Cuban Lifestyle

Overview Health
  • No inoculations or vaccinations officially needed
  • Advise to take precautions against typhoid
  • Bring mosquito repellant and adequate
  • Bottled water recommended
  • Check your Overseas Medical Insurance

Health in Cuba

Advice on Health Issues

There are no inoculations or vaccinations officially needed to enter Cuba and in general, there are no major health risks for travelers visiting Cuba. Even so, travelers may like to keep in mind that if they visit rural areas it might be a good idea to take precautions against typhoid. There is also the occasional outbreak of dengue fever but one can prevent this effectively by using mosquito repellant and wearing adequate clothing to avoid bites.

The food is considered safe and tap water is also generally safe (mains water is chlorinated), although bottled water, readily available, is more advisable, at least at first while your system gets used to the local water.

Most major hotels have a doctor on duty 24 hours a day and in Havana there is a hospital catering exclusively for foreigners. However, in general many medicines are unavailable or hard to come by – we recommend those taking regular prescriptions to bring these drugs with them (a letter from your doctor and a copy of the prescription may have to be presented at customs). We recommend that you take out health insurance.


Overseas Medical Insurance

Before traveling it is a good idea to check if your health insurance covers your medical expenses when traveling abroad. Purchasing a travel health insurance policy is recommended if your current health insurance doesn’t cover those situations. It is best to have any possible medical expenses of you vacation covered. This will allow you to worry less and enjoy your holiday as it’s meant to be enjoyed!