Travel insurance for Cuba from £15.21^

Key takeaways

• The average cost of travel insurance for Cuba is £45.61^{^}

• Travel insurance is a legal requirement for all visitors to Cuba and you may be asked for proof on arrival

• Every visitor to Cuba must obtain an electronic tourist card (e-Visa) before arrival, this card acts as a visa and is separate from your passport

Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?

Yes, travel insurance is a strict legal requirement for entering Cuba. All international visitors must hold a valid policy covering emergency medical expenses, hospitalisation, and repatriation.

You must carry written proof of your policy to present to Cuban immigration officials at the border. Failure to provide this proof upon arrival can result in denied entry or being forced to purchase a local Cuban policy at the airport.

Travel insurance can also financially protect you if your holiday to Cuba is unexpectedly cancelled or your valuables are lost or stolen.

According to the latest data from the Association of British Insurers:

• British residents had to make 500,000+^{^} claims on their travel insurance in 2025

• The most common reason for claiming was to cover unexpected medical expenses, with an average insurance payout of £1,528^{^}

• In contrast, you can find travel insurance to Cuba from just £9.71^{^}

Cuba hosts major events throughout the year, including the Havana International Jazz Festival (25 January to 1 February 2026), the Santiago de Cuba Carnival in July and Havana Carnival during July and August.

Travelling during these events can mean crowded transport and limited accommodation, so travel insurance can help cover delays, cancellations or lost belongings.

What type of travel insurance do I need for Cuba?

Cuba is not covered by worldwide travel insurance, so you will need to buy travel insurance that specifically covers the USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

The specific type of policy you need depends on your travel plans:

How much is travel insurance for Cuba?

The average cost of travel insurance for a single trip to Cuba is £28.80^{^} . However, the price you pay will vary depending on factors like your party size and how long you are visiting for.

^{The figures in this table are averages of the costs paid by MoneySuperMarket customers over the last three months.}

Can I get last minute travel insurance for Cuba?

Yes, it is possible to get last-minute travel insurance up to the day of your departure, although not all insurance providers will offer this.

You can buy last minute travel insurance through MoneySuperMarket.

Is it cheaper to buy travel insurance closer to my departure date?

No, it is usually more expensive to buy travel insurance last-minute.

If possible you should buy your holiday insurance as soon as you book your trip. That way you'll be covered if you have to cancel your Cuba holiday.

What should my travel insurance policy for Cuba include?

Standard travel insurance will usually cover:

• Illness and accidents

• Trip and activity cancellations

• Lost luggage (including your passport)

• Theft

• Repatriation (bringing you home if you are seriously injured, ill, or dead)

• Personal liability (you are responsible for accidentally harming someone or their property)

🚩Different travel insurance policies have different inclusions and exclusions. You should always read your documents and check what you're covered for.

What isn’t covered by travel insurance to Cuba?

Typical exclusions include:

• Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions

• 'Unforeseeable' disasters including terrorism, war, strikes, and natural disasters

• Alcohol and drug-related incidents

• Travel to areas advised against by the government (found on the FCDO website)

• Adventure or winter sports

💡 Top tip: You can upgrade your insurance to include add-ons like winter sports, gadget cover and travel disruption cover.

Medical care in Cuba

While healthcare is available across Cuba, visitors may encounter shortages of medicines, medical equipment, and specialist services, particularly outside major tourist areas.

Medical facilities that cater to foreign travellers require proof of insurance and payment arrangements before providing treatment.

Travel insurance should include sufficient cover for medical expenses, hospital stays, and, where necessary, emergency evacuation to another country for treatment.

Can I get travel insurance for Cuba if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

Yes, you can get travel insurance cover with a pre-existing medical condition, but it may be more expensive than a standard policy.

A pre-existing condition is any medical isssue for which you had symptoms, medication, medical advice, treatment, or tests before you took out your insurance policy. It includes mental health conditions and disabilities.

You must disclose all pre-existing medical conditions. If you don't, your insurer can refuse to pay out for a claim.

You can buy medical travel insurance through MoneySuperMarket.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Cuba?

Visitors to Cuba should be up to date with routine vaccinations, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-polio, and COVID-19 if applicable.

Depending on your travel plans and personal circumstances, the NHS also recommends vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid, particularly if you will be spending extended periods in rural areas or visiting friends and relatives.

If you are arriving from, or have recently travelled through, a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, Cuban authorities may require proof of a yellow fever vaccination.

Vaccination requirements and health advice can change, so make sure you check what's required before you travel.

🚩 Vaccination recommendations may be different for individuals with specific health conditions. We recommend speaking to your doctor before travelling.

Do I need a visa to visit Cuba?

Yes, you need a visa to travel to Cuba. Cuba no longer uses paper tourist cards; instead, all tourists (including UK and EU citizens) must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to departure. If you do not have this before you fly, you will be denied boarding.

🚩 Visa requirements for a country can change. For the most up-to-date information, check the UK government’s foreign travel advice website.

Do I need travel insurance for activities like hiking or snorkelling in Cuba?

Travel insurance is particularly important if you plan to take part in outdoor or water-based activities during your trip to Cuba.

Activities such as hiking in the Sierra Maestra mountains, trekking in Topes de Collantes Natural Park, or exploring the Viñales Valley can involve risks associated with uneven terrain, heat, and limited access to medical care.

Standard travel insurance policies will often not cover hiking above a certain height or in riskier locations. If your hiking trip involves mountaineering or using climbing equipment you'll almost certainty need extra cover.

Similarly, snorkelling and diving at popular sites such as the Bay of Pigs (Bahía de Cochinos), Cayo Coco, and the Jardines de la Reina marine reserve may require adventure sports cover in addition to your existing travel, which you can add for a fee.

Travel insurers will also often bundle together adventure sports cover and winter sports cover.

📣Did you know? Your excess is the amount of money you must pay towards any insurance claim you make. It is a fixed amount regardless of the claim size and it is set in advance when you take out your policy. Increasing your excess can lower the cost of your policy, but make any claims less affordable.

Is backpacker’s insurance suitable for my trip to Cuba?

Backpacker travel insurance can be a good option for Cuba, particularly if you are planning an extended trip or intend to visit multiple destinations. Policies are often designed for longer stays and may include cover for activities such as hiking, snorkelling, and other outdoor pursuits.

Cover varies between providers, so it is important to check that your policy includes all planned activities and provides adequate protection for medical expenses, emergency assistance, and personal belongings.

What travel insurance do I need to protect my belongings in Cuba?

Most types of travel insurance will include some level of protection for your belongings and baggage. However, it is important to check what is and what isn’t covered.

Although Cuba is generally considered a relatively safe destination for tourists, theft and opportunistic crime can occur, particularly in busy tourist areas, crowded public spaces, and on public transport.

Visitors should take sensible precautions with cash, passports, mobile phones, and other valuables.

Make sure that your insurance has adequate coverage for your personal belongings. You can also consider add-ons such as gadget insurance and passport cover, which are not included as standard.

How do I claim on my travel insurance?

• Report the incident you want to claim for to your insurer as soon as possible

• If something is stolen, report it to the local police within 24 hours and get a report

• Keep records of what has happened, including photos or videos and the contact details of anyone involved

➡️ Learn more: How to make a claim on your travel insurance.

Where can I get cheap travel insurance for Cuba?

With MoneySuperMarket you can compare quotes from up to 42 different travel insurers, helping you find the best price for the level of cover you want.

Plus, we offer our travel insurance customers rewards! Get a voucher worth up to £5^{^} , a Free Days Out pass worth £180, and much more.

Just sign up to our free SuperSaveClub^{^} before you buy your travel policy.

✈️ Looking for inspiration for your next trip? Check out our travel insurance destination guide hub