Cuba: Health Screening At Entry Ports

Mandatory International Medical and Travel Insurance For Cuba

You must take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance before you travel to Cuba. You will be expected to present your insurance policy on arrival in Cuba.

To control the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, Cuban authorities are carrying out chemical fumigation measures across the island. The chemicals used may cause some discomfort if you come into contact with them.

Medical facilities in Havana are better than elsewhere in Cuba, but you may need to be medically evacuated if you need specialist care. This can be very expensive. If you need medical treatment you - or your insurance company - will be expected to pay in hard currency before your departure. A basic hospital stay can cost as much as £200 per day plus medical expenses. Psychiatric care facilities for foreigners are extremely limited and difficult to access. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Many medicines are unavailable in Cuba. You should bring any prescription drugs you take regularly. A copy of the prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your condition may be helpful at customs.

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Cuba. For more details about this outbreak, see the website of the National Health Network and Centre. Dengue fever is also present in Cuba. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Cases of cholera were reported in parts of the country in 2015.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, you can contact one of the International clinics located in the majority of tourist areas across the island. In Havana, the Cira Garcia Clinic - Calle 20 No 4101 y Avenida 41, Playa on tel: 204 2811 (+ Ext 445 to request an ambulance) - offers such facilities to foreign nationals. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Mandatory International Medical and Travel Insurance For Cuba

You must take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance before you travel to Cuba. You will be expected to present your insurance policy on arrival in Cuba.