Cuba - Health

While visiting Cuba, visitors can find excellent medical treatment in Havana or other major cities. Charges for doctors’ fees, clinic visits, and medicines are usually settled in cash.

In a medical emergency, you will be likely taken to a tourist-only hospital which is reported to be good. Cuban doctors are highly regarded and are often some of the best trained in the entire Caribbean. (There's a joke among some cruisers that says, "If you get sick in the Caribbean, hope the doctor is Cuban.")

Travel insurance is mandatory for people traveling to Cuba. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation.

Through the Asistur service, visitors can receive medical care, guidance, and assistance in the event of a serious illness or accident.

The Cuban Tourism portal provides more information.

Some tourist resort hotels have their own medical facilities. International Servimed clinics also provide urgent care. These clinics are located in tourist areas on the island. The Cira Garcia Hospital offers hospital care to foreign patients in Havana.

• Cira Garcia Clinic - Calle 20 No. 4101 y Avenida 41, Miamar Playa, La Habana
  Telephone: +537 204 2811 (+ Ext 445 to request an ambulance)
  Email adresses: comercial@cirag.cu or medicos@cirag.cu

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases:

Visitors should be up-to-date with immunizations. Vaccination for typhoid and hepatitis A & B is advised.

Food and Water Concerns:

Drinking tap water in Cuba is generally not advised. Bottled water can be purchased throughout the country.

In 2015, cholera has been reported in certain parts of the country.

Mosquito-borne Diseases:

There is a risk of dengue and Zika virus in Cuba.

Because of the risks to pregnancy, travelers should consult the CDC Travelers’ Health website for the most current recommendations for Zika.

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Cuba.

Prevention:

Use a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET or 20% Picaridin on exposed skin.

Re-apply according to the manufacturer's directions.

Wear neutral-colored (beige, light grey) long-sleeved clothing.

Pre-soak or spray the outer layer of clothing and gear with permethrin.

Ensure that the hatch and window screens work properly.

Prescription Drugs:

Prescription drugs are not available in Cuba, nor are over-the-counter pain killers/fever reducers including Tylenol, Aspirin, Advil, or any kind of cold/flu remedy, so be sure to have sufficient in supply. Herbal tinctures and remedies are commonly used and are inexpensive.

Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you. Always keep your medication in the original container. Carry a copy of your prescription(s).

Emergency Numbers:
See Emergencies.

In an emergency, call 104 (ambulance) to obtain help.

Nueva Gerona - 322366
Cayo Largo - 248238
La Demajagua - 399425
La Fe - 397390
La Victoria - 398189
Matanzas - 285023

Other useful link:

• Cuban Ministry of Public Health

Last updated:  August 2023