🇨🇺 Cuba Healthcare Guide
Cuba's healthcare system is famously publicly funded, and the international clinics designated for visitors — Clinica Central Cira Garcia in Havana being the main one — provide a different standard of care from the public hospitals locals use. Medication availability is a persistent challenge across the island due to supply constraints, so bringing a full supply of everything you take regularly, including common items like painkillers and antihistamines, is not overcautious.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 838
- Healthcare system: universal-public
- Average GP visit: $0 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: No
- Language barrier: high
Healthcare overview
Cuba’s universal healthcare system provides free care to everyone including visitors, though tourists are directed to separate Servimed clinics in Havana, Varadero, and other tourist areas. These clinics are better-equipped than general public hospitals but still affected by supply shortages linked to the trade embargo. Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital in Havana is the country’s most advanced facility.
Servimed tourist clinics
Visitors use separate Servimed clinics, which accept payment in convertible currency. Quality is above general public hospitals but below international standards.
Supply shortages
The US trade embargo affects medical supply availability. Even Servimed clinics may lack specific medications or disposable equipment.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Cuban pharmacies have significant supply limitations due to import restrictions. Many common medications are intermittently unavailable or only stocked in limited quantities. Carry your full medication supply for the entire trip, including any over-the-counter items you use regularly. Do not rely on local purchase for anything.
Bring everything you need
Medication shortages in Cuba are real and unpredictable. Carry your entire supply, including common items like pain relievers and antihistamines.
Tips for travellers
Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital in Havana provides the broadest specialist care in Cuba, with a long tradition in areas like ophthalmology and dermatology. Specialist equipment can be outdated, and supply gaps affect treatment options. Visitors with complex chronic conditions should have their treatment plan and medication list saved and accessible in Spanish, and consider whether their condition can be adequately managed given local constraints.
Havana specialist capabilities
Cuba has strong clinical expertise in certain specialties, but equipment and supply limitations can constrain the treatment options available.