Since May 1, 2010, travellers must present proof of health insurance in order to enter the country. Upon arrival, travellers may be required to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or medical assistance card valid for the period of their stay in Cuba. Those who do not have proof of insurance coverage may be required to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company when they arrive.
Although proof of Canadian provincial health insurance is sufficient for visitors to enter Cuba, your provincial plan may cover only part of the costs and will not pay the bill up-front, as required. It is therefore recommended that travellers purchase supplemental health insurance. Note that some private insurers also require the traveller to pay costs up-front and be reimbursed later. Travellers should note that Cuban authorities will not allow anyone with outstanding medical bills to leave the country.
If you have travel medical insurance through your employee group benefits or as a credit card benefit, read the fine print and ensure that the insurer will pay for medical expenses up front. If not, ensure that you have easy access to cash in the event of a medical emergency or purchase a separate policy that will pay expenses up front. For example, Manulife Financial Travel Medical Insurance will pay expenses up front if they are contacted as soon as the illness or accident occurs. Otherwise, you are on the hook for 25% of the costs.
All health insurance policies are recognized, except those issued by U.S. insurance companies, as they cannot provide coverage in Cuba.
For the latest travel advisories on Cuba, go to the Canada Foreign Affairs website.
This information is of a general nature and should not be considered professional advice. Its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed and Queensbury Strategies Inc. assumes no responsibility or liability.
