Travel insurance: Visitors to Cuba 'must have compulsory medical cover'

Tuesday, 09 March 2010

Visitors to Cuba will be required to have travel insurance including medical cover before they enter the country as of May 1st 2010.

The new regulations, which also affect Cubans living abroad, have been agreed by the Caribbean island's executive committee of the Council of Ministers.

Steve Diederich, managing director at Captivating Cuba, said: "As Cuba's healthcare system is excellent and world-renowned, it's not surprising that the government wants to cover its costs in this area.

"Cuba has always been relaxed and helpful when it comes to visitors' healthcare when it's been necessary, and we hope that will continue."

The Caribbean Tourism Organisation is forecasting a rebound in visitor arrivals in 2010, with moderate growth expected for the region on the heels of positive indicators from the fourth quarter of 2009.

Mr Diederich said it was not yet clear if the changes in travel insurance requirements would affect visitor numbers.

Posted by Rick Malone

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