• 08
  Mar
  2010

• Cuba Imposes Travel Insurance Requirements

  
  Filed Under: Blogging
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Recently, the Cuban government has made it mandatory for visitors to the country to carry travel medical insurance. According to estimates, nearly 2.4 million people visited Cuba last year. Even if there is no stipulation to purchase travel insurance, it is the prudent thing to do.

Several countries already have insurance requirements in place before issuing a visa. For a Schengen visa, for instance, applicants are required to provide proof of medical insurance of at least €30,000.

Many countries have no such requirements. Travelers only require a visa, and the onus of medical care falls squarely on their shoulders. It may be tempting for many international travelers to forego insurance, especially when young and healthy, and when the costs of medical care are low at the destination.

However, it is best to remember that even if a common cold may not dent a hole in your pocket, an accident or injury is expensive to treat, no matter what currency you consider. Also, at a higher level, when travelers ignore insurance, countries like Cuba may start to feel the pinch, and be forced to mandate travel insurance for visitors. Travelers may then end up paying more for insurance than they otherwise would have.

Travel tip: Insurance is typically around 8% of the trip cost. Factor this in when budgeting for your trip.