Visit the charming city of Havana and discover its vast history, culture, and architecture that attracts over one million tourists annually. Its unique combination of colonization, migration, and artistic and political movements has resulted in a peculiar blend that everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax as well as venture out to natural landscapes.
However, don’t forget one of the most crucial steps in planning your trip to Havana: purchasing travel medical insurance or travel insurance.
Havana Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Your domestic medical insurance will either not cover any health expenses in Havana, or only partially cover them. Medical charges can pile up in no time, and medical complications can occur regardless of the duration of your stay. Travel medical insurance can help cover your medical expenses during your trip to Havana.
Do I need travel medical insurance for Havana?
All international travelers are currently required to purchase travel insurance that can cover COVID-19 for the full duration of their stay in order to enter Cuba.
Also, be sure that your passport has six months’ validity at the time of entry.
Why buy travel medical insurance for Havana?
There is a risk of Zika virus transmission in Cuba. Along with that, there is also a minor risk of Dengue fever, hepatitis-A, chikungunya, typhoid, rabies, and COVID-19. Diarrheal illness is also common among travelers, so wash your hands, drink bottled water, and avoid street food and undercooked food.
All these situations can require medical treatment, which can be very expensive, and you're often required to pay in cash. Medical care in Cuba does not meet the U.S. standards, and many routine medications are also unavailable.
You might need to be evacuated overseas, which can be very expensive. Medical evacuations to the United States may cost more than $50,000. Thus, make the smart choice and buy travel medical insurance with a provision for medical evacuation.
Havana Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Planning a trip abroad includes a lot of costs, and you need to prepay most of your expenses like travel and lodging. An emergency that prevents your travel could mean losing a huge chunk of your money. You can protect the money you have already spent by buying trip cancellation insurance. It can cover a range of cancellation reasons, and reimburse you for your prepaid, nonrefundable costs.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Havana?
Tropical storms between May and November can produce heavy winds and rain in Havana. The city is also prone to earthquakes, which might lead to tsunami waves. In such a situation, your accommodation might become uninhabitable.
Your flight can also get delayed, which means having to cancel a part of your trip and paying extra for accommodation. Travel insurance can provide coverage for all such situations and reimburse you for the nonrefundable costs of your trip in accordance with the policy you’ve purchased.
What can be covered under trip cancelation insurance for Havana?
- Compensation if you must to cancel the trip due to a covered reason
- Trip interruption coverage
- Accommodation and other covered expenses in case of travel delay
- Compensation for loss of checked baggage
- 24/7 assistance
Buy Havana travel insurance, and look for a plan that suits your needs and fits your budget.
Things to Do for Travelers in Havana
Necrópolis Cristóbal Colón
Discover Cuban history at Havana's main cemetery. View religious iconography and elaborate marble statues at one of the largest monuments in the Americas. Buy a map at the entrance to navigate the graves of the interred, and during your visit, keep an ear out for the fascinating stories of the deceased who have been immortalized by their contributions to the arts and society.
Fusterlandia
Head to the district of Jaimanitas and witness the ongoing project ‘Fusterlandia’. Started about 20 years ago, it has covered the walls of several suburban houses with highly stylized public art. Make sure to check out the centerpiece, which is Fuster’s home. The grand residence has been covered with artistic expressions from the roof to the foundation.
Malecón
Enjoy the 7-kilometer sea drive at sunset when the buildings of Centro Habana are tinted with a yellowish hue, exuding a romantic aura. Walk down the middle of the empty thoroughfare while waves crash over the seawall, and then unwind in the ocean water. Plenty of Cubans come to Malecon to relax, so if your Spanish is good, try to have a chat with them.
Fábrica de Arte Cubano
This live music venue is open to everyone, with a very low entrance fee. Enjoy everything from classical cellists to local Cuban artists; you’re even encouraged to meet the performers. Arrive at 8 in the evening to view the revolving art exhibits and food outlets before it gets crowded. The place has many bars and stages, so come early to get the best experience.
Calle Mercaderes
The car-free area has been restored to replicate its splendid 18th-century high-water mark. Visit the Casa de Asia Museum, which exhibits art and sculptures from China and Japan. The corner of Mercaderes and Obrapía has a bronze statue of the Latin America liberator Simón Bolívar. Go to the Casa de México Benito Juárez to view Mexican folk art.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Havana
Petty Crime
Petty crimes in Havana are rising, especially against tourists. Beware of pickpocketing and bag-snatching. People on bicycles may attempt to snatch your bag or jewelry. Keep your cash, cards, and passport secure. If possible, wear a money belt and conceal it with your t-shirt. Do not leave any valuables lying around in your hotel room; keep them in a locker or locked in your suitcase.
Walking
Keep an eye out for ill-maintained and crumbling sidewalks, as there may be manholes with no covers. Waves cascading over the Malecón sea wall are a fascinating sight, but make sure to be careful while walking. The slippery road might cause you to fall.
Scams
Tourists are a target for scams almost everywhere they go, so beware of overpricing. Before you get in your taxi, agree upon a rate. Do not get into unregistered taxis. Always check your bill and change in restaurants, especially if you’re intoxicated. Jineteros are prevalent in Havana, and they might try to sell you knock-off cigars.
Women’s safety
Female travelers are typically as safe as male travelers. Still, be cautious. Be on the lookout for purse-snatchers, and do not wear any expensive jewelry. Do not accept food or drinks from a stranger or a new acquaintance, as it might be spiked.
Illegal Activities
Do not consume any illegal drugs, as the penalties can be severe. If locals try to offer you illicit substances, politely decline. Do not take photographs of any military personnel, military buildings, or even the police.
Before You Travel to Havana - Do This
- Bring cash to cover your stay, as your cards might not be accepted.
- Make sure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months at the time of entry.
- Make sure to get travel medical insurance or travel insurance that meets current Cuban requirements.