Starr Companies Expand Travel Insurance Services to Cuba
Starr Companies has expanded the availability of its travel insurance and assistance services for travel to Cuba. These plans provide trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance as well as accident and sickness benefits. In addition, the plans provide the coordination of medical and assistance services for travelers during their travel and visit to Cuba.
“With the easing of travel restrictions to Cuba, we expect that an increasing number of U.S. citizens will visit the country. Starr is offering plans that meet both traveler demand and the U.S. legal requirements,” says Bridget Whalen, vice president at Starr.
The Cuban government requires all individuals traveling to Cuba to have travel insurance or a medical policy that covers medical expenses that may occur while traveling in Cuba. All medical bills must be settled prior to leaving the country. Medical facilities in Cuba do not accept health and/or medical insurance plans, U.S. currency, credit cards or checks issued from the United States.
Starr’s travel assistance services are provided by Assist Card, a subsidiary of Starr. Assist Card is a global provider of emergency travel assistance, medical coordination and concierge services to travelers. The organization has a global network covering more than 190 countries, including Cuba.
Whalen said Assist Card has the ability to directly dispense payments to medical and assistance service providers in Cuba.
Global travel insurance plans are not limited to Cuban travel and are available through Starr Indemnity & Liability Co. for third country-nationals and United States residents who are authorized to travel to Cuba, subject to general or specific licenses from OFAC.
Starr Companies is the worldwide marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Company, Inc. and for the investment business of C.V. Starr & Co., Inc. and its subsidiaries. Starr provides property, casualty, and accident & health insurance products as well as a range of specialty coverages including aviation, marine, energy and excess casualty insurance.