The following is an update from Millstream Underwriting in relation to members travelling to Cuba;

Cuban health insurance requirement for foreign nationals that comes into effect on 1^st May 2010. Travellers will only be required to purchase travel insurance from Cuba if they don't have travel insurance that was taken out prior to departure.

The information outlined below has been published on the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Rather than establishing an approved list of insurers, as originally proposed, it now simply requires people entering the country to have a policy that includes health cover for people visiting Cuba. In effect, the requirement to purchase a Cuban insurance policy will only apply to those with Cuban exclusions in their policy. The cost is between 2 and 3 Cuban Pesos per day.

I hope this clarifies the position. Further information is listed below;

http://europa.cubaminrex.cu/English/LookCuba/Articles/Others/2010/06-04.html

The Government of Cuba decided last February 16, that all travellers, foreign and Cubans living abroad, coming to the island from May 1, 2010 and thereafter shall take out a medical insurance policy.

To meet such requirement, travellers shall have a travel insurance which covers medical expenses or a policy for medical expenses with coverage in Cuba.

The insurance policy should be taken out at the home country of departure.  Travellers, who, exceptionally, do not have insurance at arrival, could take out a policy of insurance and assistance from Cuban insurance companies at the airport, port or marina.

Upon demand after their arrival, travellers shall present a policy, insurance certificate or travelling assistance card valid for the time span they will stay in Cuba.

Any member travelling to Cuba should contact the Federation office well in advance of their departure date and a hard copy of the travel Policy and Travel Assistance Card will be issued. As our scheme is a group scheme it is not possible to issue a Certificate.

David Cummings

Assistant Secretary JBB