Essential Guide to Cuba Travel Insurance: All You Need to Know

Traveling to Cuba requires mandatory travel medical insurance, as per Cuban government regulations. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or family reasons, having valid travel insurance with medical coverage is a non-negotiable entry requirement.

This guide covers everything you need to know about travel insurance for Cuba, including coverage details, exclusions, costs, and how to secure the best policy for your trip.

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Cuba?

Yes. Cuba requires all international travelers to have valid travel insurance with medical coverage. Immigration officials may ask for proof of insurance upon arrival, and travelers without it may be required to purchase a policy at the airport.

To avoid delays and limited coverage options, purchasing a pre-approved Cuba-compliant travel insurance policy in advance is strongly recommended.

Cuban travel insurance policies focus strictly on medical-related expenses and do not cover trip cancellations or baggage loss.

A comprehensive Cuba travel insurance policy should include:

✔Medical & Surgical Expenses – Covers emergency treatments for illnesses and accidents, hospitalization, and prescribed medications.
✔ Emergency Dental Treatment – Provides coverage up to $21.00 USD for urgent dental care.
✔ Initial Urgent Care for Pre-Existing Conditions – Covers emergency treatments related to pre-existing conditions, as long as negligence is not involved.
✔ COVID-19 Coverage – Includes medical expenses related to COVID-19.
✔ Medical Repatriation & Transportation – Covers hospital transfers, repatriation in case of serious illness or death, and flight changes due to hospitalization.
✔ Liability Protection – Provides up to $10,000.00 USD for damages caused to third parties.
✔ Advance of Bail – Covers up to $5,000.00 USD for bail related to an accident.
✔ Loss of Travel Documents – Covers up to $1,000.00 USD for passport, visa, or air ticket reissuance costs.

For those engaging in high-risk activities, additional coverage is available for an extra $3.00 USD per day.

Like all insurance policies, Cuban travel insurance has exclusions. The following are not covered:

❌ non-emergency medical treatments and routine checkups
❌ Injuries caused by self-inflicted harm, alcohol, or drug use
❌ Orthopedic devices, prosthetics, hearing aids, glasses
❌ Pregnancy, childbirth, or abortion (except for emergencies)
❌ Costs related to funeral services or special coffins
❌ Medical incidents related to war, riots, terrorism, or strikes
❌ Participation in high-risk sports (unless additional coverage is purchased)

Understanding what’s excluded is just as important as knowing what is covered, so travelers can plan accordingly and avoid unexpected expenses.

Yes, but only for urgent medical emergencies related to pre-existing conditions. Non-emergency treatments for chronic illnesses or pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Yes. The policy includes:

✔ Transportation to the nearest qualified hospital
✔ Repatriation in case of severe medical emergencies or death
✔ Flight change penalties if hospitalization prevents the traveler from returning as scheduled
✔ Airfare for a family member to accompany the insured if hospitalized for more than 10 days

This coverage meets Cuban entry requirements and ensures travelers are financially protected in case of a medical emergency.

Standard policies do not cover adventure sports or high-risk activities. However, travelers participating in:

✔ Extreme sports
✔ Competitive sports events
✔ Training programs involving hazardous activities

…can add additional coverage for $3.00 USD per day.

Yes, but it is not recommended. Purchasing insurance at the airport may result in:

❌ Higher prices
❌ Limited coverage options
❌ Delays at immigration

For a smoother entry, it is best to secure insurance before departure.

Unlike traditional travel insurance policies, Cuban medical insurance does not require claim filing.

✔ Medical expenses are directly covered, eliminating out-of-pocket payments.
✔ Assistance is provided through a 24/7 support helpline, included in the policy.
✔ CubaHeal’s support team is available to help travelers navigate medical care.

This eliminates reimbursement delays and ensures immediate access to medical treatment when needed.

Pricing is based on age:

✔ Travelers 69 years old or younger – $10.00 USD per day
✔ Travelers aged 70 or older – $12.00 USD per day
✔ Additional coverage for high-risk activities – $3.00 USD per day

Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more travelers (15% discount).

Purchasing Cuba-compliant travel insurance is simple.

1. Choose a provider that meets Cuban entry requirements.
2. Buy the policy before departure to avoid airport delays.
3. Carry a digital or printed certificate for proof of insurance.

For hassle-free purchasing, travelers can get their insurance certificate instantly online with CubaHeal, ensuring compliance with Cuban regulations.

Final Thoughts

Travel insurance isn’t just a requirement—it’s essential for peace of mind. Whether you need medical care, emergency evacuation, or liability protection, having the right policy ensures a stress-free experience in Cuba.

✔ Meets Cuban entry requirements
✔ Covers medical emergencies and hospitalizations
✔ No claim-filing needed—direct coverage for medical services
✔ Affordable, flexible plans with 24/7 assistance
✔ Instant proof of coverage for easy entry

By securing your insurance before departure, you can explore Cuba worry-free, knowing you’re fully protected against unexpected medical emergencies.

For more details, visit CubaHeal’s travel insurance page and ensure you’re covered for your trip!