Croix Bleue du Québec

New requirement to enter Cuba: travel insurance covering medical care will be mandatory as of May 1, 2010

Travel insurance coverage is an essential as soon as you travel out of your province of residence. It is now even more essential since the Cuban government made it a new entry requirement in its territory.

As of May 1, 2010, all foreigners who want to travel to Cuba will have to be covered by a travel insurance that includes a medical care benefit.

Travel insurance contracts will have to be purchased before the departure from the province of residence; if you enter Cuba without travel insurance coverage, you will have to subscribe a health insurance plan with a Cuban insurance company at the point of entry.

CanAssistance, Blue Cross assistance subsidiary, is duly recognized by the Cuban government and works in collaboration with Asistur SA, the official assistance society of Cuba, to provide assistance to travellers who need medical care.

Upon arrival at the customs, you will have to prove your coverage by presenting:

- your travel insurance policy;
- your insurance confirmation indicating your name, address, contract number, type of coverage
  and travelling dates.

In order to avoid any problem with the Cuban authorities, you should keep your insurance documents with you along with all other mandatory travel documents.

For more information, visit the following official websites:

Cuba Tourist Board in Canada: News section on the home page
www.gocuba.ca

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada: Select CUBA in the Where Are You Going? tool and read section 4 - Health Insurance
www.voyage.gc.ca

Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ): News section on the home page.
www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca