MEDICAL CARE AND INSURANCE

From May 2010, by law, all travelers entering Cuba must be in possession of a travel insurance with medical coverage. The measure is applicable to all foreign visitors and Cuban residents in other countries. The chosen insurance must be one that is recognized by the Cuban authorities.

The official announcement text is as follows:

On last February 16th , the Government of Cuba agreed to establish that all travelers, foreigners and abroad Cuban residents should have a travel insurance policy with medical expenses coverage, when visiting the country starting on May 1st , 2010.

To fulfill this demand, the traveler should have a travel insurance that includes medical expenses or a medical expenses policy, with coverage inside of Cuba.

The policy should be acquired in the country of residence. Those travellers that exceptionally don’t have the insurance at their arrival, will be able to acquire a policy with insurance and assistance coverage subscribed by Cuban insurance companies at the airport, port or marinas.

The travel insurances subscribed by Cuban insurance companies and by most of the international insurance companies have the ASISTUR Assistance Services in trip inside of Cuba. It is a 24 hour service during 365 days of the year.

According to statistics, more than 80 per cent of people who visit Cuba at the moment; have an insurance provided by companies of their country of residence. This insurance covers the medical expenses in Cuba.

In the case of residents in the United States that travel directly to Cuba, they will have to acquire a policy with Cuban insurance coverage in the US. This policy is marketed through a network of agencies associated to HAVANATUR-CELIMAR Company, due to the impossibility for North American insurance companies to guarantee covering in the national territory.

Travelers arriving to Cuba, should show the policy, certificate of insurance or travel assistance card, valid during their stay in Cuba.

For any case of medical emergency, the Cuban Health care system guarantees primary assistance through a net of clinics and hospitals all over the country. The primary medical assistance is provided in most of the tourist facilities.

For more information on these services you can visit the insurance and assistance company ASISTUR website. ( http://www.asistur.cu ) in charge of medical services in the island.

Local insurance coverage cost is of some 2 to 3 CUC a day ( 1 CUC = 1.20 USD ). You can find the complete price and coverage detail table below.

TABLE OF BENEFITS (CUC)
GUARANTEES AND LIMITS PER INSURED AND TRIP	7 cover	4 cover	2 cover
I-MEDICAL EXPENSES FOR ILLNESSES AND ACCIDENTS	7000.00	5000.00	25000.00
II-REPATRIATION AND TRANSPORTATION
a) Deceased persons	5000.00	5000.00	7000.00
b) Injured and sickness persons	5000.00	5000.00	7000.00
III-Civil Responsibility	25000.00	15000.00	NA
IV-bail-bond payment	5000.00	5000.00	NA
V-Accidents
a) Death	6000.00	NA	NA
b) Permanent Incapacity	6000.00	NA	NA
VI-Baggage
a) Localization	Unlimited	NA	NA
b) Material loss and robbery	400.00	NA	NA
VII-Expenses by the loss of documents	300.00	NA	NA
Public Sale Price in Cuba	CUC 2.50 pax/day	CUC 2.00 pax/day	CUC 3.00 pax/day
Payment of an extra premium : Applies for persons older than 70 years, taking part in competitions of high risk, trainings and dangerous amusement practices.

It's the tourist's responsibility to ensure that their extended travel health insurance covers Cuba and that they can provide documentation that reflects this.

For more information you can contact ASISTUR 24 hour Alarm Centre Phones (53 7) 866-8527, 866-8339, 867-1315; Fax (53 7) 8-66-80 or e-mail: asisten@asistur.cu; seguros@asistur.cu.