Buy travel insurance to Cuba

 

Cuba is famed for its cigars, rum, tropical landscapes and beautiful beaches. Plus its welcoming people and flavour-packed cuisine. It’s no wonder that Cuba is a popular holiday destination, but to help make sure your trip goes smoothly, you need to have the right travel insurance for Cuba before you leave.

 

Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?

 

It’s a legal requirement that any tourist visiting Cuba must have travel insurance that includes cover for medical expenses.

 

You may be asked to show proof of your insurance when you arrive in Cuba, so it’s recommended you take a printed copy of your policy and certificate with you. If you don’t have insurance, or you can’t prove that you do, you might be refused entry to Cuba or you may be made to buy an insurance policy from Cuba’s tourist assistance company.

 

Travel insurance is important as medical care in Cuba can be costly, so you’ll need to have a policy that covers medical expenses. Your policy should also cover repatriation to the UK, should this be required.

 

Travel insurance should also provide cover for lost luggage, flight delays and cancellations, and stolen belongings. You should make sure your travel insurance for Cuba covers any activities or excursions you’ll be doing during your trip, like paddle boarding, snorkelling and diving, or horse riding.

 

Do I need a visa for Cuba?

 

As well as having travel insurance for Cuba, British citizens must also apply for a Cuba Tourist Card online^[1], which is often referred to as a Cuba Holiday Visa. Every member of your family or travelling party must have a valid Tourist Card before they board their flight to Cuba, including children. Tourist Cards are valid for 30 days, but you can extend them for an additional 30 days while you’re in Cuba.

 

You can apply for a Tourist Card directly via the Cuban Embassy in the UK. Some tour operators and travel agents will do so for you - but make sure this is the case, as you won’t be able to enter Cuba without a Tourist Card.

What are the entry requirements for Cuba?

 

You must satisfy each of these requirements to be admitted entry to Cuba^[2]:

 

1. Travel insurance for Cuba that includes medical care coverage
2. A valid Tourist Card
3. A passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after the day you arrive, and 3 months after your planned departure date
4. Proof you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country with a transmission risk

 

Entry requirements can change at short notice, so you should check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website for the latest information and advice before travelling.

What vaccinations do I need for Cuba?

 

At the time of writing, there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entering Cuba. But you’ll need to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’ll be travelling from a country that’s listed as a transmission risk.

 

The following vaccinations are recommended for Cuba:

 

• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR)
• Diphtheria-tetanus-polio
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Rabies
• Typhoid

 

You can find out more about the latest Cuba vaccination recommendations, and also check with your doctor or an NHS Travel Clinic. You should deal with your vaccinations at least eight weeks before you travel to make sure you get the recommended shots in time.

 

You should also be aware that mosquitoes in Cuba can carry Dengue fever, the Zika virus, West Nile virus, and the Chikungunya virus, which pose significant risks to your health. Make sure you take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during your trip.

 

How much should Cuba travel insurance cost?

 

The cost of travel insurance to Cuba will vary depending on several factors, including:

• Your age – the cost of travel insurance tends to go up as you get older, as insurers feel you are at greater risk of needing medical treatment while on holiday
• Any pre-existing medical conditions you may have / your medical history
• The duration of your stay in Cuba
• The activities you plan on doing
• The specific level of cover you may need, as well as any add-ons

 

Asda Money offers a range of options for cheap travel insurance to Cuba. If this will be your only holiday this year, our single-trip travel insurance may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you’re planning multiple trips, taking out annual multi-trip cover may be cheaper.

If you’re travelling as a family, Asda’s family cover will insure up to three kids for free. *

No matter which type of insurance policy you take out, Asda Money offers three levels of cover: Value, Premium and Superior. Each level provides different amounts you can claim for unforeseen events, such as lost luggage, cancellations, medical bills, legal expenses, personal money and delayed departures.

For example, Asda’s Value cover will pay up to £20 million for medical expenses, £1,000 for lost luggage and up to £1,000 per person if you need to cancel or cut your trip short. **

With Asda’s Premium cover, you will be covered for up to £25 million for medical expenses, £1,300 for lost or stolen personal belongings, and up to £2,000 per person if you need to cancel or cut your trip short. **

Alternatively, Asda’s Superior cover offers unlimited protection for medical costs, £2,000 for lost luggage and up to £5,000 for cancelling or cutting short your holiday. **

You may also need to take out additional cover for any extreme sports or adventure activities that are not included in your standard policy.

If you are going to Cuba on business or taking expensive personal belongings with you, it may be beneficial for you to consider taking out additional gadget cover or business travel insurance to make sure you have adequate protection in place for expensive items.

To check which policy is best for you, compare travel insurance options to Cuba to make sure you get the level of cover that’s right for you.

* Up to three kids go free per insured adult, subject to medical screening when you buy direct with us.

** Exclusions and restrictions apply so check your policy documents for full details.

 

What will Cuba travel insurance cover?

 

Most standard travel insurance policies will cover:

• Having to cancel your trip for any valid reason that is specified in your insurance policy, such as having to head home earlier for an emergency
• Medical expenses or the costs of any other emergency treatment
• Repatriation – the cost of bringing you back to the UK
• Lost, stolen, damaged or delayed personal belongings and luggage
• Personal accident cover
• Delayed or cancelled flights
• Cancelled accommodation
• The cost of your trip being prolonged, such as needing to find accommodation and additional living expenses
• Lost passport – this can come in quite handy as ordering a replacement for a lost or stolen passport when abroad can be quite complicated and costly
• Personal liability cover – this provides protection for you in case you cause injury or damage to another person or their possessions
• Legal expenses

 

All insurance policies will be different, so make sure you read your policy documents thoroughly.

What isn’t covered?

 

As with most other travel insurance policies, your Cuba travel insurance will come with some exclusions, such as:

 

• Some pre-existing medical conditions are unlikely to be covered by your standard travel insurance policy, so you may have to take out additional cover for these
• Any pre-existing medical conditions that you did not disclose to your insurer when you took out your policy
• Not getting any required vaccinations needed
• Cover for unexpected incidents that may occur whilst you are abroad that impact your holiday such as civil unrest, war, earthquakes and/or any other natural disasters unless you’ve taken out additional cover for this
• Cover for injuries or accidents that take place whilst you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Cover for travel to any specific areas within Cuba that the FCDO has advised against – you can find the full list here
• Cover for accidents or injuries that take place when taking part in any dangerous activities or extreme sports that are not covered in your policy

 

When organising travel insurance to Cuba, it’s best to read your policy documents to make sure you understand what is and isn’t covered before you travel.

 

Where to buy travel insurance for Cuba

 

When organising travel insurance to Cuba, you’ll need worldwide cover, including the USA, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean.

The type of travel insurance and level of cover you need will depend on several factors, such as your age, any pre-existing medical conditions, and how long you plan on visiting Cuba for.

If Cuba is likely to be your only holiday this year, you could take out a single-trip policy. However, if you’re planning multiple trips, annual multi-trip cover may work out cheaper. If you’re travelling as a family, you may want to consider family cover, where up to three kids are insured for free. *

You’ll also need to consider if you need any additional cover. For example, if you plan on doing any adventure activities, you’ll need to see if your standard insurance policy covers this, or whether you need to take on additional cover.

If you’re visiting Cuba for business or will be taking expensive personal items with you, you may want to consider taking out additional cover to protect your business equipment or valuable items.

*Up to three kids go free per insured adult, subject to medical screening when you buy direct with us.

 

Healthcare in Cuba

 

Depending on where you are in Cuba, access to medical treatment can vary. Typically, medical facilities in the capital Havana are more accessible and are of higher quality than elsewhere in Cuba^[3]. Many resorts have their own medical staff and will be able to offer some degree of care for less serious issues.

 

There is currently no healthcare agreement in place between the UK and Cuba, which means that if you require emergency medical treatment while on holiday, you will need to show proof you have travel insurance that will cover the cost of any medical care. Travel insurance with medical cover is a legal requirement when visiting Cuba. Most medical facilities will require your insurance provider to pay for any treatment you need, in full, before you leave^[4].

 

If you need medical care whilst in Cuba, contact your insurance provider right away, as they may be able to assist you in finding the best treatment.

 

Health advice can change with short notice, so it’s always recommended you check the FCDO and Travel Health Pro website for the latest information before you travel. 

 

Tips for travelling to Cuba

 

As well as organising travel insurance to Cuba, you’ll also need to make sure you’re prepared for your trip in other ways:

 

Organise your travel documents in advance

 

When travelling to Cuba, you’ll need to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months before you arrive and for three months before your departure^[5]. If you need to renew your passport, be sure to do this as early as possible to reduce the risk of it being held up due to processing delays.

 

You’ll also need to organise travel insurance and apply for a Tourist Card before you travel, so make sure you have these documents in place as soon as possible after you’ve booked your holiday.

Check your electrical items

 

When you arrive in Cuba, customs may confiscate electrical items with heavy power consumption. These items are returned to you on departure, but it may be worth leaving these items if you’d prefer to avoid this.

 

Global Positioning Systems (GPS) activated devices may also be at risk of confiscation in Cuba. You can take mobile phones, laptops and tablets into Cuba, but you’ll need to disconnect or disable any in-built GPS technology from your device.

 

Organise your travel money

 

Whilst the Cuban Peso can only be legally bought in Cuba, many businesses also accept Euros and dollars. You can order these currencies online with Asda Money for home delivery or for in-store collection. You can also buy an Asda Travel Money Card that lets you make contactless payments anywhere Mastercard Prepaid is accepted and without any fees for spending abroad.

 

Be aware of hurricane season

 

The hurricane season in Cuba runs from June to November and brings with it the possibility of heavy rain, flash flooding, and landslides. If you are going to be visiting Cuba during these months, it might be worth considering taking out Natural Disaster cover on your travel insurance policy to provide protection in case you face any delays, disruptions, or cancellations as a result of extreme weather.

 

Drink bottled water

 

The tap water in Cuba is different to the water you’re used to drinking in the UK, and while it is perfectly safe for locals, it can cause diarrhoea in those who aren’t used to it.

 

To avoid getting ill, stick to bottled water and avoid any drinks containing ice made from tap water.

 

Women travellers

 

Whilst incidents of sexual harassment and assault are relatively rare in Cuba, be vigilant when travelling as a lone woman, or even in small groups, especially at night.

 

LGBTQ+ travellers

 

Same-sex relationships are legal in Cuba and same-sex marriages are recognised under Cuban law^[6].

 

Carry a form of ID on you

 

You may be asked for ID by Cuban authorities at any time. You should carry some form of photo ID on you at all times, like a photo driving licence. Don’t carry your passport with you, as it’s a vital document that should be kept safe, such as in a locked safe in your hotel room. But you can carry a photocopy or picture of your passport. 

 

Don’t bring your e-cigarette or vaporizer with you

 

You can’t bring electronic cigarettes and personal vaporizers into Cuba^[7]. If you try to do so and they’re found, customs officials will seize them.

 

Tipping

 

Tipping is customary in Cuba. Tips of 10% are usual^[8], but if you get particularly good service, you can tip up to 15-20%.

 

Cuban currency

 

Cuba's currency is the Cuban National Peso (CUP).

 

The Cuban Peso is a closed currency, which means you can only buy it in Cuba – it’s illegal to buy this Cuban Peso outside of Cuba, and anywhere other than at Cadeca exchange houses.

 

Your VISA and Mastercard credit and debit cards will be accepted by many businesses in Cuba, but check with your bank before you leave to understand if you’ll be charged and to see if you need to notify them that you’ll be using your cards abroad.

 

Some businesses will accept US dollars or Euros, so it may be worth exchanging some of your money before you travel. With Asda Money, ordering your travel money couldn’t be easier. You can order online to have it delivered to your door or click and collect from a participating store.

 

Alternatively, if you prefer to go cashless, the Asda Travel Money Card allows you to make contactless payments anywhere Mastercard Prepaid is accepted – and there are no fees for spending abroad. Top up your card with US dollars or Euros before you travel, and you’re good to go.

Travel risks in Cuba

 

Cuba is typically a safe country, especially in tourist resorts, but when travelling to Cuba you should be aware of the following:

 

Crime

 

Crime levels are generally lower than in the UK, with punishments for criminal activity being much harsher in Cuba. However, with Cubans facing a difficult economic situation, opportunistic crime does happen.

 

You should take sensible precautions when in Cuba. Don’t leave belongings unattended and take steps to protect yourself against pickpocketing and mugging – these include not carrying valuable items on your person, not walking alone at night or in areas away from tourist resorts or sites. If driving at night, keep your doors locked and your windows closed^[9].

 

Fraud

 

Be careful when using your bank cards or when withdrawing money from ATMs, as card fraud can happen in Cuba. Make sure no one can see your PIN if you have to use it, avoid suspicious-looking ATMs and card readers, and pay attention to all the transactions charged to your cards.

 

Overcharging

 

Businesses may try to charge tourists exorbitant prices, especially taxis and classic car rental companies. Always confirm prices before buying any services or goods.

 

Taxis

 

You’ll see three-wheeled Coco-taxis are popular in Cuba, but tourists have been injured and even killed riding these^[10], and the FCDO advises against riding in them.

 

If you need a taxi, avoid private and old classic car taxis, as these can be unsafe or fraudulent – often they try to overcharge you^[11]. Opt for an official yellow taxi instead, as they’ll be licensed and have modern safety features.

 

Extreme weather

 

Cuba can experience intense rain storms. Hurricanes in the hurricane season (June to November) can lead to flooding, landslides and blackouts. If extreme weather is forecasted, stay indoors in a safe location. If you’re at a tourist resort, be sure to follow the guidance of the resort staff.

 

Before you leave for your holiday in Cuba, make sure you check the FCDO’s advice on safety and security for Cuba.

 

What laws should I be aware of?

 

As well as generally behaving lawfully, when in Cuba you should also pay attention to the following laws and regulations:

 

Illegal drugs

 

Cuba has strict laws and harsh penalties for the use, possession and trafficking of illegal drugs^[12]. Make sure you pack all your luggage yourself, and don’t agree to carry any items for anyone else.

 

Photography

 

Be aware that it’s illegal to take photos or videos of military and police property or personnel in Cuba, as well as infrastructure, including airport, rail, and harbour facilities^[13]. Professional photographers will need a visa to work in Cuba.

 

Money

 

As the Cuban Peso is a controlled currency, it’s illegal to exchange money anywhere except Cadeca exchange houses. This includes with any businesses or individuals who try to offer you exchange services. You can face serious penalties and even prison sentences for exchanging money illegally.

 

Other things to consider when purchasing travel insurance for Cuba

 

When buying a travel insurance policy for Cuba, consider the following:

 

• Water sports - With its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters, Cuba offers plenty of water sports, from paddle boarding to scuba diving. Some water sports may be covered by standard travel insurance, but others you’ll need specific sports cover for.

 

• Adventure sports - Many adventure sports won’t be covered by standard insurance policies, like bungee jumping and off-road biking, and even activities like horse riding.

 

• Boat journeys - You can take sight-seeing boat journeys in Cuba, or for excursions like deep sea fishing, but these may not be covered by standard travel insurance policies.

 

Be sure to check the details of your travel insurance policies before you leave for Cuba, so you understand what is and what isn’t covered by your Cuba travel insurance.

 

Getting around Cuba

 

If you’re planning on travelling around when you’re in Cuba, make sure you do so safely.

 

Driving

 

Most car hire businesses will accept a UK driving licence, but some will require you to have an International Driving Permit – which you can only buy in the UK. If you want to hire a car in Cuba, check with the car hire company before you leave as to what documents and licence they require.

 

Be aware that driving in Cuba can be difficult and dangerous. Roads can be badly maintained and  some drivers won’t regard driving laws^[14]. Make sure you drive carefully and try to avoid driving at night.

 

Buses

 

Buses in Cuba tend to be poorly maintained, overcrowded and unreliable. It’s generally recommended to avoid public bus services, whilst private buses operated by tourist resorts and tour companies are often of a higher quality.

 

Taxis

 

Official yellow taxis are generally reliable and safe. It’s a good idea to book them your hotel and to agree on the price of the fare before the journey begins. Avoid unregistered taxis, flagging them down in the street, or sharing them with strangers.

 

Trains

 

Cuba does have a rail network connecting most of the islands, but it’s notoriously slow, unreliable, and often unsafe. Train travel in Cuba is not advised for tourists. 

 

Motorcycles and scooters

 

If you hire a motorbike, a moped, or a scooter, make sure it’s in good condition before you ride away on it. All drivers and passengers must wear a helmet in Cuba.

 

[1] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/entry-requirements

[2] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/entry-requirements

[3] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/health

[4] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/health

[5] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/entry-requirements

[6] https://www.equaldex.com/region/cuba

[7] https://vapeuk.co.uk/blog/travelling-and-vaping-abroad-illegal-banned-countries-2023-guide

[8] https://www.lovecuba.com/faq/tips-in-cuba

[9] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/safety-and-security

[10] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/safety-and-security

[11] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/safety-and-security

[12] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/safety-and-security

[13] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/safety-and-security

[14] https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/cuba/safety-and-security

Looking for cheap travel insurance to Cuba? Asda Money can help. We offer comprehensive travel insurance policies with three different levels of cover, so you can find travel insurance that meets your needs while delivering excellent value for money.

 

Get a great value Travel Insurance quote today!

*Best Travel Insurance Provider in the 2022/2023/2024 Moneynet.co.uk awards