Health and Safety | Jibacoa, Cuba

HEALTH

The Cuban health care system has a very good reputation and is much more advanced than most other countries in Latin America and it often serves as a model for developing nations around the world. Although some medicine or equipment are not always available,Cuban doctors are highly trained and the care and treatments are comparable, and sometimes even better, than the ones received in more developed and wealthier countries.

Cuba operates a special division or international hospitals and clinics specifically for the foreigners and diplomats, with English-speaking doctors and better equipment and supplies. The cost for a consultation or treatment is very low compare to a private clinic in North-America or Europe.

You’ll find medical services (doctor and/or nurses) on-site at hotels Memories Jibacoa, Starfish Jibacoa, and Vila Loma. The closest International Clinics are in Santa Maria del Mar (East of Havana) and in Varadero. There are also local hospitals in the nearby towns (Santa Cruz del Norte, Matanzas, etc.).

MANDATORY Health-Insurance and Asistur:
Since May 1st 2010, all foreigners who want to 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, insurance certificate, medical assistance card, etc. If you enter Cuba without travel insurance, you will have to purchase a health insurance plan with the Cuban travelers aid company called ASISTUR S.A. (www.asistur.cu) at the point of entry; they have an office in every Cuban airport.

SAFETY

Cuba is generally a very safe country to visit; in fact it’s one of the safest destinations in all of the Americas, crime rate is very low. Tourism is very important to Cuba’s economy so strict and prominent policing and guarding make the streets and hotels places where tourists feel safe. Safe doesn’t mean 100% crime-free so you should still use common sense and pay attention to your belongings like you would do at home or in any other countries. Most crimes are neither confrontational nor physically-threatening, such as: pickpocketing, purse-snatching, solicitation, and prostitution). Violent crimes against tourists are extremely rare and are very severely punished.

Many Cubans are entrepreneurs and may try to sell you something of offer their assistance, but hustling and solicitation is usually non-insistent and not intended to be threatening. Cuban people are mostly friendly, open and helpful. Most hotels and resorts have fire alarms, fire extinguishers and safety programs and procedures are in place. But safety may lack in some adventure tours or activities so it's important for travelers to use good judgement.

Here are some the most frequently reported dangers or annoyances in Jibacoa (and Cuba in general):

Hustling:
Mostly to sell cigars, rum, lobster meal, or taxi service. If you're not interested simply say no with a smile, hustlers (called Jineteros) are usually nor insistent or aggressive.

Begging for small gifts:
A few locals from the nearby villages and campismos share the beach with tourists from the Jibacoa hotels. A few of them may sometimes ask tourists if they would have some small gifts to donate before they leave (such as leftover shampoo, cream or soap, clothes, etc.). They usually are not insistent and never aggressive, and they don’t come to your chair and palapa; they usually sit close to the water and wait for tourists to come by.

Pickpockets and snatch & grab:
Occur mostly in bigger cities and especially in crowded places or during special events, festivals or fiestas.

Theft:
Mostly theft of unguarded belongings on the beach.

Red flags on the beach:
Although the sea is usually calm in Jibacoa it can sometimes be more dangerous due to higher surf, strong currents or undertow, especially during bad weather (strong winds, tropical storm or hurricane). Green Flag: Low hazard calm condition, Yellow Flag: medium hazard moderate surf and current, Red Flag: High hazard high surf and strong currents.

Overweight baggage charges:
In Cuban airports, some check-in agents may try to make you believe that your checked baggage is overweight, charge you the excess fee, and then keep the money for themselves. If you're almost certain that your baggage don't exceed the allowed limit, ask to speak to a supervisor, chances are the agent will quickly apologize saying that it was a mistake.

Theft in checked baggage at the airport:
Theft of items from checked baggage by airport employees is becoming more frequent at Varadero and Havana airports. Don’t pack valuables in checked baggage.

Counterfeit cigars:
Cigars sold on the street or beach and by bartenders or taxi drivers are counterfeit, even if they have the proper label and seal of a well-known brand. They will most likely tell you that the cigars were taken from someone they know who work at this cigar factory, it's never true. It doesn't mean though they're bad cigars or they aren't a great deal, but simply that they are fake.

Blue jellyfish:
They’re most common during the summer months when they can sometimes be washed up on the beach. Coming in contact with its tentacles can produce a painful reaction.

Electrical outlet confusion:
Hotels have either 110V or 220V sockets, or sometimes both, and they are not always labelled. Check with the Reception if you’re not sure before damaging your equipment. Visit our Electricity page for more information on the type of electrical current supplied in Jibacoa hotels.