What is SMC International?

SMC International connects international patients with 50+ expert doctors across 8 crucial wellness and investment pages, simplifying global healthcare access.

Can international patients travel to Cuba for Alzheimer's treatment?

Yes. Cuba accepts international patients for neurological evaluation and care. SMC Salud coordinates the entire journey, including visa guidance, travel, and accommodation.

How long is the Alzheimer's evaluation program?

A comprehensive evaluation typically lasts 2–4 weeks, depending on the diagnostic tests and therapies recommended after the initial medical review.

What documents are required?

Patients submit a recent medical history, neurology consultation notes, MRI or CT imaging, a current medication list, and a valid passport.

What tests should I bring?

Bring a recent brain MRI or CT, cognitive assessment results, blood work, and any prior neuropsychological testing if available.

What happens after the evaluation?

Patients receive a detailed medical report with findings and a personalized follow-up plan. Telemedicine follow-up with the Cuban medical team is available after return home.

Can a family member accompany the patient?

Yes — family members are encouraged to accompany patients. Accommodation and caregiver education are arranged as part of the program.

Is a cure guaranteed for Alzheimer's?

No therapeutic outcome is guaranteed. The program aims to support cognition and quality of life; every patient is evaluated individually before any treatment plan is recommended.

What is NeuroEPO and is it part of the program?

NeuroEPO is a Cuban recombinant erythropoietin investigated for potential neuroprotective effects. Its use, if any, is determined individually by the medical team based on each patient's evaluation.

How do I submit medical records for review before traveling?

Scan and send your records through the contact form or your coordinator. A neurologist reviews them and advises whether an in-person evaluation is appropriate.

Which stages of Alzheimer's are accepted?

Programs are most often considered for mild-to-moderate cases. Advanced-stage patients are evaluated individually, and eligibility is never guaranteed.

Will tests like MRI be repeated in Cuba?

Some tests may be repeated or supplemented in Cuba to ensure an accurate baseline, depending on the recency and quality of the records you bring.

What Parkinson's treatments are available in Cuba?

Cuba offers multidisciplinary neurological restoration combining medication management with physical, occupational, and speech therapy at the International Center for Neurological Restoration (CIREN).

Who is eligible for the Parkinson's program?

Patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's disease are evaluated individually. Eligibility is determined only after a full medical review of diagnosis and current clinical status.

How long is the Parkinson's program?

Programs typically run 3–4 weeks of intensive, daily multidisciplinary rehabilitation tailored to each patient.

Is surgery offered for Parkinson's?

Cuba's programs focus on non-surgical neurological restoration and medication optimization. Deep brain stimulation is not part of the standard program.

What results can be expected?

No outcome is guaranteed. The goal is to improve mobility, reduce symptoms, and enhance quality of life through intensive, individualized rehabilitation.

Is follow-up available after returning home?

Yes. Telemedicine follow-up with the Cuban medical team is available after the patient returns home, and coordinators remain reachable for families.

Is the program suitable for early-stage Parkinson's?

Yes. Early-stage patients may benefit from intensive rehabilitation and medication optimization, though every case is individually evaluated.

Do I need to stop my current Parkinson's medications?

No. Bring all current medications; the medical team adjusts and optimizes your regimen rather than stopping it abruptly.

How often should maintenance visits be repeated?

Many patients return annually for a shorter maintenance program, but the schedule is personalized based on progress and response.

What improvements in daily function can be expected?

Goals include better gait, reduced rigidity, improved speech and fine motor control, and greater independence — though no outcome is guaranteed.

Heberprot-P is a Cuban biotechnology product — recombinant human epidermal growth factor — injected into wounds to promote healing of advanced diabetic foot ulcers.

Who is Heberprot-P suitable for?

It is indicated for patients with diabetic foot ulcers of grades 3–4 on the Wagner classification that have not responded to conventional treatment.

How is the treatment administered?

Heberprot-P is injected intralesionally three times per week, alongside wound care and infection control, over several weeks.

Can it prevent amputation?

Clinical experience suggests it can reduce amputation risk in eligible patients, but no outcome is guaranteed and each case is evaluated individually.

How long is the diabetic foot program?

The program typically lasts 2–4 weeks, depending on ulcer size, infection status, and healing progress.

What tests are needed before travel?

Bring recent blood glucose and HbA1c results, a wound culture, Doppler studies of the affected limb, and your current medication list.

What if the ulcer is infected before I travel?

Active infection must be stabilized first. Share wound cultures and current antibiotics with your coordinator; severe infection may need to be treated before traveling.

Can Heberprot-P be used for non-diabetic wounds?

Heberprot-P is specifically indicated for diabetic foot ulcers. Other wound types are evaluated separately by the treating specialists.

What wound care continues after I return home?

Patients leave with a detailed wound-care plan and follow-up schedule; telemedicine review helps your local physician continue care.

Is hospitalization required during the diabetic foot program?

Most patients attend as outpatients for injections and wound care, though admission is arranged when the clinical situation requires it.

What cancer immunotherapies does Cuba offer?

Cuba has developed products such as CIMAvax-EGF for lung cancer and Nimotuzimab. Availability depends on the specific cancer type and current clinical protocols.

Is CIMAvax-EGF a cure for lung cancer?

No. CIMAvax-EGF is a therapeutic vaccine intended to extend survival and improve quality of life. It is not a cure and outcomes vary between patients.

Who is eligible for cancer immunotherapy?

Eligibility requires a confirmed diagnosis, a review of prior treatments, and individual medical evaluation by the Cuban oncology team.

How long is the cancer treatment program?

Immunotherapy courses are individualized and may span several months with periodic visits. The initial stay is usually 2–4 weeks.

Can late-stage patients be treated?

Each case is evaluated individually. Some advanced patients may be accepted depending on overall health and prior treatment response.

Are the treatments evidence-based?

Cuban biotechnology products have been studied in clinical trials and published internationally. Patients receive full information before giving consent.

Can I continue immunotherapy at home after Cuba?

Where possible, the team coordinates a home-country continuation plan with your local oncologist; some products may require periodic return visits.

Is the cancer program suitable for all cancer types?

No. Availability depends on the specific cancer and current protocols; the oncology team confirms eligibility after reviewing your case.

What happens if my cancer progresses during treatment?

The medical team reassesses and adjusts the plan; honest communication about prognosis and options is central to the program.

Do I need to bring pathology reports?

Yes — bring confirmed pathology/biopsy reports, imaging, and treatment summaries so the oncology team can verify diagnosis and prior care.

Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba for treatment?

A Tourist Card covers stays under 30 days for many nationalities. Longer medical programs require a medical visa, which SMC Salud helps arrange.

Which airport do patients fly into?

Most international patients arrive at José Martí International Airport (HAV) in Havana, where SMC coordinators provide airport reception.

Can SMC arrange flights and accommodation?

SMC coordinators assist with travel planning, including recommended flights and hotels or apartments near the treating hospital.

Are interpreters available?

Yes. English, French, Arabic, Turkish, and Spanish-speaking coordinators support patients throughout their stay.

Is Cuba safe for international patients?

Cuba is considered one of the safer destinations in the region. Patient areas are secure and coordinators accompany patients to appointments.

How soon can treatment begin after arrival?

After a short admission and evaluation period — usually 1–3 days — the personalized treatment program begins.

What is the typical total length of stay?

Most programs require 2–4 weeks in Cuba, plus a short admission period; your coordinator gives a precise estimate after evaluation.

Are halal, vegetarian, or special diet meals available?

Yes. Dietary preferences including halal, vegetarian, and medical diets can be arranged at the hospital and accommodation.

Can I extend my stay for tourism or rest?

Yes, after the medical program ends you may extend your stay; your coordinator can help arrange additional accommodation and activities.

Knowledge Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Clear, accurate answers about Cuban medical treatments, the international patient journey, visas, and payments — for patients and families from the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Alzheimer's Treatment in Cuba

Parkinson's Disease Treatment in Cuba

Diabetic Foot Treatment (Heberprot-P)

Cancer Immunotherapy in Cuba

Travel, Visa & Logistics

Payments & International Patient Services

Explore Treatments

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Still have questions?

Our international patient coordinators speak English, French, Arabic, Turkish, and Spanish — and will answer your questions within 24–48 hours.

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