worth noting that Asistur's insurance may not cover pre-existing conditions or certain high-risk activities, so it is important to carefully review the policy details before purchasing. Additionally, Asistur charges a supplement of $3.00 USD for travellers over 70 years old or those engaging in high-risk activities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is mandatory to have travel medical insurance to enter Cuba. This is often checked by immigration upon arrival.
Travel insurance covers unexpected and accidental financial losses, including emergency medical bills, trip cancellations, lost or stolen items, travel delays, etc.
Yes, if you do not have insurance, it can be purchased upon arrival at a Cuban airport kiosk. Asistur S.A., a Cuban organisation that provides travel insurance, has an office in the immigration area of the airport.
Ensure that your insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays. It is also important to read the fine print before purchasing the policy to avoid any misleading claims. Additionally, US-based insurance cards, credit cards, and cheques are not accepted in Cuba, so you may need to pay out of pocket and file for reimbursement.
