Cuba Republic Expat Health Insurance
The Republic of Cuba is comprised of several islands situated in the Caribbean Sea. The main island is Isla de la Juventud, which is home to the countries capital Havana; although there are several smaller archipelagos within the nation’s borders. South of Cuba lays the Cayman Island and Jamaica, to the southeast lie the islands of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, to the north lays the Untied States and the Bahamas, while Mexico lies to the west. The official language is Spanish and the local currency is Cuban Peso (CUP). A population of 11.239 million people are dispersed over a collection of islands covering an area of 109,886 square kilometres.
Cuban gained its independence from Spain on October 10 1868. In 1902 Cuba gained its independence from the Untied States and the country officially became a Communist Republic on May 20th of that year. In 2010 it was estimated that Gross Domestic Product accounted for some US$114.1 billion, ranking the country number 65 in comparison to the rest of the world. The Cuban economy experienced a real growth rate of 1.5 percent from 2009 - 2010. For the same reporting period the per capita earnings were estimated at US$9,900 an increase of US$100 per person over the previous year. Agriculture accounted for 4.2 percent of GDP while industry and services accounted for 22.7 and 72.9 percent respectively. Cuba’s labour force is estimated at 5.164 million people, 20 percent of whom are engaged in agriculture, 19.4 percent industry, and 60.6 percent services according to 2005 estimates. The unemployment rate in 2010 was 2 percent.
Cuba Healthcare System
The health care system in Cuba is under the administration of the Minister for Public Health. In Cuba there are no private hospitals or clinics, all health services and facilities are provided, funded, and under the management of the government.
The fist point of contact for patients is the family physician within the community. Physicians live near or in small consultorios within the neighbourhood providing care for 200 people in the five blocks surrounding the consultorio; this is in comparison to the USA where the federal average is 1 doctor for every 400 people. Cuba’s health care system is built on a solid foundation in primary health care services. Doctors see patients in their surgeries in the morning, while in the afternoon they conduct home visits.
There are approximately 400 polyclinics dispersed throughout the island that patients visit for more complex problems. Polyclinics provide the same services as out-patient departments in medium sized hospitals. Some polyclinics provide emergency room functions; however, the vast majority of polyclinics provide specialised consulting and diagnostic procedures, in addition to sophisticated therapeutic treatments.
Consultorios and polyclinics are considered the first port of call in regards to the health care system in Cuba. For secondary care services there are a number of municipal and regional hospitals spread across the island. Cuba’s medical educational system is highly regarded with 21 medical schools that produce 4,000 doctors annually. All education, including tertiary schooling, is free throughout the island. Before the lost of Soviet Union Aid, Cuba produced up to 20,000 students from Third World nations. Cuba provides doctors to assist African countries in the establishment of new hospitals and provision of services; however, since the lost of Soviet aid the health situation of the country has worsened.
Food rationing operates throughout the country and is having a major affect on the health of the people. In 1992 the American government passed the Torricelli Act which prohibited medicine and foof from being sold to Cuba causing severe shortages of vital supplies throughout the country. As a consequence of America’s embargo and the loss of AID doctors, the country had to improvise and find alternative methods of medication/treatment. Cuba has to sell the majority of its domestically produced medicine denying its own people access to vital pharmaceuticals - such is the need for dollars. Another consequence of The Untied States’ embargo is the denial of certain medicines that are necessary for vital quest to find a cure for AIDS.
If you are travelling to Cuba then you will need to purchase comprehensive medical insurance as you will be expected to present proof of your insurance policy on arrival to the country, this law came into affect on May 1st 2010. If you are making tax contribution to the government by either living, or working, in the country then you are entitled to free medical care.
There is a low threat from terrorist activities in Cuba; however, you should remain vigilant in public areas. Unfortunately crime is on the increase in particular from baggage handling areas on arrival and departure from the country. Before check-in you should consider shrink-wrapping your luggage.
When in the Centro Havana area at night it is recommended as a precautionary measure to take a taxi rather than walking even short distances. Be aware that unregistered taxis are operating at the airport and around Old Havana district. Across the island car related crime and muggings are on the increase.
When using public transport beware of pick-pockets and bag snatchers especially in Old Havana, tourist areas, and nightclubs. You are advised against carrying large sums of money, wearing ostentatious jewellery, carrying credit-cards and passports.
If you decide to rent a car while in Cuba ensure that the insurance provided by the rental company includes third party cover. You are required by law to wear a helmet when driving a motor bike. It is recommended that you avoid using Coco-Taxis and mopeds due to the high volume of accidents that occur with these vehicles. Road conditions are variable due to poor maintenance, lack of lighting and sign posts. Public transport vehicles are also of questionable standard. Beware of potholes, cyclists and vehicles stopping for hitch-hikers without warning. Only drive at night if the journey is unavoidable as unlit vehicles, animals, and hazards present real dangers.
There is a government led initiative in operation to crack down on drink driving. If you have an accident in Cuba where by you injure or kill someone, then you may not be allowed to leave the country while the police investigate the incident; investigations can take several months and there is no guarantee that criminal compensation will be made. If you have a serious accident during your stay then you should contact your country’s embassy.
Cuba is currently being used as a transit country for the smuggling of drugs destined for the European market. This is despite the severe penalties being handed out by the Cuban courts, some in excess of twenty years, for drug trafficking/related offences.
A visa is required for entry to the country, you should contact the Cuban embassy in your country for details. Ensure that you have the correct visa as there are different categories of visas. You passport must be valid for at least two months after you depart the country.
Cuba Expat Health Insurance
Global Health Insurance can provide professional health care assistance for you should you decide to travel to the beautiful Island of Cuba. Our tailor made Expat health insurance policies can be tailored to cover a wide range of services from repatriation, transportation, dental, maternity and many more. Call our team of Cuba expat health insurance representatives today to discuss, free of charge, the options available to you or your group in Cuba or worldwide.
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