Student Medical Insurance in Cuba: What You Need to Know Before You Arrive 

Cuba continues to attract thousands of international students each year thanks to its affordable education, experienced faculty, and globally recognized medical and technical universities. Whether you’re pursuing an undergraduate degree in medicine or a postgraduate program in public health, studying in Cuba can open professional doors and deliver an enriching personal experience. 

But there’s one important requirement that every self-financed international student must meet before registering: obtaining a valid and approved student medical insurance policy. This guide explains what you need, why it’s required, and what your options are, especially if you want to avoid unnecessary delays or compliance issues. 

Is Medical Insurance Mandatory for International Students in Cuba? 

Yes. In accordance with Cuban law, all foreign self-financed students, both undergraduate and postgraduate, must hold a valid student medical insurance policy with a minimum duration of one year. 

You will not be able to register at your university or process your student visa without this policy in place. Immigration authorities and academic institutions will request proof during enrollment, and only policies that meet specific criteria will be accepted. 

Why Cuba Requires Student Medical Insurance 

The Cuban government mandates this insurance policy to: 

• Ensure students have immediate access to healthcare services if needed 
• Protect the public healthcare system from costs associated with uninsured patients 
• Avoid bureaucratic delays during emergencies 
• Ensure foreign students are legally compliant throughout their stay 

It is not just about personal safety. It is a legal requirement tied directly to your academic registration and immigration status. 

Approved Insurance Policy: What You Need to Know 

As of the current academic guidelines, the only insurance policy accepted for university registration in Cuba is the policy facilitated through CubaHeal in cooperation with ASISTUR S.A., Cuba’s official national insurance provider for foreign travelers and students. 

This insurance: 

• Is fully recognized by all Cuban universities and immigration offices 
• Meets or exceeds the minimum coverage requirements set by the Ministry of Public Health 
• Is valid for at least 12 months 
• Can be issued and confirmed before arrival, ensuring seamless entry and enrollment 

Attempting to register with any other insurance, including policies from home countries or private international insurers, will result in rejection or mandatory replacement of the policy prior to enrollment. 

What Should the Insurance Cover? 

To comply with Cuban regulations, a student medical policy must provide: 

What’s Typically Excluded? 

Even comprehensive policies have exclusions. The CubaHeal-facilitated policy, like most approved plans, does not cover: 

• Preventive checkups or non-urgent evaluations 
• Cosmetic or elective procedures 
• Pre-existing conditions, except in urgent cases 
• Substance-related health issues 
• Prosthetics, eyeglasses, or hearing aids 
• Services not specifically requested by the insurer 

Always review the full policy wording before finalizing your purchase. 

How to Secure the Approved Policy 

Because the CubaHeal-facilitated policy is the only one currently accepted by Cuban universities for registration purposes, the process is relatively straightforward: 

1. Visit the Official Policy Page
   Start by visiting Cuba Student Medical Insurance and reviewing the policy requirements and benefits. 

1. Complete the Online Form
   Fill in your basic information. No documentation is required at this point. 

1. Pay the Initial Deposit
   This non-refundable amount allows your application to be processed and the policy to be initiated. 

1. Receive Your Policy Certificate
   You will be issued an official, government-recognized policy document. Present this during university registration and immigration processing. 

Additional Support Services for International Students 

In addition to insurance, many students moving to Cuba for the first time benefit from broader logistical support. Some of these services may be offered by academic facilitators like CubaHeal. 

These services may include: 

Arrival and Orientation 

• Airport pickup and local transport introduction 
• SIM card activation and assistance with local services 
• Briefings on local laws and public health systems 

Accommodation Assistance 

• Fully furnished housing options 
• Utilities, internet, and maintenance included 
• Student-only environments for added safety and focus 

Academic Registration Help 

• Submission of required academic credentials 
• Issuance of student IDs and university onboarding 
• Liaison with admissions staff 

Immigration and Residency Management 

• Handling visa applications and renewals 
• Issuing student residency permits 
• Supporting compliance with local legal requirements 

Medical Support Coordination 

• Assistance during medical emergencies 
• Help with booking appointments or hospital visits 
• 24-hour bilingual support available 

What Sets the CubaHeal-Facilitated Policy Apart? 

This policy is more than just compliant. It is structured with students’ needs in mind and is designed to reduce stress and eliminate administrative obstacles. 

Highlights include: 

• No upfront payments required at hospitals or clinics 
• No deductibles, so coverage starts from the first medical expense 
• Direct billing with approved Cuban hospitals 
• Pre-approval before travel to ensure smooth entry and registration 
• Ongoing bilingual support in all Cuban provinces 

Key Considerations Before You Arrive 

• Apply early: Submit your insurance application well before your departure date 
• Bring documentation: Carry printed and digital copies of your insurance certificate 
• Ensure coverage duration: The policy must cover at least 12 months 
• Verify other academic requirements: Some universities may also require notarized transcripts, translation of academic records, and advance tuition payments 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use insurance from my home country? 

No. Foreign insurance policies are not accepted for academic registration in Cuba. Only the CubaHeal-facilitated policy through ASISTUR is approved. 

Is insurance still required if I’m only attending a short-term course? 

Yes. Insurance is still required regardless of the program’s length. However, if you are enrolling in a short-term course that does not span a full academic year, you are required to apply for the standard Travel Insurance.
 

Can the policy be renewed annually? 

Yes. The policy is renewable as long as the student remains enrolled in a recognized Cuban academic institution. 

Final Thoughts 

For international students heading to Cuba, securing an approved student medical insurance policy is not just a procedural requirement. It is an essential step for legal compliance, academic registration, and access to healthcare. 

The only policy currently accepted for university enrollment is the one issued through CubaHeal and backed by ASISTUR S.A. Applying before arrival ensures a smoother process, fewer delays, and full protection while studying abroad. 

To begin the application or explore details, visit:
Cuba Student Medical Insurance