Cuba (CU)
Cuba is a unique socialist island nation of 11 million people in the Caribbean — a country of vintage American cars, world-famous cigars, Havana salsa, colonial architecture, and extraordinary natural beauty.
Insurance Guide
Which insurances you actually need in Cuba, prioritised.
Insurance in Cuba is dominated by state-owned ESICUBA (formerly Seguros La Habana) and its subsidiary Asistur S.A. which handles tourist assistance. Travel/health insurance is mandatory for entry to Cuba since November 2010 — Cuban immigration officers may request proof of coverage on arrival. The most critical coverage for any expat is comprehensive international health insurance with emergency medical evacuation, as serious medical cases often require evacuation to Miami or Mexico City. US-issued insurance policies typically cannot cover Cuba due to OFAC embargo regulations — US travellers must use non-US insurers.
Legally Mandatory
- - Travel/health insurance for entry to Cuba (since November 2010) — must be valid for the entire stay and explicitly cover Cuba
- - Third-party motor insurance for driving — included in CUBACAR/REX rental rates
Asistur Cuba Tourist Insurance
Basic travel and medical insurance for tourists. Covers medical up to $25,000–$50,000 USD, hospitalization, repatriation, and baggage. Can be purchased at José Martí Airport on arrival.
Who needs it: All tourists entering Cuba — mandatory for entry. Available at the airport if you arrive without coverage.
Annual cost: $2–5 USD/day ($60–150 USD/month)
This is the minimum acceptable coverage. For serious medical events requiring evacuation, the coverage limits are insufficient. Supplement with additional international health insurance for longer stays.
International Health Insurance (Long-Stay)
Comprehensive health insurance for long-stay expats. Covers medical treatment at Servimed Cira García and international facilities, emergency evacuation to USA/Mexico, hospitalization, specialist consultations, prescription medications, and sometimes dental and vision.
Who needs it: Essential for all expats staying more than 30 days. Particularly important for those with pre-existing conditions, families, and older expats.
Annual cost: $800–2,400 USD/year ($66–200 USD/month for a healthy adult)
US citizens CANNOT use US-issued health insurance policies in Cuba (OFAC embargo). US travellers must purchase from a non-US insurer. Verify your policy explicitly includes: (1) Cuba (not excluded), (2) emergency medical evacuation, (3) direct billing at Servimed Cira García Havana. Print your insurance certificate — digital-only copies may not be accepted at Cuban immigration.
Emergency Medical Evacuation
Dedicated emergency medevac coverage for transport to a fully equipped medical facility outside Cuba. Essential for serious cardiac, neurological, oncological, or surgical cases that exceed Cuban hospital capabilities.
Who needs it: All expats, especially those over 50, with pre-existing conditions, or staying long-term outside Havana. Most comprehensive international health plans include this — verify explicitly.
Annual cost: Usually bundled with international health insurance. Standalone evac-only: $200–600 USD/year
Medical evacuation from Cuba typically goes to Miami, Florida (30 min flight) or Cancún/Mexico City (1–2 hours). Ensure your policy covers evacuation from Cuba specifically. Some policies restrict Cuba under OFAC rules — use a non-US insurer to avoid this problem.
Rental Car / Motor Insurance
Third-party liability and comprehensive cover for rental vehicles. Included in CUBACAR and REX rental base rates. Additional comprehensive cover available at extra daily cost.
Who needs it: All drivers renting cars in Cuba — mandatory, included in rental.
Annual cost: Included in car hire: $15–25 USD/day for basic coverage. Additional comprehensive: $10–20 USD/day extra
Cuban rental car insurance frequently excludes windscreen damage, tyre punctures, and theft of personal items from the vehicle. Do NOT move a vehicle after an accident until PNR (police) arrive — this is legally required and vital for insurance claims. Photograph all pre-existing damage before accepting the vehicle.
Travel Insurance (Trip Cancellation/Delay)
Coverage for trip cancellation, flight delays, baggage loss/delay, and missed connections. Distinct from medical insurance — covers the cost of ruined travel rather than medical treatment.
Who needs it: Recommended for all visitors. Particularly valuable given flight unreliability affecting Cuba routes and the costs of rebooking.
Annual cost: $30–80 USD/month for a comprehensive travel policy with Cuba coverage
Annual multi-trip travel insurance can cover multiple Cuba visits. Ensure Cuba is listed as a covered destination. US citizens: purchase through a non-US insurer. Check that flight cancellation coverage includes Cuban airline (Cubana de Aviación) delays — Cubana has high cancellation rates.
Life Insurance (Home Country)
Life insurance for expats in Cuba must be arranged through your home country insurer. ESICUBA offers life products but these are primarily for Cuban citizens. Ensure your home country life policy explicitly covers you while residing or working in Cuba.
Who needs it: All expats with dependants in their home country or with financial obligations that would require life cover.
Annual cost: Depends on home country policy. Check with your existing insurer whether Cuba is a covered territory.
Some home country life insurers exclude high-risk territories. Cuba is sometimes excluded due to US embargo complications with certain US/US-affiliated insurers. Non-US insurers are more likely to cover Cuba without restriction.
Home Contents Insurance
Coverage for personal belongings in a rented property against theft, fire, and certain water damage. Not widely used by foreign tenants but available through ESICUBA.
Who needs it: Long-term expats with significant personal property in Cuba (electronics, cameras, musical instruments). Useful for diplomatic and professional expats in longer-term rentals.
Annual cost: $100–300 USD/year for basic contents coverage
Most casa particular hosts carry their own property insurance covering the building. Contents insurance covers your personal belongings only. Ensure your home country insurer's policy doesn't already cover international possessions — some UK/EU home policies include 'worldwide contents' coverage.
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Always print your insurance certificate before travelling to Cuba — some immigration officers do not accept digital copies on arrival
Verify your insurer has direct billing with Servimed Cira García clinic in Havana — without this, you pay upfront and claim reimbursement, which requires retaining all receipts
US citizens must use a non-US insurer for all Cuba coverage — US-issued insurance cannot cover Cuba under OFAC regulations; World Nomads, IMG, and SafetyWing are popular non-US options
Confirm emergency medical evacuation is explicitly included — for serious conditions (cardiac, neurological, major surgery), evacuation to Miami or Mexico City may be required
Buy insurance before you leave home, not at the airport — you cannot always get comprehensive coverage after arrival
Check embargo fine print: some "international" insurers are US-affiliated and exclude Cuba despite claiming worldwide coverage
Bring a supply of any prescription medications from home — Cuba has chronic medicine shortages and insurance cannot help if the drug is simply unavailable in the country
Insurance
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