🏥 Healthcare Overview

System: Universal public (free for citizens, tourist hospitals separate)

Quality: ★★★☆☆ (3/5)

Cuba has a strong primary care system with high doctor-to-patient ratios. However, hospitals often lack modern equipment and medications due to economic constraints. Tourist hospitals (Clínica Internacional) offer better care but at higher cost.

💡 Medical Tourism

Cuba is known for medical tourism, particularly for eye surgery, orthopedics, and skin treatments (vitiligo). Costs are significantly lower than Western countries.

💊 Pharmacy Guide

Access: limited

Hours: State pharmacies typically open 8am-5pm Mon-Sat. Limited stock is common. Tourist pharmacies in hotels have better availability but higher prices.

Prescription rules: Cuba's pharmacy system is state-controlled. Foreign prescriptions are not recognized. A Cuban doctor can write prescriptions, but availability of medications is the real issue.

Available Over-the-Counter

  • paracetamol (when available)
  • basic antibiotics (sometimes)
  • rehydration salts

💡 Tips

Medication shortages are common throughout Cuba. BRING EVERYTHING YOU NEED from home — do not rely on finding medications locally. Even basic items like ibuprofen and bandages may be unavailable.

💉 Medications & Restrictions

Bring ALL medications you'll need for your entire trip plus extras. Cuba has chronic medication shortages. Carry a doctor's letter for prescription medications. Keep medications in original packaging.

Controlled / Restricted Substances

🚫 Watch out for these

  • ⚠️ Most controlled substances — Bring documentation for any prescription medications
  • ⚠️ Large quantities of any medication — Customs may question large amounts — carry a doctor's letter explaining the need

🛡️ Travel Insurance

⚠️ Required

Travel health insurance is MANDATORY for all visitors to Cuba. You must show proof of coverage at immigration. Policies must cover medical expenses in Cuba specifically.

Average cost: $5-10/day

💡 Tip

Cuba requires proof of health insurance at entry. Some airlines include basic coverage with your ticket. If not, purchase a policy from Asistur (Cuba's state insurer) at the airport — though buying in advance is recommended. US-based insurance may not be accepted.

💉 Vaccinations

Required

  • 🔴 Yellow Fever (if arriving from endemic area)

Recommended

  • 🟡 Hepatitis A
  • 🟡 Typhoid
  • 🟡 Hepatitis B
  • 🟡 Routine immunizations

Hepatitis A and Typhoid strongly recommended due to variable food/water hygiene outside tourist resorts.

🚰 Water & Food Safety

❌ Drink bottled water only

Do NOT drink tap water in Cuba. Always drink bottled or purified water. Ice in tourist hotels is generally safe (made from purified water), but be cautious with ice at street vendors.

Food Safety Tips

Eat at established restaurants (paladares and state restaurants). Be cautious with street food and raw vegetables/salads outside tourist areas. Fruit you can peel yourself is safest.

🚨 Emergency Contacts

🆘 Emergency: 104 (ambulance), 106 (police), 105 (fire)

📚 Sources & References

Data compiled from official government health sources, WHO, and traveler-reported information.

  • WHO
  • CDC Travelers Health
  • Cuban Ministry of Public Health
  • US Embassy Havana

⚠️ This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before traveling and verify current entry requirements with official sources.