Healthcare system in Cuba: everything you need to know.

How does the Cuban health system work?

The Cuban National Health System (SNS) offers free and universal coverage to all citizens. There is no private health care system or establishments in Cuba, since the revolution, everything is managed by the government, which has as one of its main priorities to have a good health care system.

The system is divided into three levels: primary, secondary and tertiary care. At the first level there are health clinics with doctors and nurses for preventive care, check-ups, examinations, vaccinations, maternity and examinations. At this level, there is one general practitioner per sector who is responsible for monitoring the health of local residents.

At the second level, people with more serious health problems receive medical care. They can go directly to a second level hospital or their family doctor can refer them. At the third level are specialized hospitals to treat serious illnesses and high-risk patients. It is estimated that about 5% of the system operates at this level.

The main focus is on the training of doctors. Cuba has some of the best medical professionals in the entire region, and has therefore been able to reduce infant mortality and that of the general population. Cuban doctors regularly attend to emergencies caused by natural disasters around the world to treat all types of medical emergencies. Preventive care is also a priority, in order to prevent high-cost procedures.

However, the system suffers from a number of challenges. Mainly due to the fact that many of the facilities and hospitals are not modern and there are often shortages of some medications. The last decades have seen a large migration of Cuban doctors and all kinds of professionals to other countries escaping the socialist regime in search of better opportunities.  

How does the system work for foreigners?

Foreigners traveling to Cuba cannot get medical care in the local system used by citizens. There is an independent system called Servimed that has more than 40 health centers with primary and specialty care.

It is mandatory to have health insurance when entering the country, and you will be asked for evidence of your insurance plan at customs. Having one will allow you to get treatment at Servimed centers, where you will still have to pay a fee for the care you receive. As a last resort, you are allowed to go to a Cuban hospital free of charge, but ideally you should go directly to a Servimed center.  It is not necessary to make an appointment to be seen by a doctor.

Servimed was founded due to the growth of medical tourism in Cuba. Because of the quality of health services in Cuba, and the fact that it is cheaper than in other developed countries, many people travel to see a doctor or for long procedures and treatments, even for cancer. In order not to saturate the system and the network of local hospitals, Servimed was created.

There is a health tourism visa for Cuba exclusively for people traveling for medical procedures. It is the D-10 visa and to apply for it you must first contact a Servimed health institution, send your information and the details of the treatment to be performed so that they can send you a quote and then the same institution will process the visa through the Ministry of Health. For more information, enter the following link.

If you wish to quote the best health insurance for your vacations or medical treatment in Cuba, visit InternationalHealth.com where you can compare, quote and hire the entire health insurance market for travelers and medical tourists 100% online.

What can I do if I have an emergency in Cuba?

Cuba has toll-free numbers for emergencies. Each service has a different number, so it is good to have them all handy in case you need assistance.

The emergency numbers are:

Ambulance: 104
Firefighters: 105
National Police: 106
Maritime Search and Rescue: 107

For members of the local system, the ambulance transport service is free of charge. However, if you are a foreigner, you must go to Servimed and this has a cost. If you need hospitalization and extensive treatment for an accident, this could be costly. That is why it is important to have a good health insurance during your trip to Cuba. 

How do pharmacies operate in Cuba?

Servimed also has special pharmacies for foreigners where you can buy medicines during your trip. The general recommendation is always to bring medicines from your country if you need them periodically. This is due to the fact that local pharmacies suffer shortages and it is possible that you will not find what you need.

When you go to Servimed, you are guaranteed coverage for diseases that are endemic in Cuba, such as dengue fever, for example.

Entry Requirements

There are no restrictions to enter Cuba because of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

To enter Cuba, you will probably need a tourist visa. This may take a few days to be processed, so please apply early. To learn more about how to apply for a tourist visa, click on the following link.