Compare Travel Insurance for Cuba

Due to US embargoes and sanctions on Cuba, American insurance companies (and some Australian insurers underwritten by American companies) may not be able to provide cover for travel to Cuba. If an insurer cannot pay claims to Cuba, the destination will generally not appear in their policy’s destination list. Some insurers offer cover for Cuba under a Worldwide policy, but it’s always worth double checking with your insurer directly to confirm that Cuba is explicitly covered before purchasing, as conditions can change without notice.

Cuban law requires travellers to hold insurance with sufficient medical and repatriation benefits, but that doesn’t mean a basic medical-only policy is necessarily the right choice. A comprehensive policy also covers trip cancellations, luggage loss or damage, travel delays, and family emergencies. Given the relatively low cost difference between basic and comprehensive cover, a comprehensive policy is generally better value for most travellers to Cuba.

If you’re travelling between June and November, hurricane season is an important consideration when purchasing travel insurance. Cancellation and delay cover only applies to natural disasters that were not publicly known at the time of purchase, so it’s essential to arrange your policy before any hurricane warnings are issued. Purchasing travel insurance as soon as you book your trip is the most reliable way to ensure you’re covered for weather-related disruptions.

Pre-existing medical conditions must be declared when purchasing Cuba travel insurance. Some conditions may be covered automatically, while others will require a medical assessment or attract an additional premium. Given Cuba’s mandatory insurance requirement, it’s especially important to ensure your policy is valid and that all relevant conditions have been properly declared; an undisclosed condition could result in a claim being rejected at a time when you most need support.

Cuba offers a wide range of experiences beyond its beaches and cities, from scuba diving and hiking to cruises and adventure activities. If your trip includes any of these activities, check whether they are automatically covered under your chosen policy or available as optional add-ons. Travellers bringing high-value items such as cameras, laptops, or specialist equipment should also check single item limits and consider listing these separately if their value exceeds the standard limit.

If you fall in love with Cuba and want to stay longer, Australian travellers can extend their Tourist Card from 30 to 60 days by visiting the local Immigration and Identification Office with their passport, original Tourist Card, and required documentation. If you extend your trip, remember to contact your insurer to extend your travel insurance policy at the same time (which is super easy now that many insurers allow this to be done online).