Mandatory medical insurance for travelling to Cuba

Even though you don’t need to present a prof of vaccination if you taking a direct flight from Canada to Cuba, medical insurance is mandatory for travelling to Cuba. It must cover any type of medical emergency including Covid-19.

If for any reason, you cannot get insurance in Canada, you can purchase medical insurance in Cuba at the airport or visit www.cubatravel.cu.

In the event that you test positive for Covid-19 in Cuba, the quarantine will be at the hotel where you are staying in the designated isolation section coordinated by the hotel. You must comply with all hotel regulations and restrictions.

There is also no specific coverage amount required for admission – as long as your policy covers medical and health expenses in Cuba, it is acceptable. Cuba does not maintain a list of accepted companies to meet their insurance, so make sure that your insurance plan shows that it covers you while in Cuba.

Mandatory health insurance for Canadian travellers to Cuba

You must show proof of valid health insurance to enter Cuba. All health insurance policies are recognized in Cuba, except those issued by U.S. insurance companies. However, the Cuban immigration authorities will decide which proof of health insurance is acceptable.

Proof of health insurance may be:

• an insurance policy
• an insurance certificate
• a Canadian provincial health insurance card

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 not cover all treatments. Local authorities may also refuse you entry to the country.

Cuban authorities won’t let you leave the country with outstanding medical bills. You will need to remain in Cuba until all debts are paid.

Make sure you purchase the best health insurance you can afford and ensure the insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Canadian provincial health care coverage provides very limited coverage outside Canada. It won’t pay for medical bills up-front. It does not include air evacuation, and neither does Cuban health insurance.

You can buy medical emergency travel insurance including COVID-19 coverage online at https://insurancestoronto.ca; or call at 416-822-2698; or send an email to info@insurancestoronto.ca

Sources:

• https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba
• https://www.cubatravel.cu/en/
• https://www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/