- The best travel insurance plans for Cuba
- Is it currently safe to travel to Cuba?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Cuba?
- Why take out travel insurance for Cuba?
- What should travel insurance for Cuba cover?
- The cost of travel insurance for Cuba
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Cuba
- Your current insurance coverage in Cuba
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Cuba: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Cuba covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and provides assistance during your trip.
2. Warning: The Government of Canada advises a high degree of caution for travel to Cuba.
3. Key protection: Travel insurance is legally mandatory for all Canadian travellers entering the country of Cuba.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Cuba typically costs between $25 and $50 CAD.
5. Good to know: You cannot leave Cuba with outstanding medical bills, so ensure your insurance covers hospital stays.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analyzing 38 travel insurance policies available in Canada, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Cuba.
The best travel insurance plans for Cuba
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | 1.5M CA$ | Recommended for travel to Cuba due to strong overall protection. - high medical ceiling - hospital stays and repatriation - useful for long stays |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | 1.5M CA$ | Well-suited to Cuba with 24/7 support and solid coverage. - direct medical helpline - emergency evacuation - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | 0.8M CA$ | Suitable for tourist stays in Cuba with reliable guarantees. - good medical limit - emergency services - attractive pricing |
| Travel Pass Monde | 1.0M CA$ | A flexible contract for visits to Cuba or multi-country tours. - broad coverage - medical evacuation - cancellation included |
| Globe Partner | 0.5M CA$ | Simple, efficient protection for Cuba. - medical and civil liability - quick claims - supports essential health needs |
| Globe Traveller | 0.8M CA$ | Good choice for shorter or low-risk trips to Cuba. - basic core medical cover - fast online process - capped at essential protection |
- high medical ceiling
- hospital stays and repatriation
- useful for long stays
- direct medical helpline
- emergency evacuation
- no deductible
- good medical limit
- emergency services
- attractive pricing
- broad coverage
- medical evacuation
- cancellation included
- medical and civil liability
- quick claims
- supports essential health needs
- basic core medical cover
- fast online process
- capped at essential protection
Is it currently safe to travel to Cuba?
As of June 2025, Global Affairs Canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution when visiting Cuba due to ongoing shortages of food, medicine and fuel, but does not discourage all travel.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, especially in Havana’s old town or at busy tourist sites like Varadero Beach. All public demonstrations are illegal and can result in arrest.
- Health risks: vector-borne diseases including dengue and Zika virus are present throughout Cuba, with seasonal outbreaks. Medical care is limited outside Havana, and even in larger hospitals basic medicines and supplies can run out quickly.
- Legal requirements: proof of travel insurance with medical and repatriation cover is required at border entry. If documentation is not accepted, authorities may oblige you to buy insurance with restricted guarantees from a Cuban provider.
- Environmental concerns: scheduled power outages and water shortages affect most regions beyond Havana, while hurricanes are frequent June to November, often disrupting transport and accommodation.
Travel insurance is legally mandatory to enter Cuba. It must cover at minimum medical care and repatriation costs, as these expenses can be significant in case of illness or accident during your stay.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Cuba?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory for Canadian citizens to enter Cuba.
Upon arrival in Cuba, travellers must present proof of valid travel insurance that specifically covers medical expenses and repatriation. If your proof of coverage does not meet the requirements or if you cannot show evidence of sufficient insurance, you may be required to buy local health insurance in Cuba, which may offer only limited coverage. There is no officially stated minimum coverage amount, but policies must be valid for your intended stay and recognized by Cuban authorities.
Why take out travel insurance for Cuba?
Travel insurance is a legal requirement for visiting Cuba.
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Cuba.
In Cuba, foreigners may be admitted to specialist hospitals like Cira García Clinic in Havana, where payment is required up front. State-run hospitals often face shortages of medicines and lack up-to-date equipment, making costs and quality of care unpredictable. Private facilities are costly, especially for non-residents, and emergency repatriation can be difficult and expensive.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Canada in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Cuba.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Cira García Clinic | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 760 USD (1,040 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 420 USD (575 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 32,000 USD (43,600 CA$) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 2,000 USD (2,725 CA$) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What should travel insurance for Cuba cover?
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations | Legally required |
|---|---|---|
| 🏥 Emergency medical expenses | Pays for necessary medical care following illness or injury. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$30,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Covers air ambulance or transport to Canada or nearest hospital. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$30,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Pays for return to Canada for medical reasons or death. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$30,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 💊 Medication expenses | Reimburses cost of prescription drugs during your stay. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$2,500. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| 🏨 Hospitalization | Covers hospital stay and related services. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$80,000. | ⚠️ Mandatory |
| ❌ Trip interruption | Compensation if you must return home early due to serious issues. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$5,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
| 🧳 Personal liability | Covers costs if you accidentally cause damage to others. Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$80,000. | 🟠 Recommended |
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$30,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$30,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$30,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$2,500.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$80,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$5,000.
Recommended reimbursement limit: at least CA$80,000.
Important information
Travel insurance is mandatory for all Canadian visitors to Cuba. Your policy must include medical expenses, hospitalization and repatriation for the entire stay, with a recommended minimum of CA$30,000 per section. The certificate should be presented on arrival and be valid in English or Spanish.
Travel insurance from local banks or credit cards usually offers low coverage and many exclusions. It is safer to select a reputable insurer with full guarantees. Compare the best policies on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant proof of coverage.
The cost of travel insurance for Cuba
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | CA$22 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | CA$36 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | CA$52 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | CA$110 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your mandatory travel insurance for Cuba depends on several key factors: your age, the duration of your trip, the amount of medical coverage, and optional add-ons like trip cancellation. Considering these elements is essential for Canadians to secure appropriate coverage and comply with Cuba's entry requirements, ensuring a worry-free vacation.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Cuba
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Cuba while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🗓️ Trip duration | The premium depends directly on the length of your stay, shorter coverage usually means a lower price. | Select only the actual days of travel rather than rounding up to extra days or weeks. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Even mid-level coverage meets Cuban entry rules, and avoiding excess caps can make policies more affordable. | Choose a policy with at least CA$30,000 medical coverage—higher limits increase your premium. |
| 👨👩👦 Number of travelers | Family or group policies may offer better value than buying separate individual plans for everyone. | Look for family or duo discounts and check if children are included at no extra cost. |
| 🌍 Geographic scope | Policies covering only Cuba are usually less expensive than “worldwide” or multi-region plans. | Limit coverage to Cuba only if you aren’t visiting other countries on the same trip. |
| ⚕️ Pre-existing conditions | Declared health issues can affect price, which is important as access to care is limited in Cuba. | Declare only conditions required by the insurer and check policies that accept pre-existing conditions affordably. |
| 💳 Deductible amount | Higher deductibles lower your premium, but increase your costs if you need medical care or evacuation. | Increase your deductible to reduce the upfront cost, but make sure it’s an amount you can afford. |
| 👤 Traveller’s age | Age strongly impacts premiums, especially for seniors, and price gaps between insurers can be very high. | Compare age bands closely; Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62, which is rare. |
Good to know
Travel insurance is legally required to enter Cuba and must specifically include medical coverage, particularly for hospitalisation and medical evacuation. There is no official minimum sum, but coverage of at least CA$30,000 for medical costs is strongly advised.
Your current insurance coverage in Cuba
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your current public or private health insurance, or coverage from your credit card, will protect you on a trip to Cuba. Unfortunately, these protections are often limited or insufficient, especially as Cuba requires proof of health insurance for entry. Only travel insurance meets the embassy’s requirements.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Cuba? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Canada Health Transfer, provincial plans) | Never | No medical care, hospitalization, or repatriation outside Canada | Travel insurance covers CA$75,000–CA$150,000+ for medical expenses, hospital care, and evacuation |
| Private health insurance (Manulife, Blue Cross, Sun Life) | Limited coverage | Partial reimbursement under CA$25,000, usually after return, and often excludes evacuation or urgent transport | Travel insurance provides up to CA$150,000+ direct payment and a certificate valid for Cuban entry |
| Classic credit card (RBC Visa Classic, TD Green Visa, BMO Mastercard) | Limited coverage | Medical fees under CA$10,000–CA$15,000, trip and age limits, does not cover trip cancellation | Travel insurance offers higher ceilings, trip cancellation, baggage coverage, and full embassy-compliant proof |
| Premium credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Platinum, CIBC Aventura Gold) | Limited coverage | Medical up to CA$50,000–CA$100,000, limited baggage or trip delay protection | Travel insurance meets the entry requirement for Cuba, offers higher maximums and documented coverage |
Example
In Trinidad, Cuba, Sarah developed severe dengue fever, requiring a medical evacuation costing $30,000 CAD. Her RBC Visa's included insurance covered just $2,000, and her provincial plan was minimal. Lacking specific travel insurance, she faced a $28,000 bill, as Cuba requires all medical debts to be paid before departure.
Expert advice
Your credit card or provincial health plan may not cover key situations like trip interruption for a family emergency. Always read your policy's fine print to understand exclusions and avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to purchase dedicated travel insurance tailored to your specific trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?
Yes, Canadian citizens need a tourist visa, also called a tourist card, to enter Cuba. If you are flying directly from Canada, the tourist card is usually included in the price of your ticket. If traveling via a third country, you must apply for an electronic visa before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Cuba?
Begin by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check carefully that the policy covers Cuba and includes the required medical and repatriation guarantees. Buy your policy online and make sure to receive your insurance certificate, which you will need to show at the border.
Can I be denied entry to Cuba if I do not have proof of travel insurance?
Yes, you are required to show official proof of valid medical insurance upon arrival in Cuba. If your documentation does not satisfy immigration authorities, you will be required to purchase Cuban insurance at the airport, which may provide limited coverage and cost roughly CA$3–CA$5 per day.
Are there any travel insurance exclusions Canadians should be aware of in Cuba?
Many insurance policies exclude coverage for risky activities like water sports, mopeds, or pre-existing conditions. Review your policy closely and consider an add-on if you plan to scuba dive or rent a scooter in Cuba, as these are common activities but not always covered.
Does travel insurance for Cuba cover COVID-19 and other health emergencies?
Most Canadian travel insurance providers now offer coverage for COVID-19-related medical emergencies, but check details before departure. Your insurance should also include hospital stays and medical evacuation, both of which can easily exceed CA$20,000 if required while in Cuba.
What documents should I have ready when traveling to Cuba with travel insurance?
Carry a printed insurance certificate showing your full name, travel dates, and confirmation of emergency medical coverage. It is also useful to bring contact details for the insurer and have a digital backup of your policy in your email or on your phone.
Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?
Yes, Canadian citizens need a tourist visa, also called a tourist card, to enter Cuba. If you are flying directly from Canada, the tourist card is usually included in the price of your ticket. If traveling via a third country, you must apply for an electronic visa before you travel.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Cuba?
Begin by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool. Check carefully that the policy covers Cuba and includes the required medical and repatriation guarantees. Buy your policy online and make sure to receive your insurance certificate, which you will need to show at the border.
Can I be denied entry to Cuba if I do not have proof of travel insurance?
Yes, you are required to show official proof of valid medical insurance upon arrival in Cuba. If your documentation does not satisfy immigration authorities, you will be required to purchase Cuban insurance at the airport, which may provide limited coverage and cost roughly CA$3–CA$5 per day.
Are there any travel insurance exclusions Canadians should be aware of in Cuba?
Many insurance policies exclude coverage for risky activities like water sports, mopeds, or pre-existing conditions. Review your policy closely and consider an add-on if you plan to scuba dive or rent a scooter in Cuba, as these are common activities but not always covered.
Does travel insurance for Cuba cover COVID-19 and other health emergencies?
Most Canadian travel insurance providers now offer coverage for COVID-19-related medical emergencies, but check details before departure. Your insurance should also include hospital stays and medical evacuation, both of which can easily exceed CA$20,000 if required while in Cuba.
What documents should I have ready when traveling to Cuba with travel insurance?
Carry a printed insurance certificate showing your full name, travel dates, and confirmation of emergency medical coverage. It is also useful to bring contact details for the insurer and have a digital backup of your policy in your email or on your phone.
