Travelling to Cuba is not something you can improvise, especially when it comes to health. Since 2010, travel insurance including medical coverage has been compulsory to enter Cuba. This legal requirement is due to the particularities of the Cuban health system, which is costly for foreigners. To avoid any refusal of entry at the airport or unpleasant surprises on the spot, it is imperative to take out appropriate health insurance before departure.
Why is health insurance compulsory in Cuba?
Since May 2010, the Cuban government has required all foreign visitors to present proof of health insurance covering medical care and repatriation. This requirement is checked on arrival, particularly at the airport. Otherwise, you will be obliged to take out local insurance, which is often more expensive and less protective.
Mandatory documents to present at the Cuban airport:
- Passport valid at least 6 months after date of return
- Tourist card (equivalent to entry visa)
- Insurance certificate in Spanish or English, clearly stating that coverage is valid in Cuba
- Return ticket or proof of exit
- Proof of income if requested
⚠️ Credit card insurance is not always recognized by the Cuban government, especially if the insurer’s country of establishment is not accredited. Be sure to check the conformity of your contract.
How does the Cuban healthcare system work for foreigners?
Cuba’s healthcare system is based on a dual organization. On the one hand, the public network, intended exclusively for Cuban citizens, offers free care. However, this system suffers from a number of limitations: public hospitals are faced with a serious shortage of medicines, medical equipment and even staff, due to structural economic difficulties and the US embargo.
On the other hand, a separate system has been set up for foreigners, called Servimed. This network of clinics and hospitals caters exclusively for tourists, international students and expatriates. These are well-equipped medical facilities, with modern infrastructures and often experienced staff. In the event of a health problem during your stay on the island, these establishments will take care of you. The quality of care is generally satisfactory, particularly in major cities such as Havana and Santiago. However, all services are subject to a charge in foreign currency, notably US dollars or euros.
Why sound health insurance is essential in Cuba
The Cuban healthcare system is divided between public hospitals for locals and private clinics for tourists, where treatment is billed in foreign currency. In case of emergency, you must pay immediately, even for a simple consultation.
👉 Without sufficient cover, hospitalization can cost several thousand euros.
In addition, the island is subject to frequent health and climatic hazards:
- Tropical viruses: dengue, Zika, chikungunya, oropouche
- Regular power cuts since 2024
- Natural hazards: hurricanes, floods
- Possible sanitary quarantines
A good insurance policy should therefore cover :
- Medical care (up to 1 million euros)
- Medical repatriation
- Civil liability
- Trip cancellation
- Lost or stolen luggage
- 24-hour assistance, even in remote areas
How much does medical care cost in Cuba?
Here is an estimate of the rates charged at Servimed centers (not covered without insurance):
- Medical consultation: USD 40 to 60
- Specialist or emergency: USD 100-150
- Hospitalization: 150 to 300 USD / day
- Surgery: USD 2,000 to 6,000
- Medical repatriation: up to USD 25,000
💡 Without insurance, a simple fracture or infection can cost several thousand euros.
Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold: enough for Cuba?
Many travelers believe they are covered by their credit card. However, the insurance included is often limited:
- Valid only if you have paid 100% of the trip with the card
- Coverage ceiling often insufficient (e.g. €11,000 maximum medical expenses)
- Non-compliant certificate (no specific mention for Cuba)
- Frequent exclusions (high-risk sports, tropical diseases, etc.)
It’s best to take out health insurance specifically for Cuba, with the appropriate certificate to be provided at the airport.
Should I choose local or international insurance?
You have two options:
1. Cuban insurance Asistur :
- Sold at the airport or online
- Accepted everywhere, but limited
- Ideal for very short stays
2. Specialized international insurance :
- Better care
- Customer service in French
- Fast refunds
- Repatriation included
Recommended for long stays, expatriates or high-risk profiles (seniors, chronic illnesses, families with children).
2025 comparison: the best health insurance for Cuba
| Insurer | Offer | Medical expenses | Repatriation | Cancellation | Luggage | Average price | Main asset |
| Ready to Go | Travel Budget | Up to €100,000 | Included | Optional | 1 500 € | From €19 | Unbeatable prices for short stays |
| Cap Assistance | Cap Aventure | Up to €500,000 | Included | 5 000 € | 2 000 € | Approx. €45 | Ideal for long stays or families |
| AVA | AVA Pass | Actual costs | Included | 6 000 € | 3 000 € | Approx. €55 | Excellent warranty/price ratio |
| Chapka | Cap Explorer | Up to €1,000,000 | Included | 7 000 € | 2 500 € | From €49 | Perfect for sports and adventure holidays |
| Allianz | Vacances Tranquilles | 150 000 € | Included | 3 000 € | 1 200 € | Approx. €40 | Worldwide coverage + multilingual service |
Tip: Use a travel insurance comparator to get personalized quotes based on your profile and itinerary.
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What is a tourist card?
The tourist card (or tourist visa) is a compulsory document for entering Cuba :
| Features | Detail |
| Authorized length of stay | 30 days, renewable 1 time |
| Visa validity | 90 days |
| Mandatory for all | even children |
| Cost | Charge (approx. €25-30) |
| Where can you get it? | Authorized travel agent or Cuban Consulate in Paris |
When and how to take out travel insurance
- How soon? As soon as you have booked your tickets or accommodation
- How do I do it? Online, in just a few minutes, with immediate certification
The health insurance certificate must be printed out and kept with you throughout your stay. It will be required in the event of consultation or hospitalization.
What about expatriates in Cuba?
If you’re moving to Cuba for several months or years, you’ll need to take out expatriate health insurance to cover treatment in the Servimed network, international repatriation and evacuation to a third country. Insurers such as CFE + April, Allianz and Aetna International offer packages tailored to these needs.
5 tips for effective, inexpensive insurance
- Compare offers with a reliable online tool such as Santexpat.fr
- Adapt the formula to your stay (duration, activities, type of trip)
- Read the fine print: exclusions, ceilings, reimbursement terms and conditions
- Anticipate to take advantage of the best rates (minimum 48 hours before departure)
In a nutshell: what kind of health insurance will Cuba have in 2025?
| Element | Is entry compulsory? | Recommended? |
| Medical insurance certificate | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Tourist card (visa) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cancellation insurance | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Luggage insurance | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Medical repatriation | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Cuba is an exceptional destination, but its specific medical management requires rigorous preparation. Don’t leave anything to chance: take out comprehensive Cuba health insurance, tailored to your profile and recognized by the local authorities. Travelling to Cuba without health insurance means taking a major risk. Between the high cost of healthcare for foreigners, the legal obligation to take out insurance, and the limitations of the local system, it’s essential to be well covered before you leave. A clear contract, with adapted ceilings and a good reactivity, can prevent you from turning your vacation into a budgetary nightmare.
