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Cuba international health insurance / Cuba Healthcare System |
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The Caribbean island nation of Cuba consists of several archipelagos and is the most populous country in the Caribbean, with nearly 11.5 million inhabitants. Cuba has
endured decades of sanctions imposed by western nations aimed at crippling the country’s economy and forcing a change in government regime. During the cold-war period, Cuba relied heavily on support and subsidies from the former Soviet Union, which funded a successful education and healthcare system. Now, Cuba has grown into one of the main tourist destinations in the Caribbean.
All travelers to Cuba must hold valid international travel insurance as cover against possible medical costs, which could arise during their stay in the country. Travelers to Cuba are urged to obtain comprehensive Cuban international medical insurance for the duration of their stay in the country and to ensure it includes cover for medical emergency evacuation as there are limitations to the range of medical treatment the Cuban healthcare system can provide.
The Cuban healthcare system has progressed over time despite the obstacles faced by the US trade embargo resulting in economic and import difficulties. The obstacles have been compounded by cessation of an annual multi-million dollar subsidy by the former Soviet Union, with the collapse in the structure of the Soviet bloc in 1990. The Cuban government has overcome these significant difficulties and has been able to improve healthcare standards in the country, providing Cuban citizens with free health services supplied by well trained medical professionals. However, there are still issues with advanced medical procedures and concerns about the quality of certain healthcare facilities.
Medical facilities in the capital Havana are superior to those outside the city. The Cuban healthcare system suffers from a shortage of medical supplies and adequate provision of patient beds. In the case of urgent medical care, a patient may require emergency evacuation to a country with a medical centre of excellence. Cuban healthcare facilities normally require non-Cuban patients to pay upfront in cash before providing healthcare services; it is, therefore, important for a visitor to ensure that they have an enough funds to meet any medical costs; a basic stay in a Cuba healthcare facility can cost approximately US$300 per day plus specific medical expenses.
The Cuban government provides the country with a national health system, with the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) being responsible for overseeing the Cuban health sector. The Cuban state took full responsibility for the provision of healthcare services in the country with the enactment of the Public Health Law legislation in 1983, which specified that the state will protect the health of all Cuban citizens. The establishment of the Cuban health law means that MINSAP, as a state institutional body, will provide health services in Cuba. The legislation on health in Cuba is subject to modification overtime, as health issues and demands change.
The Cuban healthcare system is funded through the state budget. The government will provide the Cuban health sector with an annual budget to finance the provision of public healthcare services to citizens of Cuba. Cuban citizens are entitled to free preventive, curative and rehabilitation health services. The state will also provide a wide range of routine medical treatments and primary care; pregnant women receive diagnostic testing and medication free. Out-of-pocket payments for certain healthcare services are applicable in Cuba - this includes prescribed medications, outpatient treatment, dental care and healthcare accessories such as wheelchairs, crutches and prescribes eyeglasses and similar items.
Primary healthcare in Cuba plays a pivotal role in the provision of health services, with a strong emphasis on the delivery of quality preventative care as a priority. The intention is to ensure Cuban citizens maintain their health and avoid the need for any advanced medical treatment. Primary care is provided at healthcare centres that promote healthy living and combating illness to ensure future, more expensive healthcare treatment, is not required.
The Cuban healthcare system is structured with two key levels. Firstly, a national level is overseen by the MINSAP, which operates as steward and has overall responsibility for the healthcare sector, and, secondly at a municipal level which co-ordinates public healthcare on a regional basis. The regional authorities are authorized to ensure the running of polyclinics and healthcare facilities within their jurisdiction are delivered to standards set by the government.
The Cuban healthcare network is comprised of more than 250 hospitals and 440 24-hour health clinics spread across the country providing a variety of healthcare services ranging from preventative to curative care. Part of the Cuban healthcare network is the highly sought-after polyclinic which forms the backbone of the country’s healthcare system. The Cuban polyclinics were introduced in the 1970's providing healthcare services such as minor surgery, dentistry care and X-rays and have been largely accredited for the impressive improvements in the general health of Cuban citizens. The polyclinics have a catchment area ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 people, being managed by doctors and nurses; they provide centers for medical teaching, and were designed to relieve patient numbers requiring treatment from hospitals.
The Cira Garcia Hospital is the designated healthcare provider for international visitors to Cuba. The hospital is located in the capital Havana in the Miramar neighbourhood. It provides healthcare services covering internal medical and surgical treatment, together with rehabilitative care for patients. The Cira Garcia Hospital is the main healthcare provider for foreign nationals in Cuba and caters especially for visitors who require medical assistance while in Cuba.
Visitors to Cuba traveling with a pre-existing medical condition, which requires prescription medication or over-the-counter remedies, are advised to take an adequate supply in case of any unforeseen circumstances delaying return to their home domicile; this will avoid the potential difficulty of acquisition in Cuba. When entering Cuba, custom officials may request evidence from your doctor explaining the reason for carrying prescription medications; it is also advisable to keep all medications in the original packaging.
There are a number of health issues travelers should be aware of before visiting Cuba to ensure appropriate measures are taken to minimize risks. Dengue fever is endemic to the Latin American and Caribbean region with occasional outbreaks occurring in Cuba; visitors are advised to take precautionary steps against mosquito bites which transmit the disease. Hepatitis A, viral meningitis and haemorrhagic conjunctivitis occur in Cuba and treatment is not always readily available. Before traveling to Cuba it is recommended that visitors seek
doctor’s advice to ensure all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date and to obtain the latest health information on Cuba.
Foreign nationals must obtain Cuban international health insurance for their time in the country. It is strongly recommended that all travelers include medical evacuation and repatriation cover in the policy as the Cuban healthcare system does have some limitations in the medical treatment it can provide. There are clinics present in tourist destinations which provide healthcare for minor ailments and hotels can normally provide healthcare assistance for minor illness. If medical treatment is required, it is advisable for travelers to seek out a healthcare facility which specifically caters for visitors.
The future of the Cuban healthcare system is subject to a number of issues, with an aging population - resulting from improved healthcare in Cuba - being a significant element; this is likely to lead to higher overall medical costs and become an increasing burden on state funds. This situation could be eased by the possible introduction of privately funded healthcare in Cuba, with the Cuban government having indicated a recent interest in this prospect.
If you are looking for peace-of-mind knowing that medical costs will be covered in case of an accident or illness, to yourself and your family, while traveling to or residing in Cuba, international health insurance plans will be the ideal solution. Policies can be tailor-made to ensure all your needs are met while in Cuba. Should you require further information on Cuba, global medical insurance, or to receive a free quotation, please do not hesitate to call one of our expert advisers now. |
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