Cuba visitors face new medical insurance rule

[targa88]

Not sure if this has already been posted.

This appeared in the local (Canadian news) - so don't know if applies to other Nationalities...

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/cuba-visitors-face-new-medical-insurance-rule-1.910444

[AlohaStyle]

I know that rule was set up for at least American travelers dating a few years back, but it was rarely enforced, if ever, for what I've heard. I was never asked to show proof but it was required.

Either way, not a big deal as if you get asked, you can easily get a cheap policy on the spot while in Havana.

[El Presidente]

Has been in force for two years now (from memory).

We have been asked at the point of purchasing a visa (be it here or in Mexico). We have not been required to show proof.

When I had to take Nate to hospital in November 2014, they required evidence of medical insurance. However no bill was issued.

[oliverdst]

In my 2 times in Cuba (first in 2010) it was mandatory for Brazilians.

I think the system has improved.

As far as I know the insurance was mandatory and in arrival, if required and you didnt have it, they would ask you to go back to your country.

Now you can buy it if you dont have it.

Huge difference.

[rckymtn22]

Seem to me that the rule was in place in 2009 as we had to have insurance proof then. Haven't been asked for the proof the 2 times I have been there.

[Habana Mike]

Comes with the charter flight tickets in the US, cost built in.

[Guest]

I got asked to show evidence going through Jose Marti in 2014.

[shlomo]

Old news.

[cigcars]

Hmm - wonder what the policy is for us with VA health coverage??

[RijkdeGooier]

As I remember it, the medical insurance requirement has always been in place?

For good reason.

[Ryan]

I know I didn't need it in 2010. Somebody I travelled with had no travel insurance, and we needed it that trip, I mean the use of it.

When I went back in February 2011 I needed it then, I needed it at the embassy here to get my visa.

I can't remember ever having been asked for it at Jose Marti but I always have it with me.

They've even stopped asking me for it at the embassy here.

I get single trip travel/medical insurance for about 40 euros for a trip to Cuba. Well worth it.

I have a feeling the ruling to have insurance for travellers to Cuba came in about March/April 2010.

Edit. Found a news report from the time it came in. Here you go.

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2010/apr/29/travel-insurance-warning-cuba-visitors

[mikemerry]

Old news and you only need proof if asked. Usually the travel agent will request/notify when booking

[Baldy]

That article was posted April 30, 2010 and finally made it to your local? Hot damn they are slow.

[oliverdst]

I insist that now the difference is that you can acquire it on arrival. As far as I know that was impoosible before.

[madandana]

When I did my reseach in 2014 you could purchase upon arrival. I purchased in advance just so there was one less thing to do at the airport.

[Benzopyrene]

The second time I went through Mexico I did not have this.....they kept asking for it at immigration and I kept showing the guy different pieces of paper. After about the fifth one he just waived me through as he thought I didn't understand him and he didn't have time for me. Happy I made it through, now its included in the US tickets which was mentioned above......would thing this is a pretty good method to insure everyone has it, not sure why other countries haven't gotten on board with this. Regardless, not very expensive.

[MrGinger]

I have been to Cuba 6 times since 2010, and have never been asked to show any proof of insurance.