Travel Insurance Cuba: Your Essential Guide to a Safe and Secure Trip

Cuba, a captivating island nation, beckons travelers with its rich culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant history. However, like any international destination, it’s crucial to be well-prepared for your trip. Beyond packing your bags and planning your itinerary, securing comprehensive travel insurance for Cuba is a vital step to ensure peace of mind and financial protection during your adventure. This guide provides an in-depth look at safety and security in Cuba, highlighting why travel insurance is not just recommended, but essential for a worry-free journey.

Understanding Risk Levels in Cuba

Before delving into the specifics of travel insurance, it’s important to understand the varying risk levels across Cuba. The Canadian government advises different levels of caution depending on the region you plan to visit.

Exercise a High Degree of Caution in Cuba

The advisory level for Cuba as a whole is to exercise a high degree of caution. This is primarily due to the ongoing shortages of basic necessities affecting the entire country. These shortages include food, medicine, and fuel, which can impact your travel experience in unexpected ways.

Take Normal Security Precautions in Specific Areas

Conversely, certain areas within Cuba are considered safer, where travelers are advised to take normal security precautions. These areas are primarily tourist-centric locations, including:

Archipelago of Jardines del Rey: This includes popular resort islands like Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon Grande, and Cayo Santa Maria. These islands are known for their beautiful beaches and all-inclusive resorts, generally maintaining a higher level of security and resource availability for tourists.
Resort Areas: Other resort areas deemed relatively safe include Cayo Largo del Sur, the Guardalavaca coastline (between Playa Pesquero and Playa Bani), Jibacoa, Marea del Portillo, Playa Ancon, Playa Santa Lucia, and the Varadero Peninsula. These areas benefit from focused security and infrastructure to support tourism.

It’s crucial to note that even within these “safer” zones, the general advice to exercise caution in Cuba still applies, and travel insurance for Cuba remains a critical safeguard.

Safety and Security Concerns in Cuba

While Cuba is generally considered a safe country for tourists compared to many others in Latin America and the Caribbean, it’s not without its risks. Understanding these potential issues will highlight the importance of robust travel insurance for Cuba.

Nationwide Power Outages and Shortages

Cuba has been grappling with significant nationwide power outages, a situation that began intensifying in October 2024. The electrical grid is fragile, leading to sudden and prolonged blackouts. Scheduled power cuts are also common as a measure to conserve energy.

Impact on Services: While major hotels and resorts often have generators, these may not fully compensate for extended outages. Services like air conditioning, consistent hot water, and even basic amenities can be affected.
Essential Supplies: The power crisis is intertwined with broader shortages of basic necessities. Food, bottled water, public water supply, medication, and fuel are all in short supply. Fuel shortages are particularly critical, impacting transportation and various services across the island.
Travel Disruptions: Public transportation, including taxis, can be unreliable due to fuel shortages, potentially leaving tourists stranded. Rental cars might also become problematic if fuel becomes unavailable.

Travel insurance for Cuba can offer assistance in cases of significant travel disruption caused by these widespread issues, although it’s vital to carefully review policy details to understand the extent of coverage for such events.

Crime in Cuba: Petty and Beyond

While violent crime is less frequent, petty crime is a concern, particularly in tourist hotspots.

Petty Crime: A Common Nuisance

Petty theft, like pickpocketing and purse snatching, is prevalent in crowded areas. Be especially vigilant in:

Tourist areas
Markets
Public buses
Nightclubs
Beaches

Theft can also occur in more isolated locations. Hotel rooms, especially in private accommodations (casas particulares), and parked cars are also targets for thieves.

Preventative Measures:

Keep belongings secure at all times, including passports and travel documents.
Avoid packing valuables in checked luggage.
Don’t display signs of wealth or affluence.
Keep electronic devices discreet and out of sight.
Carry valid identification but avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Keep digital and hard copies of important documents separately.
Never leave belongings unattended in vehicles, even in trunks.

While travel insurance for Cuba can cover losses due to theft, prevention is always the best approach.

Violent Crime: A Less Frequent but Serious Risk

Incidents of violent crime are less common but can occur, often during burglaries or robberies.

Safety Tips:

Choose accommodations with good security measures.
Keep windows and doors locked at all times.
If confronted by robbers, do not resist. Your safety is paramount.

In the unfortunate event of violent crime, travel insurance for Cuba can provide coverage for medical expenses and potentially emergency evacuation if necessary.

Fraud and Scams Targeting Tourists

Fraud is another risk tourists face in Cuba, ranging from credit card scams to elaborate schemes.

Credit Card and ATM Fraud

Be cautious when using credit or debit cards as fraud is a possibility.

Precautions:

Keep your card in sight when handled by others.
Use ATMs in well-lit public areas or within banks/businesses.
Avoid card readers that appear tampered with or unusual.
Shield the keypad when entering your PIN.
Regularly check your account statements for unauthorized transactions.

Travel insurance for Cuba typically does not cover financial fraud directly, but it’s important to report any incidents to your bank and local authorities immediately.

Overcharging and Scams

Some businesses, especially taxis and classic car rentals, may attempt to overcharge tourists. Disputes over prices can sometimes escalate to violence.

Avoiding Overcharges:

Always confirm prices before using a service or consuming anything.
Avoid running tabs at bars or restaurants.
Do not leave your credit card with staff.
Carefully review your bill to ensure accuracy.

Scams by Hustlers:

Hustlers targeting tourists are common. They often speak English or French, appear friendly, and might offer services as tour guides or assistance in buying cigars. Some have resorted to violence to steal from tourists. Fraudulent tour agents and taxi drivers are also active, including at Havana’s airport. Luggage theft from taxi trunks has been reported.

Sex Workers and Theft:

In bars, sex workers, including minors, can be persistent. Tourists who refuse their advances may experience intrusive behavior. Engaging in sexual relations has led to theft for some foreigners, including Canadians, and some have faced false child sex accusations.

Protecting Yourself from Scams:

Use only reputable tour operators and registered taxis.
Avoid independent street vendors.
Be wary of overly friendly strangers.

Travel insurance for Cuba will not protect you from scams. Vigilance and common sense are your best defenses.

Shortages and Their Impact on Travelers

The chronic shortages in Cuba significantly affect daily life and can impact your travel experience. Access to basic necessities like food, water, and medication is not guaranteed.

Challenges Posed by Shortages:

Food and Water: Bottled water might be scarce, and the public water supply can be unreliable. Access to food can also be challenging, affecting dietary needs and preferences.
Medication: Essential medications may be unavailable.
Fuel: Fuel shortages disrupt transportation and can affect services even in tourist areas.

Preparation Tips:

Pack Essentials: Bring toiletries and necessary medications with you.
Emergency Kit: Carry a supply of water, non-perishable food, and fuel if renting a car (when possible and safe).
Plan Ahead: Be prepared for disruptions and limited availability of services.

Travel insurance for Cuba might offer limited assistance with shortages directly, but it’s crucial to have coverage for medical emergencies if shortages impact your health or access to necessary treatment.

Women’s Safety in Cuba

Women traveling alone in Cuba may encounter sexual harassment. Incidents of sexual assault against foreign women, including in resort areas, have been reported.

Safety Advice for Women:

Be aware of your surroundings, especially when alone.
Avoid isolated areas, particularly at night.
Trust your instincts and remove yourself from uncomfortable situations.
If assaulted, report it immediately to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate and seek medical assistance. Also, report the incident to Cuban authorities and obtain a Comprobante de Denuncia (police report). A formal complaint to Cuban authorities before leaving the country is necessary for a criminal investigation to proceed.

Travel insurance for Cuba is crucial for women travelers, as it can cover medical costs, counseling services, and potentially repatriation in severe cases of assault.

Spiked Food and Drinks: A Hidden Danger

Be cautious of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items could be spiked with drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Prevention:

Politely decline items from strangers.
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers.

Travel insurance for Cuba may provide assistance if you become a victim of such incidents, but prevention is key.

Telecommunications and Online Access

Telecommunications in Cuba are unreliable. Connections can be intermittent, and some Canadian cell phones may not work, even in major cities. Internet access is limited and controlled by local authorities, who may block access during civil unrest or demonstrations.

Communication Challenges:

Unreliable Mobile Service: Don’t rely on your mobile phone for emergencies, especially outside major cities.
Limited Internet: Internet access is restricted and can be slow or unavailable.
VPN Recommendation: Subscribe to and install a VPN service before traveling to maintain some level of online privacy and access (where possible).

Online Transactions:

Online banking and shopping can be difficult or impossible in Cuba. Many Cuban websites are insecure or inaccessible. Some travelers have experienced issues with online hotel bookings made through Canadian travel websites, with hotels not receiving reservations or payments.

Planning for Communication:

Inform family or friends of your itinerary and check in regularly when possible.
Plan for limited online access and potential communication disruptions.

Travel insurance for Cuba cannot resolve telecommunication issues, but it’s important to communicate your travel plans to someone at home in case of emergencies.

Demonstrations and Civil Unrest

Demonstrations, though sometimes illegal, do occur in Cuba. Authorities will disperse unsanctioned political gatherings and may block internet access without notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can become violent and disrupt traffic and public transportation.

Safety During Demonstrations:

Avoid participating in demonstrations.
Stay away from areas where gatherings are taking place.
Follow instructions from local authorities.
Monitor local media for updates on demonstrations.

Travel insurance for Cuba might offer limited coverage for disruptions due to civil unrest; check policy wording for specifics.

Water Activities: Swimming, Diving, and Boating

Cuba’s beautiful coastline offers numerous water activities, but safety standards can vary.

Swimming Safety

Rescue services may not meet international standards. Strong currents and riptides are common. Not all beaches have lifeguards or warning flags.

Safe Swimming Practices:

Never swim alone or after hours.
Swim in marked areas where it’s deemed safe.
Monitor weather warnings.
Avoid beaches during severe weather.
Don’t dive into unknown water due to hidden rocks or shallow depths.
Consult locals and tour operators for hazard information and safe swimming areas.
Follow instructions from local authorities.

Diving and Boating

Tour operators and diving centers may not adhere to international safety standards.

Safe Diving and Boating:

Choose reputable, insured companies for adventure sports like diving.
Ensure your travel insurance for Cuba covers your chosen recreational activities.
Don’t use equipment if you have safety concerns.
For boating, know navigation rules, ensure life jackets for all, follow safe practices for all water activities, don’t overload boats, carry VHF marine radio for emergencies, and be prepared for emergencies.

Travel insurance for Cuba is vital for water activities, covering potential accidents and injuries. Ensure your policy specifically includes these activities if you plan to participate.

Road Safety and Transportation

Road safety standards are poor in Cuba, and accidents, sometimes fatal, are common.

Road Conditions and Driving Habits

Road conditions are generally poor, except for the Central Highway. Driving hazards include:

Poorly maintained roads
Lack of signage
Inadequate lighting
Roaming livestock
Horse-drawn carts
Pedestrians
Slow-moving traffic
Old, poorly maintained Cuban cars often lacking safety equipment. Many cars and bicycles lack functioning lights.
Some drivers disregard traffic laws. Inexperienced drivers of electric vehicles (unlicensed/unregistered) are common. Drinking and driving is also prevalent.

Safe Driving Practices:

Drive defensively at all times.
Avoid driving at night.
Travel in groups if possible.
Never pick up hitchhikers.

Public Transportation

Buses: City buses are scarce, overcrowded, and poorly maintained with unreliable service. Pickpocketing is common. Tourist buses between airports and resorts and for organized day trips are usually in better condition.
Taxis: Official taxis are generally reliable. Old private vehicles used as taxis lack safety features and passenger insurance. Use registered taxis only, avoid hailing taxis on the street, don’t share taxis with strangers, and agree on fares beforehand as meters are rare.
Trains: The rail network is extensive but unreliable, slow, and limited to Cuban nationals.

Travel Insurance and Transportation:

Travel insurance for Cuba is essential if you plan to drive or use public transport, covering potential accidents and related medical or legal issues.

Air Travel

Assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards are not readily available. Be aware of this if taking domestic flights within Cuba.

Entry and Exit Requirements for Cuba

Understanding Cuba’s entry and exit requirements is crucial for a smooth trip.

Passport and Visa

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for your entire stay in Cuba.
Tourist Card (Visa): Canadian tourists need a tourist card, valid for stays up to 90 days. It’s often included in holiday packages from tour operators or airlines offering direct flights from Canada. If traveling independently or via another country, you must obtain it from a Cuban government office in Canada or sometimes at Canadian/US airports.
Length of Stay: Canadians can stay up to 6 months, but extensions beyond 90 days require application.

Arrival Form and Health Insurance

D’Viajeros Form: Complete an online arrival form within 72 hours before entering Cuba to get a QR code for presentation upon arrival.
Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance is mandatory for entry. Most policies are accepted except those from US companies. Cuban authorities have final say on acceptable proof. Acceptable proof includes insurance policies, certificates, or Canadian provincial health cards. If you lack sufficient proof, you may be required to buy Cuban health insurance upon arrival, potentially with limited coverage. Entry may be denied without acceptable proof.

Travel Insurance is Not Just Recommended, It’s Required: The mandatory health insurance requirement underscores the importance of securing travel insurance for Cuba. However, relying solely on potentially limited Cuban insurance is risky. Comprehensive travel insurance for Cuba from a reputable provider is highly advisable for broader coverage and peace of mind.

Other Entry Requirements

Customs officials may require:

Return or onward ticket.
Proof of sufficient funds.
Proof of accommodation if arriving with “air only” tickets.

Dual Citizenship and Permanent Residents

Dual Citizens: Canadian-Cuban dual citizens must use their Cuban passport to enter Cuba and a valid Canadian passport to return to Canada. If born in Cuba, contact a Cuban government office in Canada before traveling.
Permanent Residents: Canadian permanent residents without a valid PR card may be unable to leave Cuba. Obtaining a travel document from the Canadian Embassy in Havana can take up to 10 working days.

Health Screening and Quarantine

You may face medical screening or questioning by public health authorities upon entry, exit, or for domestic flights. Mandatory quarantine (up to 7 days) is possible if authorities suspect you have symptoms of serious illnesses (like COVID-19, Dengue, Ebola, H1N1, Zika) or have been in contact with a suspected carrier, or are arriving from a country with an epidemic.

Children and Yellow Fever

Children and Travel: Be aware of specific requirements when travelling with children.
Yellow Fever: While there’s no yellow fever risk in Cuba and vaccination isn’t recommended, entry requirements can change. Check for updates before travel.

Health Considerations for Travel to Cuba

Prioritizing your health is essential when traveling to Cuba. Cuba’s healthcare system, while staffed by trained professionals, faces resource limitations. Travel insurance for Cuba becomes even more crucial in this context.

Pre-Travel Health Preparations

Consult Healthcare Provider: See a healthcare provider or travel health clinic ideally 6 weeks before your trip for personalized health advice and necessary vaccinations. Even last-minute appointments are worthwhile.
Routine Vaccinations: Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date, including MMR, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella, meningococcal disease, and seasonal flu.
Recommended Vaccines and Medications: Discuss with your healthcare provider about vaccines or medications needed for Cuba based on your travel plans.

Specific Health Risks and Preventative Measures

Hepatitis A: Risk exists in Cuba through contaminated food and water. Vaccination is recommended for all travelers. Practice safe food and water habits.
Measles: Highly contagious. Ensure you’re protected against measles before international travel.
Hepatitis B: Risk in all destinations, transmitted through blood and body fluids. Vaccination is recommended, especially for those potentially exposed through sexual contact, medical procedures, or sharing needles.
Influenza: Flu occurs worldwide. Get vaccinated yearly, ideally 2 weeks before travel. Practice good hand hygiene and wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms.
Rabies: Carried by dogs and wildlife (including bats). Avoid contact with animals. If bitten or scratched, wash the wound and seek medical attention immediately. Rabies treatment is usually available. Consider pre-exposure rabies vaccination if at high risk.
COVID-19: Risk of infection exists. Complete a COVID-19 vaccine series and recommended boosters before travel. Check destination entry/exit requirements. Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, but infection is still possible.

Food and Water Safety

Eating or drinking contaminated food or water is a major cause of illness.

Precautions:

Eat safely prepared food only (boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it).
Avoid getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in fresh water.
Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, or swimming.

Traveler’s Diarrhea and Typhoid

Traveler’s Diarrhea: Common due to contaminated food/water. Practice strict food and water safety. Carry oral rehydration salts.
Typhoid: Bacterial infection from contaminated food/water. Vaccination is recommended, especially for those traveling to rural areas or for extended periods.

Insect and Tick-Borne Diseases

Many diseases are spread by insect and tick bites.

Prevention:

Use approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin.
Wear light-colored, loose, tightly woven clothing.
Wear socks and closed-toe shoes.
Use mosquito netting if sleeping outdoors or in non-enclosed places.
Do daily tick checks after outdoor activities.

Specific Insect-Borne Diseases in Cuba:

Chikungunya: Spread by mosquito bites, causing fever and joint pain. Vaccine (IXCHIQ) is available in Canada. Protect against mosquito bites at all times.
Dengue: Mosquito-borne, causing flu-like symptoms, sometimes severe. Risk varies seasonally and by region. Mosquitoes bite during the daytime. No vaccine or medication available in Canada. Prevent mosquito bites.
Zika Virus: Mosquito-borne and sexually transmissible. Can cause serious birth defects. Prevent mosquito bites and use condoms or avoid sex, especially if pregnant or planning pregnancy. Discuss travel risks with your healthcare provider if pregnant or planning pregnancy, and consider postponing travel.
Oropouche Virus Disease: Spread by midge or mosquito bites. Symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain. Potential risk to pregnant women. Protect against midge and mosquito bites. No vaccine or medication available.

Animal and Person-to-Person Infections

Animal Precautions: Avoid contact with stray animals, livestock, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats to prevent diseases like rabies and bird flu. Avoid undercooked meat. Supervise children closely around animals.
Person-to-Person Infections: Reduce the risk of respiratory infections (flu, COVID-19) by staying home when sick, wearing masks in crowded settings, practicing hand hygiene, and covering coughs/sneezes. Reduce the risk of STIs, HIV, and mpox by getting vaccinated against mpox (if eligible), limiting sexual partners, and using condoms.

Medical Services and Medication in Cuba

Limited Healthcare: Good healthcare is limited. Facilities are often in poor condition, lacking basic drugs, supplies, and equipment. Hygiene may be inadequate.
Hotel/International Clinics: Better medical services are available at hotels and international clinics in resort areas for foreigners, offering initial emergency care.
Mental Health: Mental health facilities are extremely limited, with no hotlines.
Emergency Services: Emergency and ambulance services are limited and response times can be slow, especially outside tourist areas.

Travel insurance for Cuba with medical evacuation and hospital stay coverage is critical due to these limitations.

Medication: Many prescription medications might be unavailable in Cuba. Bring sufficient supply of your medications in original containers, with paper and electronic copies of prescriptions. Pack medications in carry-on luggage. Cuba faces medicine shortages, including antibiotics and pain killers. Bring basic medicines beyond your prescriptions.

Other Health Considerations

Fumigation: Public health authorities conduct fumigation for insect control. Consult your doctor if you have respiratory issues and avoid fumigation areas.
Death Abroad: Mortuary services in Cuba differ from Canadian standards. Autopsies are mandatory. Repatriation of remains is lengthy and costly. Ensure your travel insurance for Cuba includes repatriation of remains coverage.

Laws and Culture in Cuba: What Travelers Need to Know

Respecting local laws and cultural norms is essential for a trouble-free trip.

Legal System and Justice

Abide by Local Laws: You are subject to Cuban laws.
Canadian Prison Transfer Treaty: Canada and Cuba have a treaty allowing Canadians imprisoned in Cuba to request transfer to a Canadian prison, but approval is not guaranteed and the process is lengthy.
Cuban Criminal Justice System: Significantly different from Canada. Investigations precede charges, and detention during investigation is likely. Expect long delays in case resolution and you won’t be allowed to leave Cuba during this time. Cuba has the death penalty (moratorium in effect since 2003).

Restrictions and Prohibitions

Investments: Private property rights are restricted to Cubans and permanent residents. Be wary of offers to purchase property or vehicles on your behalf. Seek legal advice before any investments.
Drugs: Severe penalties for drug offenses. Pack your own luggage, monitor it closely, and don’t transport items for others.
Child Sex Tourism: Severe criminal offense with lengthy prison sentences (7-25 years). Cuban authorities actively combat child sex tourism. Bail before trial is unlikely.
Drones: Prohibited and will be confiscated upon entry.
Photography: Professional photographers need visas and potentially equipment permits. Photographing military/police installations, personnel, and harbor/airport facilities is forbidden. Military zones are not always clearly marked.
Identification: Carry valid ID at all times and keep copies (physical and digital) separate from originals.

Cultural and Social Norms

Marriage: Complex document requirements for marriage in Cuba. Consult the Cuban Embassy in Canada if planning to marry in Cuba, especially to a Cuban national.
Dual Citizenship: Not legally recognized by Cuba. Cuban authorities may deny Canadian consular access to dual citizens they consider Cuban.
International Child Abduction: The Hague Convention does not apply between Canada and Cuba. Seek legal advice immediately if your child is wrongfully taken to or held in Cuba. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene in private legal matters.

Imports and Exports: Customs Regulations

Personal Effects and Medicine: Tourists can bring personal effects, but items for donation may be subject to import rules, seizure, and taxes. Cuban customs decides what is “personal use.” Excess baggage weight may incur tariffs.
Cigars: Export limits: up to 20 cigars without documentation, up to 50 in original sealed containers with hologram. Exceeding limits requires a certificate of origin. Non-compliance leads to seizure.
Art Objects: Export permits required for art objects purchased in Cuba, usually from state-owned galleries. Otherwise, registration with Registro Nacional de Bienes Culturales is needed.
Electronic Devices: GPS-equipped devices may be confiscated upon entry and returned on departure. Satellite phones are forbidden.
Electronic Cigarettes/Vaporizers: Prohibited and will be confiscated upon arrival.
Black Market: Illegal. Avoid black market transactions for goods or currency exchange.
Boat Traffic: US government monitors boat traffic to Cuba. Vessels lacking OFAC license may be seized if heading to Cuba. Expect thorough searches and interrogations if traveling by boat from the US to Cuba.

Driving and Vehicle Rentals

Driving Permit: International Driving Permit recommended.
Traffic Accidents: Can lead to arrest and detention. Accidents causing injury or death are treated as crimes. Driver must prove innocence. Serious accidents can result in up to 10 years imprisonment. In accidents, do not leave the scene, don’t move your vehicle, and call police.
Vehicle Rentals: Car insurance is mandatory for foreign drivers but Cuban drivers often lack insurance. Don’t expect compensation from uninsured Cuban drivers after accidents. Rental agencies are government-controlled and may nullify insurance if you’re at fault, seeking compensation for repairs and potentially preventing you from leaving Cuba until payment or claims are settled. Rental agreements don’t cover occasional drivers, making the signatory responsible for all drivers. Be cautious renting vehicles, especially scooters (theft risk). Get a receipt when returning rental vehicles.

Money and Finances

Currency: Cuban Peso (CUP).
Credit Cards: US-issued or US-affiliated credit cards are not accepted. Canadian credit cards are increasingly accepted in hotels/restaurants but can be unreliable.
ATMs: Rare and unreliable with limited withdrawal amounts (5,000 CUP when possible).
Cash Advances: Possible at banks, hotels, or exchange bureaus in CUP only.
Cash is Key: Bring enough cash (small denominations) for your entire stay due to card unreliability and ATM scarcity.
Currency Exchange: Exchange CAD, USD, EUR for CUP at airports, banks, major hotels, and official exchange bureaus. Street currency exchange is illegal.
Currency Limits: You cannot enter or leave Cuba with more than 5,000 CUP.

Natural Disasters and Climate Considerations

Cuba is susceptible to natural disasters, particularly hurricanes and earthquakes. Travel insurance for Cuba can provide essential protection and assistance in these situations.

Hurricane Season and Rainy Season

Hurricane Season: Mid-May to end of November. Tropical storms can rapidly become major hurricanes, posing serious safety risks and disrupting essential services. Be prepared to alter travel plans, stay informed of forecasts, have airline/tour operator contact info, and follow local authority advice.
Rainy Season: April to October. Seasonal flooding can disrupt overland travel and essential services. Mudslides and landslides can make roads impassable and damage infrastructure.

Earthquakes

Cuba is in an active seismic zone and earthquakes can occur, causing significant damage even if minor. In case of an earthquake, monitor local media and follow instructions from authorities, including evacuations.

Conclusion: Travel Insurance – Your Indispensable Companion for Cuba

Traveling to Cuba offers an unforgettable experience, but it’s essential to be aware of the unique challenges and risks. From nationwide shortages and petty crime to health concerns and potential natural disasters, unexpected events can occur. Travel insurance for Cuba is not merely a recommendation – it’s an indispensable safeguard for your financial security, health, and peace of mind.

Ensure you choose a comprehensive travel insurance for Cuba policy that covers:

Medical emergencies and healthcare costs
Emergency evacuation and repatriation
Trip cancellation and interruption
Lost, stolen, or damaged baggage and personal belongings
Travel delays and disruptions

By investing in robust travel insurance for Cuba, you can confidently explore the beauty and culture of this captivating island, knowing you’re protected against the unexpected. Before embarking on your Cuban adventure, take the time to secure the right travel insurance – it’s the most valuable preparation you can make for a truly worry-free journey.