Cuba is one of the rare destinations that requires proof of travel insurance on arrival: without this document, you may be denied boarding. Once there, tourists are directed to private clinics that charge in foreign currency, with no connection to your national health system. This page covers everything you genuinely need to arrange, guarantee by guarantee.
Get my quoteIs travel insurance compulsory for Cuba?
Cuba requires proof of insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation upon entry: you must present this at check-in. Beyond this legal obligation, the private clinics reserved for tourists charge in foreign currency, and an emergency repatriation from the Caribbean can run to a considerable sum without cover.
Why take out Cuba travel insurance?
- Compulsory on entry: Cuba requires proof of insurance at boarding. Without it, you may be denied entry to the country: this is a legal requirement, not a mere recommendation.
- Private clinics billed in foreign currency: Tourists are directed to the Clínicas Internacionales, where costs can escalate quickly. Your home health insurance covers nothing outside your country.
- Costly repatriation from the Caribbean: An emergency medical repatriation organised at short notice from Cuba can represent a very substantial expense. Yupwego covers this in full, including logistics and medical coordination.
- Dengue and health risks: Dengue and Zika are present on the island, particularly during the rainy season. A prolonged hospital stay without cover can quickly become a serious financial burden.
- Hurricanes and flight cancellations: Hurricane season runs from June to November. A cancellation guarantee reimburses costs already incurred if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to a natural disaster.
What your Cuba travel insurance with Yupwego covers
For Cuba, Yupwego recommends a minimum of 500 000 € in medical expense cover, in line with the country’s entry requirements.
- Medical expenses and hospitalisation: Yupwego pays the clinic directly: no upfront costs on your part, even at a private facility reserved for foreign nationals.
- Medical repatriation: In the event of a serious emergency, Yupwego organises and funds your medically assisted return home, with decisions taken in coordination with local medical teams.
- Trip cancellation and interruption: Illness, accident, hurricane: you recover pre-paid travel costs if your trip cannot go ahead or has to be cut short.
- Luggage and valuables: Theft with forced entry or loss by the carrier: your belongings are compensated in accordance with your policy conditions.
Health and medical care in Cuba
In Cuba, foreign travellers are treated at the Clínicas Internacionales, private facilities where costs are billed in foreign currency: treatment must be paid for on the spot, with no connection to your home health insurance. Dengue and Zika are present on the island, particularly during the rainy season (June to November): use insect repellent and wear covering clothing. Tap water is not safe to drink, so stick to bottled water to avoid gastroenteritis. No vaccinations are required to enter Cuba, but a travel health consultation before departure is a good opportunity to bring routine jabs up to date.
Cuba entry requirements
French nationals need a passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date and an electronic e-visa, mandatory from 1 July 2025, available on the official Cuban website (evisacuba.cu). A D’Viajeros declaration must be submitted within 7 days before arrival, and proof of insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation is required at boarding. France Diplomatie currently advises against non-essential travel to Cuba due to an energy crisis affecting air links: check the website before booking. For a longer stay, our long-stay travel insurance is well suited; for a family trip, take a look at our family travel insurance.
Car hire and road safety in Cuba
Car hire is available in Cuba, but the road network is uneven and driving at night is strongly discouraged. Before taking the wheel, carry out a thorough inspection of the vehicle and take out the collision damage waiver (CDW) from the rental company: your travel insurance does not cover material damage to a hired vehicle, which remains your responsibility. In the event of an accident, your Yupwego policy covers your medical expenses and repatriation (personal injury); third-party liability towards another party may be covered depending on your policy. Check the terms and conditions before signing.
