Cuba Health Services

The Cuban health system has one of the most complete primary attention programs of the world, and a free service for all the Cubans. The Public Health of the island has world and regional specialized organisms recognition. Its population is healthy and the infectious diseases are not longer the main cause of death and those vaccine controlled diseases have practically disappeared.

HEALTH TOURISM
Cuba has natural conditions that have improve the development of the health tourism and has increased the efforts to guarantee comfortable and equipped facilities with the most novel techniques and highly prepared personal. All the hotels have medical services, often during 24 hours a day. There're also specialized medical centers: surgical treatments, marrow transplants, programs for the aged and the infants and aesthetic surgery. Other health facilities include medicinal waters baths with therapeutic modalities like thermal baths and gymnastics, always alternating the holidays with the benefits of these anti stress facilities or treatments in qualified spa centers.

SANITARY REGULATIONS
The only sanitary regulations are for visitors coming from countries with endemic yellow fever and cholera, or that have been declared infection zones by the World Health Organization. In such cases the International Certificate of Vaccination is demanded. The entrance of natural products of animal and vegetable origin is restricted. Animals can enter the country previous presentation of the corresponding certificate.

PERSONAL MEDICATION
There are many medicines that, due to the commercial blockade of the island, are very hard to find, so it's better that the travelers following a medical treatment bring their own medicines in the necessary amounts, in their original packing, with the corresponding prescription and a letter from the facultative where he explains the traveler's needs.

MEDICAL INSURANCE
For those people who must take special care, or worry much about their health, it is better if they have a medical insurance that allows them to be treated in private establishments. Cuba 's medical services are very good and some emergency treatment may be available to visitors at no cost. However, health insurance is necessary, as foreigners must pay most of their own health care costs. Some hospitals may ask for proof of ability to pay for treatment prior to receiving sufficient medical attention.

FOOD & DRINK
Mains water is chlorinated and, whilst relatively safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of stay. Milk is pasteurized and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafoods and fruit are generally considered safe to eat.

OTHER RISKS
Hepatitis A has been reported in the northern Caribbean Islands , and immunoglobin is not always readily available. Human fascioliasis is endemic. Dengue fever may occur in the area as well as outbreaks of dengue haemorrhagic fever and meningitis, particularly in urban areas such as Havana . Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Typhoid may be a risk in remote rural areas.