Traveling to Cuba requires more than just a desire for sun and rhythm; it also demands planning. One of the essential and mandatory migratory requirements is to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Here we explain…
Traveling to Cuba requires more than just a desire for sun and rhythm; it also demands planning. One of the essential and mandatory migratory requirements is to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. Here we explain everything you need to know to meet this requirement and travel with peace of mind.
Travel Insurance for Cuba: Mandatory Requirement [2024]
Is travel insurance mandatory to enter Cuba?
Yes, travel insurance with medical coverage is a mandatory entry requirement imposed by the Cuban government on all foreign travelers and non-resident Cubans visiting the island. This measure aims to ensure that visitors can access medical care if necessary, without burdening the country's healthcare system. Immigration authorities at entry points, such as airports, may request proof of your insurance policy, so it is essential to carry it with you, either printed or in digital format.
The importance of complying with this requirement is not limited to entry alone. Imagine you are in the middle of your vacation and suffer an accident or a sudden illness; without adequate insurance, the costs of medical care in clinics for tourists can be surprisingly high. Baraglo ensures that you will be covered, avoiding unexpected financial imbalances. Purchasing your insurance in advance not only offers peace of mind but also better value, as shown by the cost comparison: insurance purchased at the Cuban airport can cost twice as much and cover half as much as a Baraglo Standard Plan purchased in advance.
If you do not present valid travel insurance upon arrival in Cuba, authorities have the power to oblige you to purchase a policy directly at the airport. This policy will be provided by ASISTUR, the Cuban insurance company, and will generally be more expensive and have more limited coverage compared to options you can choose before your trip. To avoid setbacks and unnecessary expenses, it is ideal to travel with your Baraglo insurance already purchased and its documents at hand.
Essential Coverages for Your Medical Insurance in Cuba
When selecting your travel insurance for Cuba, it is crucial that it not only meets the mandatory requirement but also offers robust protection. At Baraglo, we have analyzed the needs of our travelers and the particularities of the healthcare system in Cuba to recommend the most important coverages.
Medical assistance for illness or accident
This is the core coverage for your trip to Cuba. While the minimum requirement is usually accessible, we strongly recommend a substantial coverage of at least USD 35,000 (equivalent to our Standard Plan). Why so high? In Cuba, tourists are treated in 'international clinics' with costs in dollars, separate from the local system. Insurance with robust coverage is crucial to avoid exorbitant debts for an emergency, from a simple consultation or medication to hospitalization or emergency surgery, so it is vital to be well protected.
Medical and funerary repatriation
This coverage, although it may seem grim, is one of the most important and expensive to cover privately. In the event of a serious medical emergency requiring your transfer to your home country, or in the unfortunate event of death, the logistical costs of repatriation from Cuba can be very high. Good travel insurance will cover these expenses, providing peace of mind to your family and to you.
Baggage coverage
Unforeseen baggage incidents are more common than we would like. Lost, stolen, or delayed luggage can ruin the start of your trip. Insurance with baggage coverage will compensate you for the loss of your belongings or help you cover the cost of essential items if your suitcase is delayed, allowing you to continue enjoying Cuba.
Trip cancellation or interruption
Nobody wants their travel plans to change, but life is full of surprises. Justified reasons such as serious illness, the death of a close family member, or even work-related issues, can force you to cancel or interrupt your trip. This coverage protects your investment, reimbursing you for non-recoverable expenses for tickets and accommodation, allowing you to reschedule without significant financial losses.
Baraglo Plans Recommended for Your Trip to Cuba
At Baraglo, we have designed international travel assistance plans that not only comply with the mandatory travel insurance for Cuba but exceed it, providing you with the peace of mind and financial support you need. We offer options that adjust to different budgets and needs, always with an excellent quality-price ratio.
| Baraglo Plan |
Medical Coverage |
Estimated Price Per Day (USD) |
Highlighted Features |
| Standard |
USD 35,000 |
$4.99 |
Ideal coverage for meeting the Cuban requirement and an excellent base of protection. Includes medical assistance for accident/illness, repatriation, and baggage coverage. |
| Essential Plus |
USD 50,000 |
$5.29 |
Extended coverage for those seeking greater peace of mind. Increases medical assistance limits and other benefits, maintaining an excellent cost-benefit ratio. |
| Premium |
USD 100,000 |
$8.99 |
Maximum protection for demanding travelers. Offers the highest coverage limits in all areas, including trip cancellation and sports injury coverage. |
For your trip to Cuba, Baraglo's Standard Plan is the ideal starting point. With USD 35,000 in medical coverage, you not only meet the mandatory requirement but also get robust protection for most eventualities without unbalancing your budget. However, if you seek even greater peace of mind, the Essential Plus and Premium plans offer higher limits that shield you against any exceptional situation.
It is important to note that all our plans include: 24/7 assistance in Spanish, so you always have help available regardless of the time or place; medical and funerary repatriation coverage, fundamental in the Cuban context; and the certainty that your policy will be accepted by Cuban authorities without objections. Furthermore, the ease of quoting your travel insurance here and purchasing it online will save you time and worries before your departure.
How does medical assistance for tourists in Cuba work?
Understanding the Cuban healthcare system for tourists is fundamental to knowing how to act in case of an emergency. Cuba operates a dual healthcare system: one for its citizens, which is free and universal, and another, fee-based, for foreign visitors. The latter is primarily managed through the network of international clinics and hospitals of Corporación Servicios Médicos S.A. (Servimed), designed specifically to serve tourists and foreign residents.
Step by step: what to do in case of a medical emergency?
- Contact Baraglo Immediately: The first and most important thing is to call the emergency number on your Baraglo policy. Our multilingual assistance team is available 24/7. Explain the situation in detail.
- Coordination of Care: The Baraglo team will coordinate your care. They will tell you which international medical center (Servimed clinic or hospital) you should go to, or, if the situation requires it, they will send medical assistance to your location.
- Direct Payment Management: One of the biggest advantages of having Baraglo insurance is that, in most cases, we manage direct payment with the medical institution. This means you won't have to pay large sums of money out of your pocket at the time of the emergency, avoiding financial worries during such a delicate moment.
It is crucial to highlight the advantage of having insurance like Baraglo's, which has experience and a contact network to deal directly with these clinics to prevent the traveler from having to pay large sums of money, which they would then have to claim for reimbursement, a process that can be tedious and prolonged.
Staff at these international clinics are usually bilingual and accustomed to dealing with tourists. The costs of services, consultations, examinations, and treatments are charged in foreign currency (USD or EUR), which underscores the need for adequate medical coverage, such as that offered by our Standard Plan of USD 35,000, to ensure you receive the best care without financial concerns.
Other Entry Requirements for Cuba for Latin Americans
In addition to mandatory medical insurance, Latin American travelers must meet other requirements to enter Cuba. Ensuring you have everything in order before traveling will avoid setbacks at the border.
Valid passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Cuba. This is a standard requirement for most international travel.
Tourist visa (tourist card)
The vast majority of Latin American countries require a tourist visa to enter Cuba. In Cuba's case, this visa is commonly known as a "Tourist Card." It is a separate document from your passport and should NOT be confused with the travel insurance for Europe that some countries do require to visit the Schengen area. The Tourist Card is relatively easy to obtain: you can purchase it at the Cuban consulate in your country, through the airline you are traveling with, or through authorized travel agencies. Make sure to acquire it before your flight, as it is not issued upon arrival at the Cuban airport in most cases.
D'viajeros form
This is a mandatory digital requirement for all Cuban and international travelers. To enter Cuba, in addition to medical insurance, travelers from Latin America must present the digital D'Viajeros form, completed within 48 hours prior to the flight. This form collects health, migratory, and customs information, streamlining entry processes into the country. You must complete it online through the official portal enabled by the Cuban government. Once completed, you will receive a QR code that you must present to authorities upon arrival in Cuba.
Return ticket and accommodation reservation
Cuban authorities usually request an outbound ticket, proving that your stay will be temporary. It is also advisable to have proof of your accommodation reservation, at least for the first few nights, whether in a hotel, guesthouse, or any other type of lodging.
Complying with all these requirements, along with your Baraglo travel insurance, will guarantee a smooth entry into Cuba and allow you to enjoy its charms from the very first moment.
Don't leave your trip's safety to chance. Get a quote for your travel insurance for Cuba with Baraglo today and travel protected, meeting all requirements and with the peace of mind of being backed by experts.
Frequently asked questions
How much does travel insurance for Cuba cost?
The cost of travel insurance for Cuba depends on the duration of the trip and the coverage. With Baraglo, you can get a recommended plan like the Standard, with USD 35,000 of coverage, from approximately $4.99 USD per day, meeting all requirements.
What happens if I travel to Cuba without medical insurance?
If you arrive in Cuba without valid travel insurance, immigration authorities will require you to purchase a policy from the state-owned company ASISTUR at the airport itself. These policies are usually more expensive and offer more limited coverage than those you can purchase in advance.
Is my credit card insurance enough for Cuba?
Generally, no. Credit card insurance usually has very low medical coverage, does not cover repatriation, and operates on reimbursement, which would require you to pay all costs out of pocket in Cuba. Specific travel insurance, such as those offered by Baraglo, is essential.
Citizens of which Latin American countries need insurance for Cuba?
All foreign travelers, without exception of nationality, need travel insurance with medical coverage to enter Cuba. This is a universal requirement imposed by the Cuban government.
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