The Government of Cuba has announced that travelers will have to present proof of health insurance in order to enter the country as of May 1, 2010. Upon arrival, travelers may be required to present an insurance policy, insurance certificate, or medical assistance card valid for the period of their stay in Cuba. Those who do not have proof of insurance coverage may be required to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company when they arrive.

Temporary residents will also have to hold valid health insurance policies.

Although proof of Canadian provincial health insurance will be sufficient for visitors to enter Cuba, your provincial plan may cover only part of the costs and will not pay the bill up-front, as required. It is therefore recommended that travelers purchase supplemental health insurance. Note that some private insurers also require the traveler to pay costs up-front and be reimbursed later.  Travelers should note that Cuban authorities will not allow anyone with outstanding medical bills to leave the country.

All health insurance policies will be recognized except those issued by U.S. insurance companies, as they cannot provide coverage in Cuba.

For additional details on this requirement, please consult the Embassy of Cuba in Canada.

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or traveling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

According to BMO published reports…

Consider the following facts:

• 40% of Canadian women and 45% of men will develop cancer during their lifetime1
• In 2005, cardiovascular disease (heart disease, diseases of the blood vessels and stroke) accounted for 31% of all deaths in Canada2
• Advances in medical science means that your client has a better chance of surviving a critical illness. However, a critical illness often is accompanied by a huge financial burden to your clients and their families.

Did you know …

• The average cost of treatment with newer cancer drugs is $65,0003
• 75% of cancer drugs taken at home cost more than $20,000 annually3
• Not all Canadians are insured for these costs. For cancer patients without adequate insurance protection, these costs can be devastating.

Reference Notes:

1 Canadian Cancer Statistics 2009, Special Topic: Cancer in Adolescents and Young Adults
2 Canadian Heart Health Strategy-Action Plan Steering Committee. Building a Heart Healthy Canada. Released February 2009.
3 Cancer Drug Access for Canadians, Canadian Cancer Society, September 2009. Cancer drugs are 100% covered in only 3 provinces (BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan) and 2 territories (Nunavut and Northwest Territories)
4 15-Pay Living Benefit 100 does not include Loss of Independent Existence