Starr Companies is pleased to announce the availability of 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 one of the world’s leading providers 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 adds: "Assist Card’s ability to directly dispense payments to medical and assistance service providers in Cuba is just one way in which our plans meet the unique needs of travelers. We are always looking for innovative ways to respond to the needs of travelers in such emerging markets."

*Global travel insurance plans are not limited to Cuban travel and are available through Starr Indemnity & Liability Company 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 (or Starr) 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.