For Southeastern United States FamiliesDiabetic Foot Treatment Abroad — Why Cuba? in Southeastern United States
The Southeastern United States — including Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, and neighboring states — is home to over 1.1 million Americans living with Alzheimer's. This region has some of the highest Alzheimer's prevalence rates in the nation, driven by large senior populations, significant African American communities (who face disproportionately high dementia risk), and high diabetes rates that compound cognitive decline. Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale offer the most convenient direct charter flights to Havana, while Atlanta, Charlotte, and New Orleans provide connecting flight options.
7.0M
Southeastern United States residents with diabetes
6
states in region
1–5 hours (varies by departure city)
to Havana
Direct
flights available
Why American Patients Travel to Cuba Across Southeastern 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 Southeastern 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 Southeastern United States
Travel from Southeastern United States
Getting to Havana from Southeastern United States
Major Departure Airports
- Miami (MIA)
- Tampa (TPA)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
- Atlanta (ATL)
- Charlotte (CLT)
- New Orleans (MSY)
Travel time: 1–5 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 Southeastern 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 Southeastern United States receive a personalized treatment proposal within 5–10 business days.