Holiday Insurance for Cuba

Mandatory Insurance Requirements for Cuba

Unlike many other destinations, Cuba has a legal requirement for all foreign visitors to hold valid travel insurance. Upon arrival, authorities may ask to see your policy certificate or a physical document proving you have medical cover. If you cannot provide this, you will be required to purchase a policy from the local Cuban provider, Asistur, which often provides less comprehensive cover than UK-based policies. It is essential to ensure your provider is not a US-based company, as American sanctions can sometimes prevent these insurers from facilitating payments or providing assistance within Cuba.

• Carry a printed copy of your insurance certificate in English and Spanish if possible.
• Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies and repatriation to the UK.
• Check that your insurer is not a subsidiary of a US-owned corporation.
• Keep the 24-hour emergency assistance number saved in your phone.
• Verify that the policy dates cover your entire stay from departure to return.

What is Covered by a Standard Policy

A standard policy for a trip to Cuba focuses heavily on medical emergencies and logistical disruptions. Because the healthcare system for tourists is separate from that used by locals, costs can be high for private treatment. Most policies will cover emergency surgery, hospital stays, and the cost of an air ambulance if you need to be moved to a different facility or returned to the UK. Additionally, you will typically find cover for travel delays, lost baggage, and legal expenses, which is vital given the unique administrative environment in Cuba.

• Emergency medical treatment in designated tourist hospitals.
• Emergency medical repatriation back to the United Kingdom.
• Cancellation or curtailment due to unforeseen illness or bereavement.
• Loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings and baggage.
• Personal liability cover for accidental damage or injury to others.
• Cover for missed departures due to public transport failure.

Common Exclusions and Limitations

While holiday insurance for Cuba is comprehensive, there are specific exclusions that UK travellers must be aware of to avoid claim rejection. Most policies will not pay out for incidents involving alcohol or drug misuse, which is a standard clause across the industry. Furthermore, if you travel against the advice of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), your insurance will likely be void. It is also important to note that many standard policies do not cover high-risk activities like scuba diving or moped riding unless you pay an additional premium.

Typical Costs and Pricing Factors

The cost of holiday insurance for Cuba is influenced by several factors, including the length of your stay and your age. Because Cuba is outside of Europe, it falls under 'World Zone 1' or 'World Zone 2' for most UK insurers, which is more expensive than European cover but often cheaper than policies including the USA. On average, a one-week policy for a healthy adult in 2026 starts from approximately £25, though this increases significantly if you require cover for pre-existing medical conditions or cruise extensions.

Choosing the Right Policy for Your Trip

When selecting your cover, you must decide between a single-trip policy and an annual multi-trip policy. If you plan to visit other long-haul destinations within 12 months, the annual option often provides better value. For Cuba specifically, you should look for 'Worldwide excluding USA, Canada, and Caribbean' or 'Worldwide' categories, depending on how your specific insurer groups their regions. Always read the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) to confirm that the medical limit is at least £2 million, which is the baseline recommended by many UK travel experts.

Declaring Pre-existing Medical Conditions

It is vital to be honest about your medical history when applying for holiday insurance for Cuba. Failure to declare a condition, such as asthma, diabetes, or high blood pressure, can lead to a claim being denied, even if the claim is unrelated to that condition. Specialist insurers are available for those with more complex health needs, ensuring that you are still protected while abroad. The Cuban authorities require that your insurance is 'valid', and a policy that is voided due to non-disclosure does not meet their legal entry requirements.

• Declare every condition for which you have taken medication in the last 2 years.
• Include conditions currently under investigation by your GP or a specialist.
• Check if your policy covers the loss of essential prescription medication.
• Ensure your travelling companions are linked to your medical declaration if necessary.
• Update your insurer if your health changes between booking and flying.

Evidence and Making a Claim

If you need to make a claim while in Cuba, the process requires strict documentation. You must contact your insurer's medical emergency line as soon as possible before agreeing to any major treatments. Cuban hospitals will often require proof of payment or a guarantee from your insurer before discharging you. Always keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses, such as taxi fares to the hospital or emergency prescriptions, and obtain a police report within 24 hours if you are claiming for stolen items.

FCDO Advice and Regulatory Context

The FCDO provides regular updates on safety, security, and entry requirements for Cuba. Following their advice is not just a safety recommendation but a condition of your insurance policy. In the UK, travel insurance is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and if you feel a claim has been handled unfairly, you have the right to take your case to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). Note that the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is not valid in Cuba, as it only applies to the EU and specific countries with reciprocal agreements.