Compare travel insurance for Cuba

How much is Cuba travel insurance?

The cost of travel insurance for Cuba varies depending on your age, how long you’re going for, whether or not you have any health conditions and the type of activities you plan on doing.

To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing travel insurance quotes now.

What should I think about when I compare travel insurance for Cuba?

The first thing to check when you’re comparing travel insurance is that the policies actually cover Cuba. This might sound obvious, but many worldwide travel insurance policies exclude the Caribbean (along with the USA, Canada and Mexico). Ensure your policy is fully worldwide, or that Cuba is specifically mentioned as being covered.

A travel insurance policy for Cuba typically covers:

• Emergency medical care and repatriation costs – two of your most important considerations for Cuba travel insurance are comprehensive medical care and flights to get you home in an emergency. You don’t want to be left to pay your own way so far from home.
• Cash cover – cash is commonly used in Cuba, and as with every tourist destination there’s a risk of pickpocketing. Make sure your policy has enough cash cover to replace your spending money if it gets lost or stolen.
• Baggage cover – the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warns of potential theft during baggage handling, so make sure you have enough baggage cover for all your possessions.
• Flight disruptions – if strikes or bad weather disrupt your flight, for example.
• Holiday cancellation – if your holiday is cancelled, delayed or shortened for a reason covered by your insurance, you could claim to recover any resulting costs.

What activities will I be covered for?

When choosing your travel insurance for a trip to Cuba, think about what sort of activities you might try while you’re there as they might require specialist cover – for example:

• Extreme sports cover – Cuba offers thrilling extreme sports such as kite surfing along its stunning coastlines and rock climbing in the Viñales Valley. Ensure your policy covers these adrenaline-pumping activities.
• Water sports – from scuba diving to paddle boarding, Cuba’s crystal-clear seas provide the perfect location for water-based fun but do make sure your travel insurance covers these activities.
• Adventure sports – Cuba’s stunning landscapes, including the beautiful hiking trails through the Sierra Maestra mountains, offer plenty of opportunity to explore. If you plan to soak up the scenery in this way, make sure your insurance includes these types of activities as you often need an adventure sport add-on to be covered.
• Golf insurance – Cuba offers a unique golfing experience with lush courses including the Varadero Golf Club, which is renowned for its epic ocean views and challenging fairways. Make sure your policy includes golf insurance to cover your equipment.

Healthcare

Medical treatment in Cuba has to be paid for up front, meaning travel insurance with good medical cover is really important.

If you need medical treatment, Gov.uk advises that medical facilities are better in Havana than elsewhere in Cuba. However, you might be transferred to another country, such as the USA, for specialist treatment if necessary. Your travel insurance may cover the cost of this – it's worth checking whether the providers you’re considering include medical evacuation and repatriation before choosing a policy.

In a medical emergency, call 104 for an ambulance and be sure to contact your travel insurance provider, as it should be able to provide guidance and coordinate your care.

Cuban currency

The Cuban Peso (CUP) is the official national currency, but euros and US dollars are widely accepted by locals and can be used to pay businesses directly or exchanged for CUPs.

It is illegal to buy or use Cuban currency outside of Cuba. Once you’re there, the only places you can legally buy CUPs from are official currency exchange outlets known as cadecas. These can be found in all the main tourist areas and larger hotels.

According to Gov.uk there are often severe shortages of CUPs through ATMs, so it might be worth taking cash in euros or US dollars as a backup.

Whatever currency you use, keep it in a safe place and be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas. Having travel insurance that covers cash loss can provide additional peace of mind.

While debit and credit cards are used in Cuba, cash is normally preferred, except in state-run hotels and shops which require payment by card according to Gov.uk. If you do plan to use a card, check with your bank beforehand to ensure it will work in Cuba and be aware of any associated fees.

Risks of travelling to Cuba

When travelling to Cuba, it's important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Crime – Cuba is generally a safe destination, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings, avoid displaying valuable items and use your hotel safe for your passport, important documents and cash you don’t need at the time.

Weather – Cuba is prone to hurricanes between June and November, so it is important to monitor local weather updates and follow any advice or warnings from authorities.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date travel advice focused on safety and security for travel to Cuba. Ensure that you check this before travelling.