Cuba’s vibrant culture, affordable cost of living, and accessible healthcare system make it an increasingly attractive destination for expatriates, long-term travelers, and retirees from North America. However, one critical factor that is often overlooked by newcomers is the legal requirement for medical insurance in Cuba.
Whether you’re relocating to Havana for several months, enjoying your retirement in Santa Clara, or planning an extended winter escape in Varadero, medical insurance is not optional—it’s mandatory. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about securing medical insurance for a long-term stay in Cuba in 2025.
To learn more or explore plans tailored to your needs, visit CubaHeal’s Travel Insurance for Cuba.
Table of Contents
- Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for Long-Term Stays in Cuba?
- Who Needs Long-Term Travel Insurance?
- Why Cuba Requires Health Insurance
- Medical Services for Foreigners in Cuba
- What’s Covered in Long-Term Cuban Travel Insurance?
- What’s Not Covered?
- Medical Insurance for Senior Citizens in Cuba
- How to Extend Coverage During Your Stay
- Visa and Residency Requirements and Their Link to Insurance
- How to Choose the Right Plan (Without Falling into Common Pitfalls)
- How to Get Insurance Recognized by Cuban Authorities
- Filing a Claim or Getting Medical Help While in Cuba
- Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Stay Safe
1. Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for Long-Term Stays in Cuba?
Yes—medical insurance is legally required for all foreign visitors in Cuba, including those staying beyond the usual 30-day tourist period. This rule has been in place since 2010 and is enforced through both visa policies and immigration procedures. If you are living in Cuba as an expat, retired foreign resident, digital nomad, or long-term tourist, you must maintain continuous medical coverage throughout your stay.
2. Who Needs Long-Term Travel Insurance?
If you fall under any of the following categories, this article applies to you:
- Expats relocating for work, study, or family reasons
- Long-term travelers spending several months in Cuba
- Retirees or senior citizens moving to or spending winter in Cuba
- Digital nomads residing in Cuba while working remotely
- Foreigners awaiting Cuban residency or extended visas
In each of these cases, failure to carry valid medical insurance can result in denial of visa extensions or restricted access to healthcare.
3. Why Cuba Requires Health Insurance
Cuba offers free healthcare to its citizens, but this benefit does not extend to foreigners. Instead, international visitors—including long-term guests—must pay for services at special clinics such as Clinica Cira García in Havana or Clinica Internacional in Varadero. These facilities operate on a pay-per-service model and cater specifically to foreigners.
To ensure no foreigner becomes a burden on the state, Cuban law requires all non-citizens to have a recognized insurance policy that covers medical emergencies and hospitalization.
4. Medical Services for Foreigners in Cuba
Cuba maintains a dual healthcare system: one for nationals, and one for international patients. The international wing offers services like:
- Emergency treatment
- Routine consultations
- Hospital admissions
- Diagnostic imaging and lab tests
- Surgeries and follow-up care
These services are not free and must be paid in foreign currency (typically Euros or Canadian dollars). Without insurance, patients are expected to pay out of pocket—before treatment begins.
5. What’s Covered in Long-Term Cuban Travel Insurance?
If you’re planning to stay in Cuba for more than 30 days, ensure your insurance policy includes the following essential coverages:
✅ Emergency Medical Treatment
Covers the cost of sudden illnesses, injuries, and accidents.
✅ Hospitalization Fees
Includes room, board, diagnostic testing, and procedures during an in-patient stay.
✅ Emergency Dental Treatment
Basic dental coverage for pain, infection, or trauma during your stay.
✅ Medical Evacuation and Repatriation
If you suffer a life-threatening emergency and need to be transported home, this covers evacuation and repatriation of remains in the event of death.
✅ Medical Assistance for COVID-19
Still required in 2025. Covers medical attention, quarantine expenses, and hospital costs related to COVID-19.
✅ Convalescence Coverage
Some policies include hotel stay extensions and care when recovery is required after hospitalization.
✅ Insurance for Accompanying Family Members
If you are traveling with a spouse or dependent, many plans allow for shared coverage.
To browse plans tailored for longer stays, visit CubaHeal’s Travel Insurance for Cuba.
6. What’s Not Covered?
Long-term Cuban travel insurance policies do not usually include:
- Maternity care
- Mental health services
- Elective or cosmetic procedures
- Chronic condition management
- Coverage for pre-existing conditions
- Injuries related to extreme sports or alcohol-related incidents
Important: If you have a known health condition requiring ongoing care, you must plan accordingly and bring all required medications and documentation from your home country.
7. Medical Insurance for Senior Citizens in Cuba
Cuba is a popular destination for retired Canadians and Americans, especially snowbirds seeking a warm, affordable escape. However, seniors over 65 may encounter additional requirements when applying for insurance coverage.
When shopping for a senior-friendly plan, ensure that:
- There is no age cap (some policies limit coverage above age 75)
- Emergency medical care is included
- You have clear access to international clinics
- Your policy can be extended easily
At CubaHeal, several options are tailored to retirees and seniors on extended stays.
8. How to Extend Coverage During Your Stay
If you enter Cuba with a 30-day visa but plan to stay for six months or longer, your insurance must be renewed or extended in line with your visa extensions.
Steps:
- Check your insurance validity period.
- Apply for an extension before your current coverage expires.
- Provide proof of renewal when applying to extend your visa.
Failing to renew your insurance on time may void your legal status in Cuba or prevent access to healthcare.
9. Visa and Residency Requirements and Their Link to Insurance
The Cuban immigration office (Dirección de Inmigración y Extranjería) requires all applicants for visa extensions or temporary residency to submit:
- Proof of housing (rental contract)
- Proof of income (for retirees or remote workers)
- Proof of valid health insurance coverage
Without current insurance, visa extensions may be denied.
10. How to Choose the Right Plan (Without Falling into Common Pitfalls)
Many North Americans make the mistake of buying low-cost travel insurance assuming it will work in Cuba. In 2025, not all plans are recognized by Cuban authorities or accepted by Cuban clinics.
✅ Choose a policy that:
- Clearly states Cuba as a covered destination
- Is recognized by Cuban immigration and medical institutions
- Offers coverage limits of at least $25,000 USD
- Includes direct communication channels for Cuban clinics
🛑 Avoid:
- Policies from credit cards with vague international coverage
- Plans that exclude Cuba or require reimbursement only after return
- Generic policies not designed for long-term stays
CubaHeal’s plans are specifically designed in collaboration with Cuban health authorities. Learn more at CubaHeal’s Travel Insurance for Cuba.
11. How to Get Insurance Recognized by Cuban Authorities
When you arrive in Cuba or go to renew your visa, immigration officials may ask for:
- A printed certificate of insurance
- A document showing coverage limits
- Emergency contact numbers
To ensure hassle-free approval:
- Print multiple copies of your insurance certificate
- Carry both physical and digital versions
- Keep your insurer’s emergency assistance number easily accessible
12. Filing a Claim or Getting Medical Help While in Cuba
If you need medical assistance during your stay:
- Visit a recognized international clinic (e.g., Cira García, Clínica Internacional)
- Present your passport and proof of insurance
- Contact your insurer’s 24/7 assistance hotline
- Collect all medical documentation and invoices
Some providers work directly with Cuban hospitals, meaning you won’t need to pay out of pocket. CubaHeal insurance plans are among those designed for direct cooperation with Cuban medical facilities.
13. Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Stay Safe
Living in or spending extended time in Cuba can be an incredibly rewarding experience. From the music in the plazas of Old Havana to the serenity of Playa Ancón, the island has much to offer long-term visitors and retirees. But a single emergency could turn paradise into a financial nightmare—unless you’re covered.
By securing a long-term medical insurance plan that meets Cuban legal standards, you’ll enjoy:
- Peace of mind
- Legal compliance
- Access to high-quality healthcare services
- Visa renewal support
- Financial protection in emergencies
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a retiree escaping the northern winter, or an expat beginning a new chapter in life—don’t overlook this critical step.