Health Insurance in Cuba, America
Information expatriation
Capital City: Havana
Total area: 110,861 km2
Population: 11,268,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +53 XXX
Practical Information:
Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG : Expat Health insurance Information
Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:
· Cuba has a universal healthcare system that provides free medical care to all citizens. Healthcare is considered a basic human right in Cuba.
· The system is funded by government expenditures rather than private insurance companies. Cuba spends about 11% of its GDP on healthcare.
· Medical care is delivered through clinics and hospitals run by the government. There is a strong focus on primary care and preventative healthcare through local family doctor and nurse programs.
· Access to hospitals, doctors, nurses and medications is provided statewide and is free of charge at the point of service. Patients typically pay nothing for doctor visits, surgical procedures or time spent in the hospital.
· Primary care doctors serve as the first point of contact and do home visits on a regular basis. They coordinate with specialists and hospitals when required.
· Cuba has a high doctor-to-patient ratio of around 6 doctors per 1,000 people. It produces large numbers of physicians and exports healthcare professionals worldwide.
· Vaccination programs have eradicated diseases like polio. Basic healthcare indicators like infant mortality and life expectancy rates are on par with developed nations.
· The system has faced challenges due to U.S. economic sanctions and lower GDP in recent decades, resulting in occasional shortages of supplies and longer wait times.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· All Cuban medical facilities operate on a peso (CUP) currency system, so expats will need to pay in cash pesos for things like visits, tests, and medications. US dollars are not accepted.
· Expats should purchase international health insurance that covers them in Cuba. While emergency care is provided for free, other services and hospitalizations involve costs.
· Finding English-speaking doctors can be difficult outside major tourist areas. It's helpful to learn basic medical Spanish phrases.
· Medications that are over-the-counter in other countries may require a prescription in Cuba and vice versa. Bring prescription medications from home.
· Cuba's disease profile is different - travelers should take precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, Zika and chikungunya.
· Food/water-borne diseases are common. Practice good hygiene and avoid unpeeled fresh fruits/vegetables when possible.
· Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water is widely available but check seal is intact.
· High standards of care exist but facilities aren't always well-resourced. Be prepared for long wait times, lack of sophisticated tests.
· Have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation if needed to another country for advanced procedures.