Travel Insurance Cuba

Two girls laughing and posing for selfie on holiday in front of idyllic buildings and river

Cuba is famous for its cigars, rum, tropical landscapes, beautiful beaches and flavour-packed culinary delights.

Asda Money can provide you with comprehensive yet cheap travel insurance to Cuba, which means you will have total peace of mind, and more spending money for your trip!

 

 

 

Do I need travel insurance for Cuba? 

Yes, it is mandatory for travellers to Cuba to have travel insurance. You will be asked to show proof of your insurance upon arrival, so it is recommended to take a printed copy of your policy and certificate with you.

Medical care in Cuba can be costly, so you’ll need to make sure your Cuba travel insurance has the appropriate medical cover. Your policy should also cover repatriation to the UK should this be required, and COVID-19 cover in the event that Coronavirus causes any unexpected delays, disruption or cancellation to your holiday.

Travel insurance for Cuba should also provide cover for lost luggage, flight cancellations, and cash theft.

 

 

Do I need a visa to visit Cuba?

As well as organising travel insurance for Cuba, British citizens will also need to apply for a Tourist Card online, which is often referred to as a Cuba Holiday Visa. It is valid for 30 days but can be extended for an additional 30 days while you are in Cuba. Every member of your travelling party will need to have a valid Tourist Card in place before they board their flight.

As entry requirements can change with short notice, it’s recommended that you check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website for the latest information and advice before travelling.

 

 

How much should Cuba travel insurance cost?

The cost of travel insurance to Cuba will vary depending on several factors, such as your age, any medical conditions you have, the duration of your trip, the level of cover, and the type of policy you choose.

To help keep costs down, it’s a good idea to compare cover levels to check which one meets your needs and your budget.

As a general guide, to work out the right level of cover for you, you should calculate the value of your holiday and how much you would need to cover the costs of unforeseen events, such as cancellations, medical bills, and lost or stolen personal belongings.

Most standard travel insurance policies will cover things like:

  • Medical costs – cover if you’re involved in an accident or become unwell or injured during your trip and need medical treatment.
  • Personal belongings – cover for if your personal belongings are lost, stolen or damaged.
  • Delayed departure – cover for if your flight is cancelled or delayed.
  • Cancellation cover –cover for if you need to cancel or cut short your trip.
  • Coronavirus cover – ideally, your policy should protect you against any unexpected delays, disruptions, or cancellations because of Coronavirus.

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

If you’re looking for cheap travel insurance to Cuba, Asda Money offers a range of competitive policies with three different cover levels so that you can get the level of protection you need while still getting the best value for money.

 

 

What isn’t included?

All travel insurance policies have limitations and restrictions, and it’s a good idea to know what these are to avoid any potential surprises.

With Asda Money, travel insurance to Cuba typically won’t cover the following:

 

  • Travelling to any location against the advice of the government and/or FCDO.
  • Not getting the required vaccinations needed.
  • Medical conditions that you did not disclose to your insurer when you took out your policy.
  • Any injuries sustained while taking part in activities that are not covered in your policy.
  • Taking part in any illegal activities while in Cuba.
  • Getting into an accident or incident while under the influence (drugs or alcohol).

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

 

 

How much is travel insurance to Cuba?

The cost of travel insurance for Cuba will vary depending on the type of policy you need, the level of cover you require, any pre-existing medical conditions and the type of activities you will be undertaking.

Asda Money provides a range of cheap  travel insurance options for 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 are planning multiple trips, taking out annual multi-trip cover might be cheaper.

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

No matter which policy you choose, you’ll have the option of three different cover levels – 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, £1000 for lost luggage and up to £1000 per person if you need to cancel or cut your trip short. **

With Asda’s Premium cover, you will be covered up to £25 million for medical expenses, £1300 for lost or stolen personal belongings, and up to £2000 per person if you need to cancel or cut your trip short. **

Alternatively, Asda’s Superior cover offers unlimited protection for medical costs, £2000 for lost luggage and up to £5000 for cancelling or cutting short your holiday. **

*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.

 

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 will also need to consider if you need any additional cover. For example, if you plan on undertaking 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.

 

 

 

What travel insurance do I need for Cuba? 

When it comes to travel insurance, destinations are grouped into different area bandings. If you’re looking for a single trip policy to Cuba, we’ll be able to cover you for just that country. If you need annual multi-trip travel insurance, Cuba is covered under

The type of travel insurance you need will depend on several factors, including your age, duration of your trip, pre-existing medical conditions, and the level of policy you require. If you think you will be undertaking any extreme activities or sports, you will need additional cover.

To work out the level of cover you need, calculate the value of your holiday and how much you would need to cover the costs of unforeseen events such as cancellations and medical bills.

 

If you are looking for comprehensive and affordable travel insurance for your Cuba holiday, head to Asda Money for a free online quote.

 

 

 

Cuba healthcare and vaccinations

Depending on where you are in Cuba, access to medical treatment can vary. Typically, medical facilities in Havana are more accessible and are of higher quality than elsewhere in Cuba.

There is currently no reciprocal 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, and most medical facilities will require your insurance provider to pay for any treatment you need, in full, before you leave.

It is currently recommended that all travellers from the UK to Cuba are up to date with their routine vaccinations and boosters, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccine. The NHS also currently recommends you are vaccinated against rabies and tetanus if you’re not already immunised. Typhoid, Hepatitis A and B vaccinations may also be required for at-risk travellers, so be sure to check with your doctor at least eight weeks before you travel to make sure you have all the vaccinations you need.

It's also important to be aware that mosquitoes in Cuba can carry Dengue fever, the Zika virus, Malaria, and the Chikungunya virus, which pose significant risks to your health. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes during your trip.

As of 6 April 2022, UK travellers arriving in Cuba are no longer required to provide a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or have a negative COVID-19 pre-departure test. However, authorities at Cuban airports may carry out random PCR tests, and if you test positive, you may be moved into quarantine at a designated government health centre, at your own expense.

Entry requirements and 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.  

 

 

Cuba Travel Tips

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

Here are some of our best travel tips for Cuba:

 

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. 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

The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban National Peso (CUP). However, it is a ‘closed’ currency, which means you can only buy this currency in Cuba. It is illegal to buy this currency anywhere other than at Cadeca exchange houses.

Many businesses in Cuba will accept bank cards, and some will accept US dollars or Euros, so it may be worth exchanging some of your money for this currency 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!

 

Be aware of hurricane season

The hurricane season in Cuba runs from June to November and brings with it the chance 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, disruption, or cancellations as a result of adverse 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 keep your tummy happy, drink only bottled water and avoid any drinks containing ice made from tap water.

 

Driving in Cuba

If you plan on hiring a car while in Cuba, it’s best to check what documentation you’ll need before you travel.

Although you can drive in Cuba using a full, valid UK driving licence, some car rental companies may require you to have an International Driving Permit – which you can only buy in the UK, so be sure to check this before you travel.

 

 

Cuba Travel Insurance FAQs

 

What travel documents do I need for Cuba?

When travelling to Cuba, you’ll need a passport that is valid for at least six months before you arrive and for three months before your departure. It is a legal requirement to have travel insurance for Cuba, so make sure you have printed your policy documents so you can show proof you have the necessary medical cover when you land. You’ll also need a Tourist Card, which you’ll need to apply for online before you travel.

 

 

How much does medical treatment cost in Cuba?

Medical treatment in Cuba can be expensive depending on where you are, and the type of treatment you need. Travel insurance for Cuba is mandatory, and you’ll need to make sure your policy covers you for any unforeseen medical care, treatment, and repatriation costs. Most medical facilities will require your insurer to pay to cover the cost of your treatment, in full, before you depart. 

 

What is the best currency to take to Cuba?

The official currency in Cuba is the Cuban National Peso (CUP). However, it is a ‘closed’ currency which means you can only legally buy it from a Cedeca exchange house when you’re in Cuba. Most businesses, bars and restaurants will now accept US Dollars and Euros as a form of payment, so this would be the best type of currency to take with you. If you need to organise travel money, you can order it online with Asda Money.

 

Do UK tourists need a visa for Cuba?

If you’re a British citizen travelling to Cuba, you’ll need to apply for a Tourist Card before you travel. It’s valid for 30 days but can be extended for an additional 30 days while you are there. You can apply for a Tourist Card online or speak to your travel agent for help.

 

 

 

 

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.

 

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