Cuba Travel Insurance Requirements: What Visitors Must Carry (2026)

Cuba Is One of the Few Countries That Actually Checks

Many countries nominally recommend travel insurance for visitors. Cuba requires it — and enforces the requirement at the point of entry. Under regulations in force since 2010, all foreign visitors to Cuba must carry travel health insurance that covers medical treatment and repatriation. The policy must be valid for the entire duration of the stay. Airlines operating flights to Cuba are responsible for verifying that passengers hold qualifying coverage before boarding; travelers who arrive at José Martí International Airport in Havana without acceptable documentation may be required to purchase a policy from ASISTUR, Cuba's state-run assistance and insurance company, at the airport counter before they are admitted.

For U.S. travelers specifically, the Cuban insurance requirement intersects with a second layer of complexity: the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. Most standard U.S. travel insurance policies and credit card travel benefits do not function in Cuba without specific authorization. Understanding what counts as qualifying coverage — and where to obtain it — requires navigating both Cuban law and U.S. Treasury Department regulations simultaneously.

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Quick Answer: Cuba Travel Insurance Requirements at a Glance

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The Legal Basis for Cuba's Insurance Requirement

Cuba's travel insurance requirement was established by Decree-Law 284, effective January 1, 2011. The regulation mandates that all foreign visitors entering Cuba must hold a health insurance policy covering:

• Medical care for illness and injury during the visit
• Emergency medical transportation within Cuba
• Medical repatriation to the traveler's home country

The decree gives airlines the responsibility of checking compliance before departure. In practice, most carriers operating flights to Cuba — including charter carriers from the United States, Canadian airlines, and European carriers — include an insurance verification step in their check-in process. The documentation required is typically the insurance policy certificate or card showing the insurer's name, the coverage period, and the medical benefit amount.

Cuba has not published a single specific dollar minimum in the public-facing version of the regulation, but policy experience at the airport has established that policies below $10,000 in medical coverage have been refused. A policy with $20,000–$25,000 in medical coverage and a repatriation benefit is the practical standard.

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What Qualifying Travel Insurance for Cuba Must Include

Medical Coverage

The policy must cover emergency medical treatment — hospital stays, surgery, physician visits, and pharmaceutical costs — for the duration of the Cuban visit. Travel insurance that covers only trip cancellation or lost luggage does not satisfy the Cuban requirement.

Minimum medical benefit: No official minimum is published, but $10,000 is the practical floor. Most travelers carry $25,000–$50,000 in medical coverage for Cuba given the cost of private medical care at Cuban clinics serving foreign nationals (Clínica Internacional in Miramar, Havana, charges in hard currency at rates comparable to private U.S. facilities).

Emergency Medical Evacuation

Medical evacuation from Cuba is among the most expensive in the Western Hemisphere due to Cuba's geographic isolation and the political complexity surrounding air ambulance operations. Medical evacuation policies with coverage of $100,000–$250,000 are standard for Cuba travelers. This benefit pays for transport from Cuba to the nearest appropriate medical facility (typically the United States for American travelers, or Canada, Mexico, or Europe for others).

Policy Duration

The policy must be valid for the full duration of the Cuban stay — arrival to departure. A seven-day policy for a ten-day trip will not satisfy the requirement even if the visit otherwise qualifies. Many carriers issuing travel insurance for Cuba allow day-specific dating.

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The U.S. Embargo Complication

The United States maintains comprehensive economic sanctions on Cuba administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the Trading with the Enemy Act and the Cuban Assets Control Regulations (31 CFR Part 515). These sanctions prohibit most U.S. financial transactions with Cuba — including the payment of insurance premiums that would result in coverage for activities or services in Cuba.

The practical consequences for U.S. travelers:

Standard U.S. Travel Insurance

Most U.S.-issued travel insurance policies explicitly exclude Cuba. The exclusion appears in the "Excluded Countries" or "Sanctions" section of the policy. A traveler who purchases a standard U.S. policy and travels to Cuba typically has no coverage — and cannot legally make a claim for Cuban medical expenses under the standard policy terms.

Credit Card Travel Benefits

Credit card travel insurance provided by U.S. card issuers (Visa, Mastercard, American Express travel benefits) similarly excludes Cuba under OFAC compliance provisions. U.S. travelers who rely on credit card travel coverage for international trips should not assume that benefit applies in Cuba.

OFAC-Authorized U.S. Insurers

A limited number of U.S. insurance companies have obtained OFAC licenses that authorize them to provide travel insurance for Cuba under specific travel categories (journalism, educational exchange, family visits, support for Cuban people, etc.). OFAC has granted general licenses and specific licenses for some Cuba-related activities. U.S. travelers who qualify under an OFAC-authorized travel category should verify with their specific insurer whether Cuba is covered under that license.

Non-U.S. Insurance: The Practical Solution for Most American Travelers

For most U.S. travelers to Cuba, the practical solution is purchasing travel insurance from a non-U.S. insurer that is not subject to OFAC restrictions. Canadian insurers, European insurers, and Cuban state insurer ASISTUR all issue qualifying policies. Several Canadian travel insurance companies have historically marketed Cuba-specific travel insurance to U.S. travelers.

The Cuban embassy and consulates in countries that maintain full diplomatic relations with Cuba can provide current guidance on approved insurers — this information changes as diplomatic and commercial relationships evolve.

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ASISTUR: Cuba's Airport Insurance Option

ASISTUR (Asistencia al Turista) is a Cuban state company that provides traveler assistance and travel insurance. ASISTUR operates insurance sale counters at Havana's José Martí International Airport, Varadero's Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport, and other Cuban entry points.

Travelers who arrive without qualifying insurance can purchase an ASISTUR policy at the airport before immigration processing. ASISTUR policies satisfy Cuban legal requirements and are priced in USD or Euros. As of the last verified date, a one-week ASISTUR policy costs approximately $3–$5 USD per day, with higher daily rates for extended stays and older travelers.

Practical notes about the ASISTUR option:

• The counter may not always be staffed or immediate; airport arrival with insurance coverage is more reliable
• ASISTUR coverage is Cuba-centric — it coordinates with Cuban medical facilities and repatriation services
• ASISTUR policies may not satisfy some airlines' pre-departure insurance verification requirements, which check for coverage before boarding

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Medical Care in Cuba for Foreign Travelers

Cuba maintains a network of clinics (Clínicas Internacionales) that serve foreign visitors and are equipped with English-speaking staff and the ability to process insurance claims from international insurers. These facilities charge in hard currency (USD or Euros) at rates that can surprise travelers accustomed to low-cost medical care in the country.

A typical emergency room visit at a Cuban international clinic: $50–$150. Hospitalization: $200–$400 per day. Surgery: highly variable. Medical evacuation: $15,000–$50,000+ depending on destination and complexity.

Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical care received outside the United States, including Cuba. U.S. health insurance policies with international emergency coverage may or may not cover Cuba — the same OFAC issue that affects travel insurance applies to health insurance benefit payments for Cuban medical care.

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Who Must Carry Travel Insurance for Cuba

All Foreign Visitors

The requirement applies universally — it does not distinguish by nationality, age, or purpose of travel. Business travelers, tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists, and researchers all fall under the same mandate.

U.S. Citizens Traveling Under Authorized Categories

U.S. citizens can legally travel to Cuba under 12 OFAC-authorized categories (family visits, official government business, journalism, professional research and meetings, educational activities, religious activities, public performances and clinics, humanitarian projects, support for the Cuban people, exportation or importation of informational materials, certain export transactions, and authorized export transactions). Travel for pure tourism does not qualify under OFAC regulations for U.S. citizens.

Regardless of the travel category, the Cuban insurance requirement applies. U.S. travelers must resolve both the OFAC travel authorization and the Cuban insurance coverage simultaneously.

Travelers on Group Tours

Group tour operators specializing in Cuba — many of which are Canadian or European — typically arrange qualifying travel insurance as part of the tour package. Travelers booking through such operators should confirm that the group insurance included in the package satisfies Cuba's individual visitor requirement and covers the full duration of the trip.

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Exemptions and Special Situations

• Cuban nationals traveling to Cuba on a Cuban passport are subject to Cuban domestic health regulations rather than the foreign visitor insurance requirement.
• Diplomatic passport holders traveling on official government business may be exempt from the insurance requirement under diplomatic protocol — confirm with the relevant consulate before travel.
• Travelers with existing qualifying international health insurance (some employer-sponsored international health plans, CIGNA Global, Aetna International) may satisfy the Cuban requirement if the policy explicitly includes Cuba and provides the required medical and repatriation benefits. The policy documentation must clearly show Cuba coverage — a generic "worldwide" policy that excludes Cuba under sanctions language does not qualify.

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What Happens If You Arrive Without Insurance

Airlines check documentation before departure in most cases. A traveler without qualifying insurance may be denied boarding.

At the airport in Cuba, travelers without insurance are directed to the ASISTUR counter before immigration processing. If the ASISTUR counter is unavailable or the traveler cannot purchase coverage for any reason, entry may be denied.

No financial penalty is specified in publicly available Cuban regulations for arriving without insurance — the enforcement is practical (inability to board or enter) rather than punitive after the fact.

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How to Obtain Cuba Travel Insurance

Step 1: Confirm your travel authorization (U.S. travelers)

U.S. travelers must identify the OFAC-authorized category under which they are traveling before purchasing insurance. The travel category affects which insurers can legally issue a qualifying policy.

Step 2: Identify insurers that cover Cuba

For most U.S. travelers, this means contacting non-U.S. insurers or specialty travel insurance providers that have Cuba authorization. Canadian insurers (Manulife, Desjardins) have historically offered Cuba policies accessible to U.S. travelers; availability changes with U.S.-Cuba relations. Specialty travel insurance brokers that focus on restricted destinations maintain current insurer lists.

Step 3: Verify the policy meets Cuban requirements

Confirm the policy provides:

• Medical coverage of at least $10,000–$25,000 (higher is better)
• Emergency medical evacuation coverage
• Coverage for the full duration of the Cuban stay
• An insurance card or certificate that clearly names Cuba as a covered destination

Step 4: Carry documentation in paper form

Bring a printed copy of the insurance certificate, not only a digital version. Airport check-in staff and Cuban immigration officers may not have reliable access to verify digital documents. The printed certificate should show the insurer name, policy number, coverage period, and medical benefit amount.

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Cuba vs. Other Countries with Travel Insurance Requirements

Cuba is notable for enforcing the requirement at the airline check-in stage, making it functionally similar to the Schengen visa requirement in terms of real-world enforcement, unlike many countries where insurance "requirements" are advisory.

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FAQ

Is travel insurance legally required to enter Cuba?

Yes. Cuba's Decree-Law 284 (effective 2011) requires all foreign visitors to hold valid travel health insurance covering medical care and repatriation for the duration of their stay. The requirement is enforced by airlines before departure and at Cuban entry points.

Can U.S. travelers use their regular travel insurance in Cuba?

Generally no. Most U.S.-issued travel insurance policies exclude Cuba under sanctions compliance provisions tied to the U.S. economic embargo administered by OFAC. U.S. travelers typically need to obtain coverage from a non-U.S. insurer or a U.S. insurer with specific OFAC authorization for Cuba. Some specialty travel insurance providers maintain Cuba authorization — verify before purchasing.

Does Medicare cover medical expenses in Cuba?

No. Medicare does not cover medical care received outside the United States, including Cuba. U.S. senior travelers to Cuba are therefore without their standard health coverage and must ensure their travel insurance provides adequate medical and evacuation benefits.

What is ASISTUR and do I need to use it?

ASISTUR (Asistencia al Turista) is Cuba's state travel assistance and insurance company. It operates insurance sale counters at Cuban airports for travelers who arrive without qualifying coverage. ASISTUR policies satisfy Cuban legal requirements, but purchasing insurance at the airport is a last resort — most airlines verify insurance before boarding, so arriving without coverage may result in denied boarding before reaching Cuba.

How much travel insurance coverage do I need for Cuba?

No official minimum dollar amount is published in Cuban law, but policies below $10,000 have been refused at entry. The practical standard is $20,000–$25,000 in medical coverage plus medical evacuation coverage of $100,000–$250,000. Medical evacuation from Cuba is expensive and logistically complex — adequate evacuation coverage is critical.

Do travel insurance credit card benefits from U.S. cards cover Cuba?

No. U.S. credit card travel insurance benefits (Visa Infinite, Mastercard World Elite, American Express Platinum travel coverage) exclude Cuba under the same OFAC sanctions provisions that affect standalone U.S. travel insurance policies. U.S. travelers to Cuba cannot rely on credit card travel benefits for Cuban coverage.

What happens if I get sick in Cuba without insurance?

Foreign nationals receive medical care at Cuban international clinics (Clínicas Internacionales), which charge in hard currency. Without insurance, all costs must be paid out of pocket before discharge. Medical evacuation from Cuba, if needed, would also be out-of-pocket — a cost that typically ranges from $15,000 to $50,000+ depending on destination and complexity.

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Key Takeaways

• Cuba legally requires travel insurance for all foreign visitors under Decree-Law 284; the requirement covers medical care and repatriation and is enforced by airlines before boarding and at Cuban entry points.
• U.S. travelers face a double complication: standard U.S. travel insurance policies and credit card travel benefits exclude Cuba under OFAC embargo compliance — U.S. travelers generally need to purchase coverage from a non-U.S. insurer or one with specific OFAC Cuba authorization.
• Minimum practical coverage: $20,000–$25,000 in medical benefits and $100,000–$250,000 in medical evacuation coverage — Cuba's geographic isolation makes evacuation coverage especially critical.
• ASISTUR offers airport insurance for travelers who arrive without coverage, but airlines verify insurance before departure — arriving at the Cuban airport without coverage is already a boarding problem.
• Medicare and standard U.S. health insurance do not cover Cuba; senior travelers and those who rely on U.S. health plans have a coverage gap that requires a dedicated qualifying policy.
• Carry printed documentation — an insurance certificate showing the insurer name, Cuba as a covered destination, the policy period, and the medical benefit amount, in paper form.

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Sources

• Cuba Ministry of Tourism — Decree-Law 284 on Travel Insurance for Foreign Visitors (effective 2011)
• U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) — Cuban Assets Control Regulations, 31 CFR Part 515
• ASISTUR Cuba — Travel Assistance and Insurance Services
• U.S. Department of State — Cuba Travel Advisory and Embassy Information

Last verified: 2026-06

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about insurance requirements based on publicly available sources as of the "Last verified" date above. It is not legal, insurance, or financial advice. Requirements, penalties, and statutes can change; individual circumstances vary. Always confirm current rules with your state's Department of Insurance or DMV, and consult a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.