Travel Insurance for Cuba: What My Havana Hospital Stay Taught Me

I still remember the exact moment. Dancing salsa in a vibrant Havana club, attempting a dramatic dip with my partner, when my knee decided it had other plans. The pop was audible even over the music.

There I was, sweating in a tiny Cuban clinic at midnight, trying to explain what happened in my pitiful Spanish while the doctor examined my clearly dislocated kneecap.

No credit cards accepted. No nearby ATM. And absolutely zero cell service to contact my insurance company.

💡 Tip: Cuba remains one of the few places on earth where American credit cards do not work at all. I now travel with at least $500 in cash specifically for medical emergencies.

Why Cuba Demands Special Insurance Attention

Cuba is magical. The music, the classic cars, the incredible people. But it also exists in a strange insurance twilight zone, especially for Americans.

After three trips to Cuba (including that memorable hospital visit) and countless hours helping friends plan their own Cuban adventures, I know exactly what makes Cuban travel insurance different:

• Cuban authorities require proof of travel insurance at immigration
• American insurance often excludes Cuba entirely
• Cash is king for medical services, with reimbursement later
• Limited communication makes real time claims assistance nearly impossible
• No embassy support for Americans if things go seriously wrong

That knee dislocation taught me lessons no guidebook ever mentioned.

💡 Tip: Cuban immigration officials randomly check for proof of travel insurance when you enter. I watched them pull aside several travelers who could not provide documentation, forcing them to purchase Cuban insurance on the spot at inflated rates.

The Coverage Elements That Actually Matter in Cuba

After multiple Cuba trips and that unforgettable hospital adventure, here is what truly matters:

1. Medical Coverage That Explicitly Includes Cuba

Many policies exclude Cuba completely or have special restrictions. You need documentation showing Cuba is covered, as immigration officials may request this upon arrival. When they checked my documents in Havana, I was thankful my policy specifically named Cuba.

2. Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you develop a serious condition, you may need evacuation to Mexico or another nearby country for advanced treatment. My friend Mark needed evacuation after a severe scooter accident in Viñales, costing over $15,000.

3. Upfront Cash Payment Preparation

Cuban medical facilities typically require cash payment upfront, with insurance reimbursement happening later. My knee treatment cost $400 cash on the spot.

4. Proof of Insurance Documentation

You absolutely need physical documentation of your insurance coverage. Digital versions are useless in a country with very limited internet access. I carry printed copies of my policy with Cuba specifically mentioned.

5. Trip Cancellation With Cuba Specific Provisions

Given the complex and changing regulations around Cuba travel, good policies include cancellation coverage if regulatory changes prevent your trip.

💡 Tip: Before traveling to Cuba, ask your insurer to provide a specific letter stating coverage for Cuba, ideally in both English and Spanish. Immigration officials appreciate this clarity.

The Best Insurance Options for Cuba Travelers

After researching dozens of policies for Cuba trips, these providers consistently deliver the best coverage:

For American Travelers:

• InsureMyTrip Cuba Travel – Specifically designed for Americans traveling to Cuba
• Seven Corners – Clear Cuba coverage with good medical evacuation benefits
• Allianz with Cuba Rider – Available for certain types of authorized travel

For Canadian Travelers:

• Manulife – Excellent Cuba coverage with direct billing at many Cuban hospitals
• RBC Insurance – Strong medical coverage recognized throughout Cuba
• Blue Cross – Popular with Canadian travelers to Cuba

For European Travelers:

• World Nomads – Good coverage for most nationalities visiting Cuba
• AXA – Strong medical coverage without Cuba exclusions
• Allianz Global Assistance – Reliable coverage throughout the island

You can compare Cuba specific travel insurance options here to find the right coverage for your Cuban adventure.

💡 Tip: For Americans, make sure your Cuba travel falls under one of the authorized categories (like “support for the Cuban people”) and that your insurance coverage specifically accommodates this type of travel.

What Good Cuba Travel Insurance Should Cost

Based on my research for a one week trip:

💡 Tip: The price difference between basic and mid range coverage is usually just $30 to $60 for a typical week long Cuba trip. Given the challenges of medical situations in Cuba, this upgrade is absolutely worth it.

Cuban Insurance Realities Most Travelers Miss

Several aspects of Cuban travel create unique insurance considerations:

Official Cuban Government Insurance

Some travelers purchase the official Cuban government insurance (typically around $3-4 per day), often through airlines or tour companies. While this satisfies the entry requirement, the coverage is minimal and claims can be challenging. I always get proper international insurance instead.

Cash Flow Planning for Medical Emergencies

Most Cuban medical facilities require upfront cash payment, with insurance reimbursement happening later. After my salsa injury, the clinic would not treat me until I produced cash. Always carry more emergency cash than you think you will need.

Communication Challenges for Claims

With limited internet and international calling options, contacting your insurance company during an emergency can be nearly impossible. I was unable to reach my insurer until I returned to my casa particular with WiFi access hours later.

Proof of Departure Requirements

Cuba requires proof you will leave the country. Your insurance should cover trip delays or cancellations that might affect your exit plans. When my friend’s flight to Mexico was canceled, her insurance covered the extra nights in Havana while waiting for the next available flight.

💡 Tip: Before traveling to Cuba, write down your insurance company’s collect call number. While internet access is limited, you can still make international calls from major hotels in an emergency.

Real Cuban Insurance Claims

Learning from others might save your trip:

My Salsa Dancing Disaster

“After dislocating my knee dancing salsa, I needed immediate medical care. The Cuban clinic required $400 cash upfront, which thankfully I had. My insurance eventually reimbursed this completely, but the claim took nearly two months to process because I could not submit documentation until returning home.”

Mark’s Scooter Evacuation

“I crashed a scooter in Viñales, resulting in a complex leg fracture. The local hospital stabilized me but recommended evacuation to Mexico for surgery. My comprehensive insurance arranged and covered the medical flight ($15,000) and subsequent treatment. Without this coverage, I would have been financially devastated.”

Elena’s Respiratory Emergency

“I developed severe pneumonia in Trinidad. The local clinic provided basic treatment but recommended transfer to Havana for better care. My insurance not only covered the medical costs but also arranged and paid for private transportation to Havana and additional accommodation for my husband.”

💡 Tip: For medical claims in Cuba, ask for multiple copies of all documentation in both Spanish and English if possible. Cuban medical facilities are sometimes reluctant to provide detailed documentation, but it is essential for your claim.

The American Traveler’s Special Challenges

American travelers face unique Cuba insurance considerations:

OFAC Compliance

Any insurance for Americans must comply with Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations. Not all policies do this, creating a serious coverage gap.

Legal Travel Categories

Americans must travel under specific authorized categories like “support for the Cuban people.” Your insurance should explicitly cover your actual reason for visiting.

Medical Evacuation Destinations

For Americans, evacuation from Cuba typically goes to Mexico or another third country rather than directly to the US due to ongoing restrictions.

Lack of Embassy Support

With limited US diplomatic presence in Cuba, Americans have fewer emergency resources than travelers of other nationalities. Your insurance becomes even more important.

💡 Tip: If you are American, print out details of your authorized travel category and related documentation. Immigration officials occasionally request this, and having it ready alongside your insurance proof makes entry much smoother.

Communication Preparation for Claims

Given Cuba’s limited connectivity, prepare in advance:

Physical Documentation Strategy

Carry multiple printed copies of your insurance policy, emergency contact numbers, and coverage details. I keep one copy with my passport, one in my day bag, and one in my luggage.

Offline Access Solutions

Download your full insurance policy to your phone for offline access. Cuba’s internet requires prepaid cards and finding connection points can be challenging during emergencies.

Emergency Contact Hierarchy

Establish who to contact and how in case of emergency. My system includes collect call numbers, email addresses, and even contact information for my country’s embassy in Havana.

Local Support Network

Make friends with your casa particular hosts or hotel staff. My casa hosts in Havana helped me find a clinic and translate my medical needs when I was injured.

💡 Tip: Create a simple one page document in both English and Spanish with your vital information: insurance policy number, emergency contact, blood type, allergies, and existing medical conditions. This can be invaluable in emergency situations.

My Hard Earned Cuban Insurance Wisdom

After that painful salsa lesson and several subsequent better protected trips:

1. Cash Is Your True Emergency Safety Net No amount of premium insurance will help in the moment if you cannot pay for treatment upfront. I now carry at least $500 in cash specifically earmarked for medical emergencies.
2. Documentation Matters More Than Anywhere Else With limited communication options, physical documentation of your insurance becomes crucial. I carry a small laminated card with my policy details and emergency contact numbers.
3. Prepare For Offline Claims Processing Unlike most destinations where you can submit claims online, Cuban claims typically must wait until you leave the country. Document everything extensively while still in Cuba.
4. Medical Evacuation Is Worth Every Penny The difference between Cuban healthcare and American or European standards can be significant for complex issues. Strong evacuation coverage provides peace of mind.
5. Use Casa Particulars As Information Resources Cuban homeowners who rent rooms are plugged into local knowledge networks. My casa host knew exactly which clinic would treat foreigners at midnight and even arranged transportation.

💡 Tip: Exchange some money into Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUCs) immediately upon arrival. Medical facilities typically require payment in the local currency, not dollars or euros.

Final Thoughts: Cuba Is Worth It

That painful knee dislocation did not ruin my love for Cuba. In fact, the experience showed me the incredible kindness of ordinary Cubans who helped me find care, translate my needs, and even brought food to my room while I recovered.

Good travel insurance for Cuba is not about fear or paranoia. It is about practicality.

Cuba exists in a unique situation, especially for American travelers. The right insurance approach means you can fully embrace the incredible music, food, culture and people without worrying what happens if salsa dancing leads to an unexpected hospital visit.

Before finalizing your coverage, think honestly about your Cuba plans. Will you stick to guided tours in Havana? Explore rural areas independently? Try activities like classic car racing or scuba diving? The perfect policy protects your actual adventures, not some sanitized version of them.

If you are comparing Cuba specific policies for your Caribbean adventure, start here to find coverage that matches your specific needs.

Safe travels, and may your Cuban memories involve more mojitos than medical care!