Common Myths and Facts About Health Tourism in Cuba

12 June 2025

Cancer programs developed by Cuban scientists are treatments used as complementary therapy during cancer treatment processes and are applied to patients who have been diagnosed with cancer. In recent years, with the increase in cancer cases, there has been a growing demand for Cuban cancer vaccine applications and complementary support programs. So, what are the common misconceptions about Cuba’s cancer treatment processes? What is required in this process? How should the application process be conducted? What kind of situations do patients face when they go to Cuba? In short, we have listed the commonly misunderstood facts about Cuba’s cancer programs for you.

Misunderstood facts!

“Cuba only has a cancer vaccine for lung cancer.”

One of the most common misconceptions is the belief that Cuba only offers a cancer vaccine for lung cancer. This is false information. Cuba has developed cancer programs for all types of cancer. The cancer types for which vaccine applications are available can be listed as follows:

  • Lung cancer (Non-small cell)
  • Tumors in the head and neck area
  • Colon cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Skin cancer (Basal cell)

For all other cancer types outside of this list, one can apply for the Vidatox complementary support program. For detailed information about Cuba’s quality of life enhancement programs, you can visit our page on Cuban Cancer Vaccines and Alternative Treatment Options.

“I applied individually and was not charged. The procedures are free of charge.”

Cuba is one of the rare countries governed by socialism. Due to the obligations of socialism, there are no private hospitals or private clinics in Cuba. Everything proceeds under state control, and the processes are managed under the supervision of the Cuban Ministry of Health. Every official application can only proceed once it is approved by the Ministry of Health.

Yes, the procedures are free of charge for individual applications, but the programs themselves are not. Due to Cuba’s socialist governance and the fact that it is a sanctioned country, individuals applying on their own often cannot continue the process after a certain point. Since Cuba’s official language is Spanish and there is an 8-hour time difference with Turkey, communication can be difficult, and the process can be significantly delayed.
At Qba Medi Tours, we plan every step of your healthy living journey to Cuba and carry out all procedures on your behalf. For more detailed information, please contact us.

“To apply for cancer vaccines in Cuba, the patient must not have received any prior treatment.”

Another commonly misunderstood belief is that patients must not have undergone any prior treatment in order to apply to Cuba. No, this is absolutely incorrect. On the contrary, to be eligible for the Cuban cancer vaccine and to receive approval, the patient must have completed at least three cycles of chemotherapy or radiotherapy. After this stage, doctors in Cuba evaluate the case for vaccine eligibility.

“Consulting agencies supporting the process inflate the vaccine prices.”

Another misconception often encountered among patients who seek information from various sources is that agencies increase the prices of Cuban cancer vaccines for additional profit. This is also false. Since the process is entirely managed by the Cuban Ministry of Health, the pricing is determined by the ministry itself. Payments for the Cuban cancer vaccine, the Vidatox complementary support program, and all other hospital fees are made directly to the Cuban Ministry of Health.

Consulting agencies, on the other hand, charge fees not only for consultancy but also based on the needs of patients traveling to Cuba, such as visa, travel insurance, transfers, and interpreter services.

For more information about our transparent pricing policy, please feel free to contact us.

“Cuba doesn’t require a visa, I can go without one.”

Cuba is not among the countries that can be visited without a visa. Especially for Turkish passport holders, a Cuban visa is mandatory. Everyone who applies to travel to Cuba and wishes to go must have a valid passport and visa.
However, at Qba Medi Tours, we handle all procedures on your behalf, from visas to tickets, accommodations to transfers. Please contact us for detailed information and to plan your journey.

“Cancer vaccines in Cuba provide a definitive cure.”

One of the frequently encountered misconceptions in public opinion is the belief that Cuban cancer vaccines offer a guaranteed cure. However, the vaccine is a supportive treatment; it especially activates the immune system through immunotherapeutic effects and aims to extend the patient’s lifespan. Most of the cancer vaccine types developed in Cuba are used for patients in advanced stages and should be seen as support aimed at improving quality of life, rather than a “definitive cure.”

“Every patient can be treated in Cuba without needing any procedure.”

Another common misconception is that Cuba’s healthcare system is open to all patients without any preconditions. In reality, no medical intervention can take place without the approval of the Cuban Ministry of Health. For patients to be accepted for cancer treatment in Cuba, they must submit certain medical documents, provide records of previous treatments, and complete an evaluation process. This is due to the institutional and state-controlled nature of the healthcare system.
To have your documents submitted to the Cuban Ministry of Health and to ensure that your process is managed correctly, please contact us.

“All Cuban cancer vaccines can be used for every disease.”

Each type of Cuban cancer vaccine is specialized for specific cancer types. There are vaccine studies for lung cancer, head and neck cancers, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and certain types of skin cancer. However, not every type of cancer has a vaccine, and not every patient is a suitable candidate. The applicability of vaccines is assessed by Cuban oncologists based on the patient’s previous treatments, the stage of cancer, and overall health condition. For more information on Cuba’s complementary protocols, please visit our Health Consultancy in Cuba page.

“Cuban treatments are entirely based on herbal or alternative methods.”

Cuba’s healthcare system is known for its modern medical practices, supported by advanced biotechnological research based on scientific principles. The vaccines used in cancer treatments are biotechnological products developed through years of clinical trials, licensed, and designed to target the immune system.
They should not be confused with herbal or traditional treatments. Of course, some complementary recommendations, such as dietary and lifestyle adjustments, may be offered to support the treatment process; however, the primary methods are scientifically based.

Qba Medi Tours Is by Your Side with Accurate Information

In short, Cuba has recently become a prominent destination worldwide due to its innovative approaches in medicine. However, this popularity can also lead to disinformation.

To access the most accurate information and to plan a seamless health journey with transparent pricing, please contact us.

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As QBA Medi Tours, we are an official health consultancy firm approved by the Cuban Ministry of Health and the Turkish Ministry of Health, facilitating access to health services in Cuba and Turkey.

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