Medical services in Cayo Largo

The Cuban healthcare system has a very good reputation and is more advanced than most other countries in Latin America. It often serves as a model for developing nations around the world. Health professionals are highly skilled at providing care and treatments comparable to those received in more developed and wealthier countries, even though some equipment may be outdated due to the difficulty for Cubans to obtain certain pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

There is an international polyclinic in Cayo Largo, it's located in Pueblo Isla del Sol (aka the village), about 8 km northwest of the hotel zone. View here a map of the Pueblo. There's also a mini-clinic in every hotel for first-aid. Doctors are available 24/7. For emergencies you should call the reception of your hotel and a doctor will come to you, or, you'll be sent directly to the clinic (according to the severity and care required). Ambulance service is available for emergency 24/7.

Services provided by the clinic include: Emergency room, medical consultation, Infirmary (first aid), radiology, clinical laboratory, stomatology (dental medicine), ambulance service, and a small drugstore. For severe illness or injury that require further care/treatment or more sophisticated equipment, patients are transferred by plane (or helicopter) to a hospital (usually in Havana).

Contact Information:
Clinica Internacional Cayo Largo
Address: Cayo Largo del Sur, Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
Phone: (53 45) 248 238
Fax: (53 45) 248 239
Email: clinica@cayolargo.cls.tur.cu

Note that medical services are never part of your All-Inclusive package. The costs are only a fraction of what you would pay in North America or Europe for the same care/treatments. For example, a medical consultation costs on average 35-45 USD. Don't forget to keep your receipt, medical expenses may be reimbursed by your travel insurance if it was an emergency. Don't forget also to contact the Travel Assistance service of your insurer as soon as possible to advise them of the situation, even if it's a minor illness or small injury.

MANDATORY Health-Insurance and Asistur

Since 2010, all foreigners who travel to Cuba must be covered by a travel insurance that includes a medical care benefit. Upon arrival travelers "may" be required to present a proof of medical coverage valid for the entire period of their stay in Cuba; in the form of an insurance policy, medical assistance card, insurance certificate, etc. Visitors without medical insurance may be required to obtain one through ASISTUR S.A. (www.asistur.cu), the Cuban travelers' aid company; they have an office in every Cuban Airport.

Photo Album - Cayo Largo Clinic

Lily & Normand
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