Cuba to require medical insurance for visitors

[Jimmy2]

HAVANA, March 6 (Reuters) - Cash-strapped Cuba will require visitors to buy health insurance if they want to enter the country, according to a new government measure disclosed on Saturday.

Under the measure, which takes effect in May, the insurance will be sold by foreign companies approved by the Cuban government or by Cuban firms at ports of entry to the communist-led island, the government said in the online edition of Cuba's Official Gazette.

The measure decrees that tourists, foreigners with temporary residence in Cuba and Cubans living abroad who return to visit will have to be insured.

It exempts diplomats and representatives of accredited international organizations. The cost of the insurance was not disclosed.

Cuba prides itself on having a strong healthcare system, which is provided free to its citizens and at low costs to foreigners.

But the island has been hit hard by the global recession and is looking for new sources of revenue to boost its depleted financial reserves.

Tourism is one of Cuba's main sources of income. In 2009, 2.42 million people visited the island.

[El Presidente]

it was probably my fault

For my small stitching in havana 10 days ago. Hospital visit, doctor + nurse + an hour of their time+ stitches, pads, set of sterilized equipment+ antibiotics, painkillers and anti inflation drugs (each for 7 days) + follow up visit to neurosurgeon = a total of $60.

[OZCUBAN]

I would consider that a bargain you would not get the treatment you received for that much over here

Cheers

OZ

[toto]

it was probably my fault

For my small stitching in havana 10 days ago. Hospital visit, doctor + nurse + an hour of their time+ stitches, pads, set of sterilized equipment+ antibiotics, painkillers and anti inflation drugs (each for 7 days) + follow up visit to neurosurgeon = a total of $60.

Gotta send them anti-inflation drugs to the USA to battle the economy. Over there they only have anti-inflammation drugs. LOL.

Me thinks Rob may still be a card short of a deck due to the fall.

T in C prez!

[thechenman]

I think a third rate veterinarian in the states would charge you multiples of that just to look at your head...

[Habanos2000]

I'd have to buy insurance?!? That's it, I'm not going now!!