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Expats in Cuba can access a network of hospitals that provide quality healthcare, especially in major cities like Havana. While the Cuban healthcare system is free for citizens, expats are required to carry valid health insurance to avoid high out-of-pocket expenses.
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This Pacific Prime article highlights key hospitals and clinics in Cuba that serve expats, along with practical information on the country’s healthcare system and insurance requirements. Knowing where to go and what to expect can help ensure you receive the medical care you need while living or traveling in Cuba.
Understanding Cuba’s Healthcare System
The healthcare system in Cuba is renowned among expats thanks to the free-of-charge system for all Cuban citizens. As all aspects of the country’s healthcare system is run by the government, Cuba lacks private clinics and hospitals.
The country’s healthcare system encompasses specialty clinics used primarily for treating expats. Various Cuban resorts also feature international clinics, such as in Havana, Santa Lucia, or Varadero.
As mentioned earlier, Cuba’s healthcare system is free of charge, meaning various medical procedures ranging from simple checkups or appointments to complex surgeries are free, as well as prescriptions and at-home consultations.
However, expats in Cuba must have health insurance as they will not be able to leave Cuba if they have any overwhelming medical bills.
Do Expats in Cuba Need Private Health Insurance?
Whether or not you need private health insurance in Cuba will depend on your healthcare needs. For instance, if you’re an expat in Cuba living on your own and you’re in good health with minimal healthcare needs no more than occasional, basic checkups, you might not need private health insurance.
On the other hand, if let’s say you’re a family in Cuba and you need additional benefits such as dental or vision care not only for yourself but also your spouse and kids, or you’re in constant need of healthcare treatment, then you will need private health insurance in Cuba.
Top Hospitals in Cuba for Expats
Some of the notable hospitals available throughout Cuba, where expats can expect to get quality healthcare for themselves as well as their families, include the Clinica Central Cira Garcia Hospital and various other hospitals throughout Havana, along with others in various Cuban cities.
Below, we’ve compiled some key hospitals in Cuba, available to expats and their families.
Cira Garcia Central Clinic Overview
A pioneer in medical tourism in Cuba, Clinica Central Cira Garcia (or Cira Garcia Central Clinic) provides healthcare services to locals, tourists, and expats alike with the best scientific quality and honesty in mind.
The clinic’s portfolio encompasses surgical and clinical specialties as well as diagnostics and stomatological specialties. Below are some examples of key departments within each main specialty.
Surgical Specialty
- Plastic surgery
- Gynecology
- General surgery
Clinical Specialty
- Cardiology
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
Diagnostics
- Imaging
- Pathological anatomy
- Clinic Laboratory
Stomatological Specialty
- Orthodontics
- Periodontology
- General Stomatology
Contact
Address: Calle 20 NO. 4101 esq. a Av. 41 Miramar, La Habana, Cuba
Phone: +53 (7) 204-2811
Email: direccion@cirag.cu
Services at Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital
Known as a “Medical Hospital Serving Human Health”, the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital (officially referred to as the Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras) provides services in various clinical surgical specialties.
The hospital also serves as a training center for doctors and health professionals in numerous specialties, offering residency programs for graduates and conducting courses and workshops.
Contact
Hospital Clínico-Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras
Address: Calle, # 701 San Lazaro, La Habana 10400, Cuba
Phone: +53 7 8761210
What to Know About Hospital Camilo Cienfuegos
Internationally renowned for its services, the Hospital Camilo Cienfuegos can provide quality care to locals, as well as tourists and expats alike. Thanks to the qualified, versatile staff capable of meeting various patients’ needs, expats can expect top-quality care in various areas.
While primarily specializing in ophthalmology, the hospital is also experienced in orthopedics, internal medicine, stomatology, gynecology, and various other areas.
Contact
Address: Calle L No. 151 e/. Línea y 13, La Habana, Cuba
Phone: +5378333539
Advanced Medical Care at CIMEQ Havana
CIMEQ (Centro de Investigaciones Médico Quirúrgicas) is a high-level government-operated hospital located in the western part of Havana. The hospital is equipped with the most advanced technology in medical, surgical, and stomatological specialties and features qualified, experienced professionals.
Contact
Address: Calle 216 e/13 y 15 Rpto. Siboney, Ciudad Habana
Phone: +53 7 8581000
These are just a few examples of the numerous hospitals in Cuba, available to both locals and expats alike. Whether you’re in need of healthcare for yourself or your family, these hospitals and their medical staff’s versatility along with the various departments available have you covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cuba a good country to seek healthcare?
Cuba has been consistently known for its healthcare and medical education excellence. Thanks to the country’s long history of sending medical professionals to other countries or areas in need, expats can expect quality healthcare in the event of medical emergencies.
How much does it cost to see a doctor in Cuba?
Any medical procedure ranging from simple checkups or appointments to complex surgeries is free of charge, including prescriptions or at-home doctor consultations. However, expats in Cuba must secure medical insurance.
Is Cuba a safe country?
While Cuba is relatively low when it comes to crime rates, expats should always be mindful of risks of crime such as theft. Be mindful of your surroundings and refrain from walking alone at night. In case of emergency services, dial 106 for the police and 105 for the fire department.
Are there English-speaking doctors in Cuba?
While Spanish is the commonly spoken language in Cuban hospitals, expats should still be able to find English-speaking doctors due to Cuba sends doctors out on various trips worldwide and offers scholarships for students worldwide to attend medical school and work in Cuban hospitals.
What are some of the common health issues in Cuba?
Some of the most common health issues in Cuba include cardiovascular diseases, malignant tumors, chronic diseases in the lower respiratory tract, and diabetes. Because treatment and medication for such cases can be costly, securing international health insurance is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
Whichever Cuban hospital you opt for, each hospital offers something for every expat living in Cuba on the hunt for efficient healthcare for themselves and their families. Whether you’re an expat living on your own in Cuba or an expat living with your family, these hospitals have you covered.
While there is always a risk of injuries and illnesses in Cuba, you can always craft a safety net for yourself as well as your family with a health insurance plan. Having the right health insurance plan will help alleviate the financial stress stemming from unexpected medical bills.
While finding specific policies may be daunting, considering the various options available from numerous insurers, the search doesn’t have to be a nightmare. And fortunately for you, that is where we come in.
As an international health insurance broker with over 20 years of experience, Pacific Prime has helped both expats and local citizens find an appropriate health insurance plan that matches both their comfortable budget range as well as their unique health insurance needs.
Whether you’re an expat in Cuba or a local Cuban citizen yourself, we are here to help you out. What’s more, if you secure insurance with us, we can go the extra mile by helping you even further with completely impartial advice at no additional cost.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us or get a free quote here for plan comparisons.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in some of these other articles. Check out some of our other articles down below!
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International Hospitals for Expats – Top Care Abroad
Serena earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of British Columbia, Canada. As such, she is an avid advocate of mental health and is fascinated by all things psychology (especially if it’s cognitive psychology!).
Her previous work experience includes teaching toddlers to read, writing for a travel/wellness online magazine, and then a business news blog. These combined experiences give her the skills and insights she needs to explain complex ideas in a succinct way. Being the daughter of an immigrant and a traveler herself, she is passionate about educating expats and digital nomads on travel and international health insurance.
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