Beginning May 1, all tourists, foreigners with temporary residence permits, and Cubans who live outside the island will have to carry medical insurance, in case they become ill, the Official Gazette announced this week. The Cuban News Agency reported the news Saturday.
Diplomats and representatives of international organizations accredited by Cuba are exempt from this requirement.
If the travelers don't have medical insurance from foreign insurance companies "recognized by Cuba," they can buy it at the airport or port of arrival from a Cuban insurance company.
The Council did not specify the cost of such an option but empowered the Ministry of Finance to set a price. It also directed the ministries of Public Health and Tourism to set new regulations for the medical care given to visitors.
Tourism is a major provider of hard currency to Havana. Last year, 2.4 million tourists arrived on the island, as well as about 300,000 Cubans who live abroad.

