Cuba  travel insurance

Cuba and compulsory travel insurance

Mandatory travel cover for entry

In May 2010, the Cuban Government declared that all travellers to Cuba must have travel insurance in order to enter the country. While it's always a good idea to have travel insurance wherever you go, you won't get into Cuba without it. Your policy must have sufficient medical and repatriation benefits, and spot checks are conducted at the airport during the customs and immigration processes.

If you don't have travel insurance, or your travel insurance doesn't meet their standards, you'll be required to buy a policy from Cuba's tourist assistance company, Asistur. This will only include medical benefits, and not the full suite of cancellation and luggage cover from an Australian brand. If you refuse to have any travel insurance, you'll likely be deported.

American underwriters 

Due to US embargoes and sanctions on Cuba, American insurance companies or Australian brands underwritten by American underwriters may not cover travellers to Cuba. Generally speaking, if an insurer can't pay claims to Cuba, it won't appear in their destinations lists or searches. In order to get around the sanctions and cover travellers, some brands offer a 'Worldwide' policy when you type in Cuba - but we highly recommend giving them a call to confirm that they will cover Cuba under a Worldwide policy (conditions can change quickly, so always check before you buy). 

why you need travel cover in Cuba

Travel insurance is a must for every holiday, but it's in Cuba, it's legally mandatory. Additionally, there are some issues specific to travelling Cuba you may need to watch out for.

Food poisoning, typhoid and hepatitis 

Central and South America can have different food handling standards than what you are used to, and there is a risk of contaminated food or water, particularly if purchased from the street or in less metropolitan areas. The medical coverage on travel insurance can cover for hospital stays, evacuation to Australia if medically-necessary, and even flying a family member to be with you if you're a solo traveller. 

Rabies

If you're hiking or heading to rural areas, there is the risk of rabies-infected animals. Again, the medical cover from your comprehensive travel insurance can help here, particularly with the cost of expensive post-exposure shots if you are bitten.

Cuba's dangerous roads

Signage is poor and traffic lights are incredibly uncommon in Cuba, and roads are shared with pedestrians, bicycles, bicitaxis (bicycle taxis), cars and even horse-drawn carriages. Additionally, once you're off the main road, you'll find road conditions can be atrocious and most taxi drivers are unlicensed. Having travel insurance in Cuba can help cover you if you're injured or your luggage is damaged in an accident.

Pickpocketing, theft or assault

Of all the countries is South and Central America, Cuba is often regarded as one of the safest and friendliest. A cultural push away from consumerism and wealth-hoarding means that everyone is Cuba has enough, but not much more than that. This means that compared to many countries, you're less likely to be robbed or pickpocketed (you may face haggling or scams though). With increasing western influence, pickpocketing and thefts are becoming more common, so having cover for yourself and your items can be a smart choice.

Lost or delayed luggage

Cuba operates on 'Cuba time', and lost, delayed or broken into luggage is not uncommon. A comprehensive travel insurance policy includes cover for baggage delays and lost or stolen items. You can learn more about making a travel insurance claim here.

Cuba's hurricane season

Hurricane season occurs between June and November, and is typically of most concern during mid-August to October. Provided you purchase comprehensive travel cover before a hurricane or potential hurricane is widely published, you'd be covered if your trip is cancelled or your flights are delayed due to bad weather or natural disasters.

scams in cuba

While most comprehensive travel insurance policies include cover for theft of cash from your person, or for fraudulent activity on your credit card, 

Cuba Milk Powder Scam

A scammer, typically a woman and often holding a baby will ask unsuspecting tourists to buy a bag of milk powder from a nearby shop for their starving baby. After it's been paid for and the tourist has left, the woman and the shop owner will split the money, and the bag will go back on the next kindhearted stranger.

Cuban Cigar Scam

If someone is offering you cigars from the street, chances are they are fakes or rejects, or in poor condition. Instead, head to the official shops called La Casa de Habanos. They really aren't particularly expensive, and make great gifts or souvenirs. 

Money Changing Scams

There are two currencies in Cuba, the CUC (convertible peso) and CUP (national peso). The CNP is popularly used in more rural areas, and by locals. The CUC is the currency used by tourists, and the currency most transactions will be conducted within the bars, restaurants, hotels, and Casas in the major cities. This currency is worth about 24 times the CNP - which is a fact scammers will take advantage of. Make sure you check your change is in CUC, not CNP. 

Casa Scams

The Cuban Government regulates a kind of nationalised Airbnb, called Casa Particulares, whereby locals can rent out rooms or apartments to holidaymakers, which the government inspects to make sure it's safe and clean. If someone offers to let you stay in their Casa, but it doesn't have the blue T white background sign, chances are it's not regulated and may be unsafe. Additionally, scammers mimic real Casa owners, and wait outside the airport with offers to take you to their Casa, only to take you to someone else's house and demand a finder's fee which will then be passed on to you. Organising your accommodation before you arrive via a listing site can help. We've used this Casa Particulares site before - just be sure to book a week or two in advance, as the Internet is limited in Cuba, and it may take a few days to hear back. 

choosing the right travel insurance for cuba

Not sure how to choose the best travel insurance for your trip? Here are a few things to watch out for:

Single trip or multi-trip

If you're only doing one trip this year, a single trip policy may be the cheapest and best option for you, whereas if you're going on multiple vacations in a twelve month period (to Cuba or to other destinations), then an annual travel insurance may less expensive than several single trip policies, and more convenient. This will depend on which destinations you're going to, how many trips you're going on, how long those trips will be, and how old you are. In some cases, having a few single trips might work out to be cheaper - so shop around and compare travel insurance quotes.

Medical-only or comprehensive

Are you just looking for the medical cover mandatory for Cuba, or are you looking for something a little more comprehensive, which covers for lost luggage, flight delays, natural disasters, and family emergencies? 

Pre-existing conditions

If you're got a pre-existing medical condition, make sure that you declare it on your policy. Some insurers don't offer this functionality, and will exclude all claims related to your condition. Check out our guide if you're not sure which insurers offer travel insurance for pre-existing medical condition cover.

Optional add-ons

Going on a cruise to Cuba? What about doing adventure activities like scuba diving or hiking? Are you bringing high-value cameras or laptops? Make sure your policy covers them, and understand whether they are automatically covered, or you need to buy an optional add-on.