WHO CAN USE THESE SERVICES?

Anyone who desires a diagnosis, operation or medical treatment, without being subjected to extended waiting times.

ARE CUBAN DOCTORS WELL TRAINED?

Cuba is internationally recognised for the quality of its health care and for its medical expertise. More over, you can consult the curriculum vitae of some of the specialists. Because university education is free, doctors receive a great amount of training and they have the opportunity to travel to other countries (except the USA) to stay up-to-date with the most recent medical discoveries. Their research laboratories are world renowned; many important discoveries have been developed there.

The knowledge of Cuban doctors, as well as the medical equipment available,
is “state-of-the-art”, up to date with the most recent medical developements.

I HAVE NEVER TRAVELLED, HOW DO I DO IT?

You will need a valid. Application forms are available in all post offices. After making arrangements with HSI (Servimed), you will receive your airplane ticket and you can go to the airport to take your plane. Upon arrival, someone will be waiting for you and a minibus will drive you directly to your hospital. If you wish to be accompanied by a member of HSI (Servimed), staff, you only need to ask.

WHAT IF I DON’T SPEAK SPANISH?… WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

In the agreement between HSI(Servimed) and Turismo y Salud, it is noted that you will always have a medically trained person nearby who will act as your interpreter to help you understand test results and to help you when decisions are necessary.
Many doctors and nurses do speak English and some speak French, also.

WHEN I RETURN WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE MY SPECIALIST?

Of course! You always remain covered by your provincial Heath Insurance program and like anyone else, you can consult any medical specialist you wish.

IF THERE ARE COMPLICATIONS AFTER MY RETURN, WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

If the problem is major it will be treated on a priority basis in the health system as serious problems are always treated as a priority. The Cuban doctors take much more time than they do here to make sure there are no complications. Normally they want you to stay in the clinic several days longer than they would here in Canada.

WILL I BE ABLE TO SEE MY CUBAN DOCTOR AGAIN?

Of course! You will be able to visit your doctor as often as you wish. Cuba is only 4 hours away and it is not expensive to get there. It is often faster to go to Cuba than it is to wait in a hospital waiting room.
You can see your Cuban doctor as often as you wish.

IS THE RESULT OF THE OPERATION GUARANTEED?

Even here in Canada, no medical service is guaranteed. There is no more risk to be operated in Cuba than in Canada. The doctors are equally competent and the equipment used is up to date with the latest technology. Furthermore, you will have an active follow up from your doctor while you are in Cuba. The Cuban doctors take much more time with each individual patient and they follow up carefully. Often they will recommend that the patient stay in the clinic for several days longer than they do here.

ARE THE HOSPITALS CLEAN?

Certainly ! If you have stayed in the 5 stars hotels in Cuba, you will have noticed the rigorous cleanliness. In their hospitals, it is like that, only more so.
Many hospitals are certified ISO 14,001 and ISO 9001, which is not always the case, even in North America.

HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO STAY IN HOSPITAL?

At the outset, the doctors will suggest a number of days, depending on the treatment or surgery. In fact, you will stay in hospital as long as it is necessary. There is no shortage of beds and you will be permitted to take the necessary time. It is your doctor who will release you when you and he (or her) judges that you are fit.

CAN I BE ACCOMPANIED BY A FRIEND OR PARTNER?

Certainly…!!!… and the medical personnel are pleased to meet the person who accompanies you. Furthermore, your room is set up to receive a companion. There is a spare bed and all that is needed. The hospitals are equipped with large salons, game rooms and sun rooms. In fact it is almost like a five star hotel.

WHERE WILL I SPEND MY CONVALESCENCE?

Many patients decide to take a vacation after surgery. Why not? In Cuba, the sea-side resorts and vacation facilities are inviting. If you choose this option, you will be able to meet your medical specialist as often as you wish.
Many people also prefer spend their convalescence at home.

WILL I NEED PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Your doctor will decide what you need after your treatment to ensure the best outcome.

HOW MUCH WILL THE OPERATION OR TREATMENT COST?

Every case is unique and individual. The cost of the operation or treatment will be determined by the Cuban specialists and will be clearly explained to you before you plan to travel.

Considering the growing number of patients being referred by HSI (Servimed), you can take advantage of substantial savings.
As a general guide, here are a few examples of costs: treatments in the field of aesthetic surgery are 3 to 4 times more expensive in Quebec. For dental implants, the prices are 3 to 4 times higher in Canada.
In fact, we find that for these kinds of treatments, you can travel to Cuba, receive the desired treatments and take a week at the sea-side, including the airplane ticket, all for about a half of the cost here in Canada .

ARE THERE ANY OTHER COSTS?

HSI (Servimed) asks for a small inscription fee to open a file. Besides the cost of the medical program, the only additional cost is air transport. We will suggest several travel agents who offer services for clients of our organisation. On the other hand, if you should decide to prolong your stay in a hotel or resort, those costs will be in addition to the medical program.

WILL THE GOVERNMENT REIMBURSE ME?

You may present a claim to the government, but Health Services International cannot guarantee that you will be repaid. Following the Chaoulli decision, you may be eligible for reimbursement if the waiting times are considered unreasonable.

WILL MY INSURANCE PAY FOR TREATMENTS IN CUBA?

At this time HSI (Servimed) has no agreements with insurance companies. Some of our patients have insurance policies to cover these services. Check with your insurance agent, it is worthwhile to try to present health care claims.

I AM WAITING FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SPECIALIST AND I AM WORRIED BECAUSE I AM AFRAID THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUS…

Contact us, you could have an appointment within 15 days,.. We are there for exactly this kind of problem. You do not have to live in uncertainty. You will know what to expect.

SOME DOCTORS SAY THAT THEY WOULD NOT GO TO CUBA FOR SURGERY, WHY?

Some doctors are not familiar with Cuban health services. Public statements by doctors in this country make that very clear.

In fact, Cuba has one of the finest medical systems in the world! If you look into the subject, you will find that Cuba developed some vaccines which are used all around the world, that Cuban doctors use the same equipment as Canadian doctors and those in the industrialized countries, and that Cuban doctors are in demand throughout the world. Many hospitals and health institutions in Cuba received honorary prizes for the quality of their services and equipment. You can also refer to the doctor’s résumés on this site and more will be appearing in the future.

It is important to understand that doctors in Canada do not really approve of doctors other than themselves treating Canadians. It is like that in every country where health tourism is developed. In time, tensions will diminish. We already see a growing collaboration among Argentine, German and Russian doctors.