The son of an Argentine tourist who had emergency surgery in Havana has spoken out about the neglect his mother has experienced from the travel agency that organized her trip to Cuba. He warns that he cannot afford the exorbitant medical expenses on the island. Estela Margarita Fontana, aged 79, is currently in critical condition in a Havana hospital after undergoing urgent surgery for an intestinal issue.
Although Fontana purchased medical insurance as part of her travel package, it only covers up to $800, an amount that falls dramatically short of the staggering $10,000 medical bill, according to her son, Hernán Cruz Tantucci. In desperation, he traveled to Cuba to be by his mother's side, renting an apartment near the hospital, which has further increased their financial burden. "To date, we've spent $10,000," Tantucci told the Argentine press.
Travel Agency's Lack of Response
Tantucci accuses Nuova Viajes of abandoning the family during this challenging time, failing to provide the support promised in the insurance policy purchased with the travel package. Fontana remains in intensive care and relies on a ventilator. "The company vanished, never responded. Only the coordinator was in touch initially, but they're no longer on the island. It's quite disgraceful," expressed Tantucci, who feels forsaken, despite being in contact with the Argentine Embassy in Havana.
The financial demands for medical care and accommodation in Cuba are overwhelming. The clinic insists that payments be made via Visa or Mastercard, which has posed an additional hurdle for Tantucci, as transferring such a large sum from Argentina is challenging. This situation has garnered attention as a potential insurance scam, with one of Nuova Viajes' executives allegedly having a criminal record involving embezzlement in a previous travel company in General Pico five years ago.
High Costs and Systemic Issues in Cuban Healthcare
The lack of assistance and the questionable background of one of the agency's leaders have sparked criticism against Nuova Viajes, while Fontana's family and friends demand accountability. This incident highlights the struggles faced by tourists and their families during medical emergencies in Cuba, serving as a cautionary tale to those planning trips to Havana without accounting for potential high medical costs.
The so-called "medical powerhouse" does not offer free services to foreigners, nor do locals receive quality healthcare without cost. For at least four years, Cuban hospital patients have had to procure all necessary surgical supplies from the black market at exorbitant prices, or face indefinite delays due to the government's claimed lack of resources.
Medication Shortages Add to Tourist Challenges
Travelers to Cuba also confront a severe shortage of medications. In September, an Argentine tourist suffering from severe ear pain searched multiple pharmacies in vain for pain relief. Although a doctor attended to her in the hospital, they lacked the necessary analgesics to treat her pain effectively.