For Eastern United States FamiliesDiabetic Foot Treatment Abroad — Why Cuba? in Eastern United States
The Eastern United States — spanning from Florida and Texas in the south to Maryland and New York in the north — is home to over 3.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer's. This broad region encompasses the nation's largest senior populations, significant African American and Hispanic communities, and high diabetes rates that compound cognitive decline. Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Houston offer direct charter flights to Havana, while Atlanta, Charlotte, Baltimore, and New Orleans provide connecting flight options.
18.0M
Eastern United States residents with diabetes
14
states in region
1–6 hours (varies by departure city)
to Havana
Direct
flights available
Why American Patients Travel to Cuba Across Eastern United States
For American patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers, the decision to seek treatment abroad is often driven by a simple fact: Heberprot-P — the only intralesional growth factor therapy specifically approved for diabetic foot ulcers — is not FDA-approved and is not available in the United States. For many patients whose ulcers have not responded to standard U.S. wound care, Cuba offers the only access to this treatment.
Beyond Heberprot-P, American patients choose Cuba for several reasons: the comprehensive, coordinated approach (a single multidisciplinary team delivers all aspects of wound care in one location, rather than fragmented across multiple U.S. specialists), the intensity (2–4 weeks of daily treatment, compared to weekly U.S. wound clinic visits), the cost (significantly less expensive than U.S. hospital-based wound care or hyperbaric oxygen therapy), and the amputation prevention focus (Cuba's program is specifically designed to heal chronic ulcers and prevent amputation, which is the last resort in U.S. care).
The program includes full-service coordination — travel authorization support, English-speaking coordinators, airport reception, accommodation, and telemedicine follow-up after returning to the U.S. The comprehensive medical report is shared with the patient's U.S. podiatrist and endocrinologist for coordinated ongoing care. Treatment suitability is determined after individual medical evaluation — not all ulcers are appropriate for Heberprot-P.
Heberprot-P is not FDA-approved and is not available in the United States. It is not a cure for diabetes. Treatment aims to promote wound healing and prevent amputation. Treatment suitability is determined after individual medical evaluation. Individual outcomes vary.
State-by-State Guides
Diabetic Foot Treatment Abroad — Why Cuba? by State in Eastern United States
Select your state for detailed information about diabetic foot treatment abroad — why cuba? options, travel logistics, and state-specific resources.
City-Level Guides
Diabetic Foot Treatment Abroad — Why Cuba? by City in Eastern United States
Travel from Eastern United States
Getting to Havana from Eastern United States
Major Departure Airports
- Miami (MIA)
- Tampa (TPA)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- Houston (IAH)
- Dallas (DFW)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Charlotte (CLT)
- Baltimore (BWI)
- New Orleans (MSY)
Travel time: 1–6 hours (varies by departure city)
Travel Authorization
- • U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba under approved categories
- • SMC Salud provides letter of medical necessity
- • Treatment confirmation documentation included
- • Airport reception and ground transport in Havana
- • English-speaking coordinators throughout your stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions from Eastern United States Families
Yes. U.S. citizens can travel to Cuba under approved categories. SMC Salud provides all necessary documentation, including the letter of medical necessity and treatment confirmation, to support travel authorization. Our team guides you through the entire process to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Ready to Explore Diabetic Foot Treatment Abroad — Why Cuba? in Cuba?
Submit your medical records for a complimentary review. Families across Eastern United States receive a personalized treatment proposal within 5–10 business days.