
Sign up & start saving!
Get our weekly newsletter for the latest in money news, credit card offers + more ways to save
Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.
Cuba is a beautiful country, with a lot to learn, photograph and explore. While the country is safer than you might expect, it’s still a good idea to pick up a comprehensive travel insurance policy before you leave to keep you and your bank account safe from any mishaps on your Cuban adventure.
In early 2015, President Obama relaxed a strict trade embargo that the US had in place against Cuba for more than five decades. As well as affecting commerce and financial dealings between the US and Cuba, this change also relaxed the travel restrictions for Americans who want to visit the country. While you still can’t visit Cuba for purely recreational reasons in 2018, there are 12 types of travel to the country that are currently permitted for Americans, including family visits, professional research, journalism assignments, public performance, religious activities and educational reasons.
While Americans can now visit Cuba, they are prohibited from interacting financially with entities under the control of the Cuban military or intelligence services. There is a list of prohibited companies available, which includes 27 hotels and a number of shops in Havana and Old Havana at the time of writing.
The Cuban government requires visitors to purchase medical insurance in order to gain entry into the country. Basic medical insurance is usually included in plane ticket prices if you’re traveling from the US, but the US Department of State recommends that you add additional coverage for medical evacuation in case you become ill and don’t have access to the medical care you need. Keep in mind that even with supplemental insurance, you’ll most likely have to pay any costs not covered by your Cuban provider up front and seek reimbursement from your insurer later — it’s often difficult or impossible for US insurers to pay Cuban hospitals or companies directly.
Aside from medical coverage, you can also get travel insurance for:
Travel insurance exclusions vary from policy to policy, and it’s a good idea to read the fine print carefully before you leave. Common exclusions include:
While Cuba is a generally safe country to visit, like any new destination, it does have risks:
Airline loses your luggage? Street food didn’t get along with your stomach? Even with caution and a safe destination, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong while you’re traveling abroad. A travel insurance policy will have your back if there’s a bump in the road so you can relax and enjoy your trip carefree.
Compare travel insurance policies for Cuba now
Picture: Shutterstock
Learn about what will happen to your home loan when you die and how to avoid any nasty situations with some pre-planning.
Learn about the main types of teeth whitening procedures, including how to find the right one for your needs.
Personal Capital Cash has some attractive features, but you can’t deposit or withdraw cash.
Get a generous allowance to put towards contact lenses or frames with this plan.
Bearish ETFs can earn you profits when the stock market is down. Learn more.
Explore the options and programs that Canada has in place to help you move to Canada.
You can pay for car insurance in Bitcoin, even if your insurer doesn’t accept it yet.
CIT Savings Connect combines aspects of a checking and savings account in one product.
Get the skincare you need without taking a trip into your doctor’s office.
10 US destinations we wanna visit this year.