Cuba Still Mum on Travel Insurance
By Circles Robinson
HAVANA TIMES, April 1 — Cuban tourism and health authorities continue to keep potential visitors to the island in the dark about a new travel insurance requirement that takes effect on May 1.
It was announced several weeks ago that visitors, including Cubans living abroad, must either possess a travel health insurance policy with a foreign company approved by Cuba or purchase coverage from a Cuban firm.
Most Havana Times readers agree that a tourist should have health insurance for any treatment needed as a visitor to Cuba, that’s not the issue. However, a lack of information has some people reconsidering their vacations to the island.
The concern is over the lack of information about what foreign companies will be approved and/or the logistics and expense of buying a Cuban travel policy upon arrival. These details have not been forthcoming, creating uncertainty in a competitive tourism industry market.
Read our previous posts on the subject:
Cuba Imposes Health Insurance on Visitors
can you please provide me with the insurance companys on the list of approved firms for Cuba.
thank you
As soon as we see the list we will post it.
Please let me know if the list of approved insurance companies have beed issued by Cuban autorities yet .I have my trip booked May 7th and concern it my insurance company is a part of approved list .
We are still waiting for the Cuban authorities to provide the list. When they do we will post immediately.
In regards to this new medical insurance that is going to be required to enter into cuba. Are you going to list valid Canadian Insurance Companies that cuba does reconize.
I have on one occasion used the excellent services of a Cuban Doctor, including being given an intravenous injection by his nurse. The account was for 56 CUC’s. I had for many years paid an annual premium to the best known travel insurance company in Canada, one that is related to my bank. Although submitting the original account and the excange note from the Cadeca at Jose Marti Airport, the insurance company tried to short change me by $13.68. A lesson in how to lose a good client! But, my premium was well above $2.50 per day (I have excellent health). Let’s face it, travel insurance is VERY profitable and can we really blame Cuba for belatedly jumping on that bandwagon? In 2009 I spent a total of 71 days in Cuba, so the premiums charged by Cuba, would I believe total $178. Do I like it? No! But, it is less than that charged by my former insurance company. Maybe all travellers should campaign against insurance companies rates!
I have organized about 15 study trips to Cuba for groups with up to 34 people. Most of them already has a medical insurance included in their general insurance. If not, they purchase it when buying the flight ticket. Those (very few) who have had to have medical attention in Cuba have paid the bill, the Cuban doctor has signed the form from insurance company and back in Sweden they have got the money back. I think this is how it works for most tourist so instead of complicating things it is just to demand from the visitor that he is insured, like you have to have a visa.But if the real reason for introducing aCuban insurance is a “snatch the cash” as Charles Loman says I think this will have a negative effect on tourism to Cuba. It´s an expensive country for tourist already today.
In our many trips to Cuba our family has always been insured. Initially it was through my employer but now that I’m retired I purchase an annual, 1-year policy allowing us unlimited 2-week trips. The coverage is resonable in cost and well over the top in coverage. Travel to the US has always been my main concern, but it covers us anywhere.
If Cuba is going to insist on coverage from “approved” insurers, then we need to see the list as soon as possible. I cannot afford to buy separate coverage, just because my very reputable insurer is not on some list.
Perhaps Cuba should dispense with the list and simply accept coverage from insurers belonging to some reputable travel industry group.
This ploy is typical of Cuban inefficiency, as the government attempts, yet again, to “snatch the cash.”
If this is not a scam, then, why is the Cuban government doing this? Who has travelled to Cuba and has not paid his bill, when he needed medical attention?
Jessica Pallario a SUNWING representative writes:
“We still haven’t received official notice from the Cuban tourism officials for the time being, it’s our understanding the Cuban Government is planning to introduce a legislative policy that all foreign visitors to Cuba, upon arrival, must produce proof of purchase of a valid travel medical insurance policy. It is also our understanding that should passengers not be in possession of a policy purchased through a recognized insurance provider, they will be permitted to purchase one at the airport in Cuba upon arrival.” (March 30, 2010).
Who will be the arbiter of what companies will be recognized? Who among the Cuban government has travelled to other…