Planning a trip to Cuba and looking to buy a travel insurance plan? Here are your best options.
In 2015, a record breaking 3.1 million tourists visited Cuba, representing a 17.6% increase from the previous year. Tourism is the most dynamic sector of Cuba, which becomes quite evident by the fact that in 2016, 4 million tourists visited Cuba, reflecting a 13% rise from 2015 according to Cuba Business Report. It was further added that these 4 million tourists contributed a whopping $3 million to the Cuban coffers.
When entering Cuba, visitors need to be equipped with a return air ticket, a visa valid for at least a month beyond the expected date of departure, evidence of sufficient funds to meet their financial needs in the country, and, most importantly, proof of travel health insurance.
Starting in May 2010, the government of Cuba has made it mandatory for both visitors from overseas as well as Cubans living abroad to arm themselves with a suitable travel health insurance plan, which should cover for medical emergencies, medical evacuation by air and repatriation prior, to arriving on the island of Cuba.
Although the Cuban health system guarantees the necessary medical care through a network of hospitals and polyclinics in case of any medical emergency, the reason for insurance being a prerequisite for a visa is that the Cuban government will not allow you to leave the country if you have any outstanding medical bills.
If you too are planning your visit to Cuba any time soon, here is a list of some of the best travel insurance plans you can purchase before the trip.
In this article…
3 Best Travel Insurance for Cuba
Here are the best travel insurance for visitors to Cuba.
1. Patriot International
Administered by IMG, Patriot International medical insurance is a comprehensive medical coverage for American citizens travelling outside of America. Depending on the needs of different travellers, the plan offers different coverage and limit options, from $50,000 to $2,000,000.
The plan offers coverage right from five days to two years, making it ideal for any kind of trip. The policy gives you the freedom to seek treatment with a hospital or doctor of your choice, making the plan much more desirable.
2. Safe Travels International
Administered by Trawick International and underwritten by GBG Insurance, Safe Travels International is a great travel insurance plan for travelers to Cuba.
Under this plan, you can visit any Doctor of your choice outside of USA. Deductible can be chosen from $0 to $5,000. After you pay the deductible, the plan pays 100% up to the policy maximum in all circumstances.
3. Atlas International Insurance
The HCC administered Atlas International travel insurance is a single trip medical plan available to US and non-US citizens travelling outside of their home country, but not within the US. The plan offers good medical coverage of up to $1,000,000 from as few as 5 days to as long as 364 days.
As an added perk, the plan offers $50,000 or $1,000,000 coverage for acute onset of pre-existing conditions during international travel.
Those who haven’t bought travel insurance prior to the trip can buy it from a Cuban insurance company that has its offices at the port, airport or marina. But I recommend you buy it online so you get a good price.
All the best!
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