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Travel insurance for Cuba

To get into Cuba, you’ll need travel insurance. The country insists tourists have it in place, and you’ll need to prove you’re covered once you land.

If you’re found without insurance, you could be denied entry. 

Compare quotes now to find a great deal in minutes, or read on for more Cuba travel insurance advice.

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What type of travel insurance do I need for Cuba?

Cuba doesn’t insist you have a specific type of travel insurance in place, just that you’re covered.

There are several policy types to choose from, including:

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Single trip travel insurance

Covers you for a single trip to a single destination. You’ll need to specify where you’re travelling when you get a quote. Policies last up to a month, and cover you from the date you take them out until you arrive home.

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Family travel insurance

Covers your whole family on a single policy. You can usually cover 1 to 2 adults, and up to 8 children on a single policy. Once a child turns 18, they’ll need their own policy though. It’s available as a single or multi-trip policy.

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Multi trip travel insurance

Covers you for an unlimited number of trips over the course of a few weeks or even months. You’ll be able to travel and return home as many times as you like for as long as your policy lasts, which could be up to 18 months.

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Long stay travel insurance

Covers you for an extended stay of up to 18 months. You’ll be able to travel to multiple destinations on the same policy, as long as you specify these when you get a quote. Your cover ends when you return home.

What else do I need to enter Cuba?

As well as travel insurance, to get into Cuba you’ll need:

  • A Tourist Visa: Also known as a tourist card, these are available from the Cuban embassy in London. They start at around £27. If you’re booking through a travel agent or tour operator, they may be able to help you apply for one.
  • A health declaration form: Known as a Jurada de Sanidad. You’ll need to fill this in online 48 hours before you fly. You’ll be asked about your Covid vaccination status, any other vaccinations you’ve had recently, and your general health. 

What else do I need to know about travelling to Cuba?

You can't fly to Cuba from USA

Due to historically frosty relations between Cuba and the US, flying direct from the USA to Cuba isn’t allowed, unless for specific business reasons. So if you’re planning a multi-stop trip, keep this in mind.

Travelling to Cuba invalidates Estas

An Esta is a quicker, cheaper version of a Visa. As the US declared Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism in 2021, visiting Cuba waives your right to an Esta. To enter the US after visiting Cuba, you’ll need a full visa.

Your phone may not work

Cuban authorities may ask you to disable GPS on your phone while you're in the country, and your mobile internet is unlikely to work. Even if it does work, signal is likely to be very poor. This can make navigation difficult.

Cuba restricts imports

Cuba prohibits the import of all meat and fruit. Medication is also controlled, and you may need proof of a valid prescription to get it through customs. Drones are also not permitted, and may be confiscated.

What our travel insurance expert says:

"Cuba’s entry requirements might be a bit stricter than you’re used to, so make sure you’re clued up on what you need before you set off. Insurance, tourist cards and health declarations are all legal requirements for entry, so get these sorted well ahead of time.

And it’s good to have a plan in place for how you’re going to pay for things, as you can’t buy Cuban money outside the country."

How can I pay for things in Cuba?

Many places will not accept card payments in Cuba, as internet access is limited.

Cuba’s currency is the Cuban Peso, but you can’t buy this outside of the country. You can exchange GBP for it within Cuba, but you can’t change it back, so be very careful about how much you swap.

Some places, especially tourist areas, accept US Dollars and Euros as currency, so taking these with you can be a good idea.

ATMs exist, but are limited. Depending on who you bank with, you may be able to withdraw Cuban Pesos from these, but check before you fly.

How much is travel insurance for Cuba?

Travel insurance policies for Cuba start from:

£18.20*

*Cheapest policy available for a 30 year old with no medical conditions travelling to Cuba for 7 nights with no policy add-ons selected. Prices correct as of 15/08/2023.

Travel insurance policies for Cuba start from £18.20*.

You may pay more for your cover than this due to your unique risk profile. This is based on things like when you're travelling, how long you're staying for and whether you have any medical conditions.

If you find the quotes you're receiving are a little too high, there are a few things you can do that may bring your prices down:

Pick the right policy: Travelling as a family? Staying for a month or longer? Then family travel insurance or a long stay policy might work out cheaper than a single policy.

Limit your add-ons: Gadget cover can be useful, but if you're not travelling with any pricey electronics then it may add to the price of your policy without benefitting you in any real way. Think about the add-ons you really need before getting a quote.

Change your excess: The amount you agree to pay towards the cost of a claim can influence the price of your policy. Opting to pay a little more could bring the cost of your policy down.

*Cheapest policy available for a 30 year old with no medical conditions travelling to Cuba for 7 nights with no policy add-ons selected. Prices correct as of 15/08/2023.

What will my travel insurance cover?

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Exactly what your insurance covers differs from insurer to insurer, but most policies will cover:

  • Medical treatment costs, including medicines
  • Personal possessions for damage, loss or theft
  • Repatriation costs to fly you home if you’re seriously ill
  • Cancellations of flights or accommodation
  • Legal expenses for issues specified in your policy
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Most policies come with exclusions too. In most cases you won't be covered for:

  • Alcohol and drugs related incidents
  • Travelling against FCDO advice
  • Natural disasters like hurricanes and tsunamis
  • Pre-existing conditions you failed to declare
  • Extreme sports without adventure travel insurance

What is healthcare like in Cuba?

Cuba is a risk zone for:


Zika Virus


Dengue Fever


Yellow fever


Chikungunya Virus

While it’s fairly reliable in Havana, healthcare can be of lower quality outside of the capital.

Even within Havana, medical facilities can be fairly limited. For serious medical conditions, you may need to be flown home for treatment, which can be very expensive.

Other procedures can also be expensive, and many healthcare facilities will insist on payment before you're discharged. If this is the case for you, contact your insurer to see if they can cover your care costs immediately. If they can't you may have to cover them yourself, until you're able to make a claim once you return home.  

It's also worth keeping in mind that Cuba is a risk zone for several serious diseases. It's advised you get vacicnated for these, as your travel insurance may not cover you if you need treatment for a preventable disease.

Are there any Covid restrictions in Cuba?

While you no longer need to provide a negative PCR test to get into Cuba, there are some restrictions to be aware of.

Check the TravelHealthPro website before flying to see exactly what the current Covid situation is.

  • You can be tested at random: Medical teams based in hotels and campsites may check the health of guests, including their covid status. If you test positive, you may be required to isolate in a ‘hotel hospital’. If you’re staying in a private home, you may have to isolate there until you test negative.

     

  • Masks are required: In July 2022, Cuba reintroduced mandatory use of face masks on public transport and in some common areas like hotel lobbies and airport terminals. These, as well as hand sanitiser, can be difficult to come by in Cuba, so taking them with you is advised.

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