City, Cuba
Healthcare in Santiago de Cuba: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Santiago de Cuba
Public hospitals are crowded and short of supplies. Foreigners pay in cash; serious cases may need evacuation to Havana. Travel insurance is required for entry.
Hospitals for foreigners in Santiago de Cuba
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Hospital Provincial Saturnino Lora | Large public hospital; supplies are limited |
| Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Juan Bruno Zayas | Public hospital with emergency services |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: $40–80 ($40–80) 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 Santiago de Cuba for foreigners?
Hospital Provincial Saturnino Lora: Large public hospital; supplies are limited
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Santiago de Cuba?
About $40–80 ($40–80) 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 Santiago de Cuba
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Sources
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 Spotted something out of date?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.