Learn about the Healthcare System & Insurance Options for Expats in Cuba
A few of the biggest reasons for Cuba drawing expats looking forward to experiencing an exotic lifestyle are the country’s colorful past and mesmerizing culture. Although this Caribbean island nation has found favor as a choicest tourist destination that attracts hordes of travelers from all parts of the world, the ground realities of moving there are accompanied by stiff challenges. The complicated system of travel-related regulations and bureaucracy-governed red tape laid down by the Communist government causes difficult situations for those wishing to settle down. These strict rules and complex regulations are the reason for Cuba having a much smaller number of global citizens in contrast to its adjoining Caribbean neighbors, which offer expatriates easier access to residential opportunities. But then there are always the more determined expats who succeed in effectively working around these challenges and go on to settle in Cuba. This makes learning about the healthcare system and insurance options for expats in Cuba crucial before they relocate. Here are the important facts expats should know about Cuba’s medical system and the fundamental insurance alternatives open to expats.
Healthcare in Cuba is a source of pride for its communist government. There is, in fact, an extensive public healthcare system that all Cuban residents and citizens can easily access. Cuba has a minimal budget when it comes to healthcare, but the country ensures that preventive health measures are put in place. Starting May 1, 2010, according to Cuban law, it is mandatory for all international visitors (in addition to expats) to secure health insurance that extends its coverage to all emergency medical services, sending back remains of the deceased to their domicile country, and evacuation of people requiring emergency medical care. The insurance must remain valid for their entire stay in Cuba. Therefore, expats usually consider having international health insurance, which is both cost-effective and comprehensive.
The CDC has more information on vaccinations travelers must get before traveling to Cuba.
Overview of the Healthcare System
The Cuban healthcare system gives free medical care to all Cuban citizens, even though it has its own share of problems. The infrastructure of hospitals needs a lot of work, as the buildings are rundown. Medical professionals also face constant challenges due to inadequate facilities, limited availability of equipment, often insufficiency of essential drugs, and controlled access to new medical technology resulting from economic challenges.
The fact being that there is no private hospital in the country, the Cuba healthcare system is regulated by the country’s government, which makes it all the more critical for expats to get to know the working of this system.
Understanding Medical Services as an Expat
Expatriates in Cuba must purchase medical insurance to access healthcare in Cuba. Furthermore, expats can’t leave the island if they have any outstanding medical bills. As an alternative, if you arrive without adequate medical insurance, you have the choice to acquire it from a local Cuban insurance provider at the port of entry. Also, no hospital accepts foreign debit or credit cards. Thus, it’s essential to have sufficient cash to pay for medical expenses.
Government-run Medical Facilities
If you find yourself in need of medical assistance, it’s essential to know that the government runs the entire Cuban healthcare system. There are a few specialty clinics that specifically cater to the medical requirements of diplomats. As there is no private hospital in Cuba, expats and tourists must select a good public hospital in Cuba for their healthcare requirements.
Expats and tourists have access to professional doctors and high-end equipment through well-equipped public hospitals. Some of the Cuban resorts have international clinics, mostly in Santa Lucia, Varadero, and Havana. When in Havana, expats are usually sent to Cira Garcia hospital, which is better known as a ‘tourist’ hospital.
Private Healthcare
Cuba’s healthcare system has transformed as a result of the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro. Earlier, there was a dual private-public healthcare system. With a national healthcare system in place, there is not a single private hospital in Cuba. This makes the government the sole authority in charge of all healthcare in Cuba.
Emergency Medical Services
When in Cuba, you can dial 106 for all medical emergencies. Some public hospitals in Cuba provide free emergency medical treatment to foreigners. In case you are suffering from a life-threatening condition, you may get evacuated to a nearby country where medical facilities are easily accessible. As emergency medical services are expensive, make sure you have insurance to cover all the costs.
Medicines and Pharmacies
Healthcare in Cuba is not on par with the standards of other developed countries. There has also been a scarcity of medical supplies, equipment, and pharmaceuticals. Both prescribed as well as over-the-counter medicines may not be easily available in Cuba due to a shortage of medicines. Therefore, it is advised that visitors to the Caribbean country carry all essential medicines with them to avoid any last-minute unavailability issues. Preventive, diagnostic tests, and medical care are free, but Cubans need to pay for outpatient drugs. Apart from government-run pharmacies, there are other pharmacies dedicated to international travelers.
Best Private International Medical Insurance Plans for Expats
Tourists, travelers, and expats who wish to shift base to Cuba are obligated to get a comprehensive international health insurance policy that covers transportation and medical evacuation in case of an emergency. Out of the various global insurance providers, Allianz International is one of the few offering plans that are widely accepted by healthcare facilities in Cuba. This means that expats and visitors who are covered by Allianz International have the benefit of using their insurance for medical care at approved institutions throughout their stay in Cuba.
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