Travelling to Cuba: Medical Insurance is a Must

LÉVIS, QC, April 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Desjardins Financial Security, Desjardins Group's life and health insurance company, reminds us that starting May 1, Cuban authorities will require all travellers to the country to obtain insurance policies that cover medical costs. Uninsured travelers may, however, purchase insurance locally.

The Cuba Tourist Board advises that provincial health insurance cards will be accepted as proof of medical insurance. All travellers and those accompanying them-including children-must have this card in their possession when entering Cuba.

Note that provincial health insurance plans offer only minimal coverage for medical costs for services provided abroad. These plans are not designed to cover travellers outside of their home province. It is therefore essential that all travellers carry travel insurance to avoid having to spend large amounts on accident or illness-related costs that are not refunded by their provincial health insurance plan.

All Desjardins clients carrying travel insurance that includes medical protection (for example, through a credit card, group insurance or a separate policy) are covered and are encouraged to contact the Desjardins assistance service, Sigma Assistel, in case of illness or accident while visiting Cuba.

About Desjardins Financial Security

Desjardins Financial Security, a subsidiary of Desjardins Group, the largest cooperative financial group in Canada, specializes in providing life insurance, health insurance and retirement savings products to individuals and groups. Every day, over five million Canadians rely on Desjardins Financial Security to ensure their financial well-being. Desjardins Financial Security employs some 3,800 people and administers over $22.8 billion in assets from offices in several cities across the country, including Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montréal, Québec, Lévis, Halifax and St. John's. For more information, visit our website at www.desjardinsfinancialsecurity.com.

For further information: (for journalists only): Caroline Phémius, Advisor, Media Relations, Desjardins Group, [phone], 1-866-866-7000, ext. 7646, [email protected]