New travel Rule to Cuba

[El Presidente]

INFORMATION FOR TRAVELERS TO CUBA

The Government of Cuba decided last February 16, that all travelers, foreign and Cubans living abroad, coming to the island from May 1, 2010 and thereafter shall take out a medical insurance policy.

To meet such requirement, travelers shall have a travel insurance which covers medical expenses or a policy for medical expenses with coverage in Cuba.

The insurance policy should be taken out at the home country of departure. Travelers, who, exceptionally, do not have insurance at arrival, could take out a policy of insurance and assistance from Cuban insurance companies at the airport, port or marina. (See policy attached)

Travel insurance from Cuban insurance companies and most international insurance companies receive travel assistance services in Cuba from Asistur S.A, available 24 hours all year round.

Experience shows that over 80% of visitors to Cuba have insurance coverage, from companies at their countries of origin covering their medical expenses in Cuba.

Residents in the United States traveling to Cuba will have to take out their insurance policy at their home country of departure from Cuban insurance companies. The arrangement shall be made through agencies associated with Havantur-Celimar Company. US insurance companies do not provide coverage in the Cuban national territory.

Upon demand after their arrival, travelers shall present a policy, insurance certificate or travelling assistance card valid for the time span they will stay in Cuba.

Visitors to Cuba will not only find the natural beauty of the island and the proverbial hospitality of its people, but also absolute safety, which includes, of course, welfare and health. In case of any medical emergency, the Cuban health system guarantees the necessary medical care through a network of policlinics and hospitals, covering every corner of the island. Primary health care is provided in most of hotel facilities.

For more information when planning your trip to Cuba please, visit our web site or any Cuba embassy or consulate next to you, or any Cuban Tourism Office.

[JoshMP]

bump

[LeafLover]

This looks and sounds like a little bit of a shake down? I could be wrong.

[Onsto]

This looks and sounds like a little bit of a shake down? I could be wrong.

The 25 CUC departure fee is a shakedown. This on the other hand is just good sense for a country that has a free universal healthcare system.

[gammon]

This seem to be aimed at the Cubanos who return from the United States and other countries and get free medical services.

The cubanos who leave Cuba must return to the country every eleven months to keep their status and continue to own/live in their homes given to them by the govenment, or they will loose it.

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[bassman]

The 25 CUC departure fee is a shakedown. This on the other hand is just good sense for a country that has a free universal healthcare system.

Every Latin country I've visited has an airport departure tax. Within the past 10 years or so to streamline things, it is included in your ticket price instead of being paid separately.

And travel insurance is a good idea. At least in the USA, most health insurance doesn't cover medical expenses in foreign countries.

[El Presidente]

I think it is a good policy. I would recommend a travel Insurance policy with no US Corporate attachment, just in case it is deemed by Cuban Customs not to be enforceable/claimable and hence acceptable.

[Jesuscookies]

I think it is a good policy. I would recommend a travel Insurance policy with no US Corporate attachment, just in case it is deemed by Cuban Customs not to be enforceable/claimable and hence acceptable.

So says the guy with slippery loafers.

[El Presidente]

So says the guy with slippery loafers.

it helps if you know the head nurse

[chuck1rar]

Those of us who use AMEX and have automatic coverage..

Not sure how this would work as there is no attached policy or anything to show at customs.

Anyone familiar with AMEX coverage care to comment?

[El Presidente]

Those of us who use AMEX and have automatic coverage..

Not sure how this would work as there is no attached policy or anything to show at customs.

Anyone familiar with AMEX coverage care to comment?

I will try to find out for you but I would not want to be in a position at Cuban Customs stating your "American Express" policy covers insurance. At least not in the short term.

They tick boxes. Produce a policy.

[skindiver]

I will try to find out for you but I would not want to be in a position at Cuban Customs stating your "American Express" policy covers insurance. At least not in the short term.

They tick boxes. Produce a policy.

American Express is expressly not accepted in Cuba. Kinda like the Wizard told the Cowardly Lion, not no way, no how, not ever!

As a US Citizen, I'm signing up for Michael Moore's "Sicko" Insurance Plan- it allows you access to best medical care in Cuba and you never have to see the rest.