What actually happens to travelers here.
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date, bring your prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's letter, and verify your travel insurance covers international medical care + evacuation.
The system.
System: Universal public (free for citizens, tourist hospitals separate)
Quality: ★★★☆☆ Good
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.
Cuba is known for medical tourism, particularly for eye surgery, orthopedics, and skin treatments (vitiligo). Costs are significantly lower than Western countries.
Where to actually go.
Designated foreigners' clinic. International standard. Payment in CUC/USD.
Major public hospital. Some doctors speak English.
Finding what you need.
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.
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.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol (when available)
- basic antibiotics (sometimes)
- rehydration salts
Useful pharmacy phrases
- Necesito medicina para el dolor de cabeza
- Necesito un médico
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Paracetamol (Cuban generic)
Locally manufactured; supply can be inconsistent — bring your own. - ibuprofen → Ibuprofeno (Cuban generic)
Available at state pharmacies; supply varies. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Loperamida (generic)
Bring your own — supply at Cuban pharmacies is unreliable.
What you can't bring in.
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.
Bring documentation for any prescription medications
Customs may question large amounts — carry a doctor's letter explaining the need
If something breaks.
Availability: Dental care available but supplies may be limited. Clínica Cira García serves foreigners.
Cost range: $20-50 for consultation; $30-80 for fillings
Cuba has well-trained dentists but limited supplies and equipment. Bring dental supplies if you have ongoing dental needs.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Required for entry 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
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.
Filing a claim
Travel insurance is required for Cuba entry. Clínica Cira García handles foreigner billing. Pay in cash (USD/EUR) and keep all receipts. Cuban medical documentation may need translation for insurance claims.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $10-30 |
| ER visit | $40-150 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $60-250 |
| Ambulance | $20-80 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Miami
Secondary destination: Mexico City or Houston
Typical cost band: $30,000-90,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Local hospitals handle routine cases; for complex care that exceeds local capacity, regional referral options are well-established. Caribbean island healthcare is limited for complex cases. Miami is the primary medical hub for the region.
What to get done before you fly.
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.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Bottled-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
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.
In crisis abroad.
English-speaking therapists: Limited English-speaking mental health services. Most counseling in Cuba is in Spanish; international hotels in Havana and Varadero can sometimes arrange referrals.
Mental health services in English are very limited. Contact your embassy for assistance.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Cuba's accessibility is very limited. Havana's colonial architecture includes many steps and narrow sidewalks.
Hospital accessibility: Clínica Cira García has some wheelchair access. Other facilities are limited.
Accessible transport: No accessible public transport. Classic cars used as taxis are not wheelchair friendly.
Cuba is very challenging for wheelchair users. Plan carefully and consider hiring a private driver with an accessible vehicle.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID requirements.
Mask policy: No mandates.
Testing availability: Available at hospitals.
Cuba removed COVID entry requirements. Bring sufficient medications as pharmacies may have limited stock.
Cuba travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- WHO
- CDC Travelers Health
- Cuban Ministry of Public Health
- US Embassy Havana