7 Things to Know About Travel Insurance for Cuba from the US

7 Things to Know About Travel Insurance for Cuba from the US

1. It's mandatory.

According to the Cuban government, every US traveller must have medical insurance. This is a legal requirement for admission, not only advice. When you turn there, you might be requested to present evidence of insurance. Should you be unable, you may have to pay for a policy from Asistur, the Cuban state's corporation, at the airport, which would have restricted coverage and be more costly than making an advance purchase of a plan.

2. US airlines often include it in the ticket price.

If you fly straight from the US to Cuba on a big carrier like United, Delta, American Airlines, or Southwest, basic medical insurance is usually included in your ticket price. Often, your boarding permit is proof of insurance. Keep it with you all through your vacation. Check with your airline whether insurance is included for flights from other countries.

3. Asistur is the primary provider for US airlines.

Cuban company Asistur provides most US airline-included insurance policies. These usually cover emergency medical expenses up to a particular amount (usually around $25,000) and medical evacuation up to a lower limit (usually around $7,000). This coverage is applicable only for the dates of your stay. One should verify the precise limits with the chosen airline.

4. You can buy additional coverage.

Should the basic coverage prove insufficient, many websites suggest getting a more all-encompassing policy from a US travel insurance provider such as Allianz or another. This insurance can provide higher coverage limits, trip interruption protection, baggage loss coverage, and coverage for pre-existing conditions.

5. Even with insurance, you'll likely pay upfront.

Even with insurance, medical treatment in Cuba frequently calls for upfront payment. You might have to pay out-of-pocket and claim reimbursement when you go home. Although some insurers have agreements with particular facilities for direct billing, be sure your insurance provider confirms this before your travel.

6. US-based insurance often isn't accepted directly.

Long-standing US embargo will prevent many Cuban medical facilities from directly accepting US-based insurance cards or paying claims on medical bills. This is among the intricacies of US-Cuba relations. As indicated in the given materials, it is changing; still, it is advisable to be aware of it. This is why it is essential to have a travel insurance policy tailored for Cuba from a US provider.

7. Consider specific activities and needs.

Make sure your policy covers adventure pursuits such as hiking or scuba diving. Specific basic rules forbid hazardous pursuits. If you already have medical conditions, carefully review policy exclusions and consider getting a plan that covers acute onsets of pre-existing conditions. Your coverage should be specifically tailored to your travel schedule.