Capital city, Cuba
Healthcare in Havana: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Havana
Care is free for Cubans but visitors pay in cash at foreigner clinics. Medicines and supplies are scarce; bring a full kit. Travel insurance is required for entry.
Hospitals for foreigners in Havana
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Clínica Central Cira García | Hospital for foreigners; pay in hard currency |
| Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras | Large public hospital; supplies are limited |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: $40–100 ($40–100) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Cuba: Doctors are well trained, but hospitals lack medicines, fuel and power. Clinics for foreigners want US dollar cash upfront; serious cases may need costly evacuation.
- Pharmacies: Pharmacy shelves are mostly empty; bring all medicines, painkillers, rehydration salts, repellent and a first-aid kit.
- Health spending: US$1,199 per person a year (2020); 9.5 doctors per 1,000 people (2021), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 106 · Ambulance 104 · Fire 105.
Travel and health insurance
Required for entry: Travel medical insurance valid in Cuba is mandatory for entry and may be checked on arrival.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Havana for foreigners?
Clínica Central Cira García: Hospital for foreigners; pay in hard currency
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Havana?
About $40–100 ($40–100) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?
Travel medical insurance valid in Cuba is mandatory for entry and may be checked on arrival.
More about Havana
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Cuba
- Cuban tourism portal (Ministry of Tourism)
- ETECSA
- Viazul
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.