The availability of medical treatment for visitors to Cuba has increased greatly over the past few decades, in spite of trade and travel restrictions imposed by many countries. Most Cuban hotels and other accommodations offer around-the-clock medical attention to "health tourists," with trained staff on site. Cuba also has many medical treatment centers that offer specialized procedures in areas like bone marrow transplants, aesthetic surgery and treatment procedures designed for the elderly and the very young.
The most noticeable effect of health tourism on Cuba has been the increased intake of foreign revenue. One of the largest hospitals in Havana has reported receiving one-third of its generated income from treating foreign visitors with certain medical procedures. Many health tourists come for treatments that cost too much in the country where they're insured. They often find a 30 to 40 percent savings or more on medical treatments in Cuba. Apparently, these lowered costs don't mean sacrificing the level of proficiency. For many years, Cuba has been gaining a reputation for affordable and reliable medical care.
Undoubtedly, cosmetic surgery provides the number-one reason many people choose Cuba for surgical procedures. While many health tourists come to Cuba because of the lowered health-care costs, others come for the level of care and the advancements in surgical procedures made possible by the increased revenue from foreign visitors. Members of the medical establishment in other countries have criticized this practice, yet people around the world have these types of surgeries every year. Cuba remains a popular destination for visitors traveling for health reasons.
Cuba's traditional health spas feature saunas, baths and exercise facilities. An increase in specialized spas offering mud baths, acupuncture and European massage techniques also brings many health tourists to Cuba. These types of therapeutic health treatments have added to Cuba's popularity as a place to take in the benefits of natural elements like the sun and the warm, temperate climate.
Travel restrictions still apply citizens of some countries. Investigate these restrictions before you plan any trip to Cuba. If you're under medical care or you've been prescribed specific medications as part of a treatment regimen, advise your regular caregiver about any extra treatments or procedures that you're considering in Cuba, or anywhere else for that matter. Contact the Cuban Health Ministry in advance for information pertinent to any health concerns you have as a visitor.
