Alessandro Di Battista, a former member of Italy's Five Star Movement, is set to leave Cuba on September 4, 2026, aboard a medical air ambulance. He has been hospitalized in Havana since late August due to a serious health condition.
The politician disclosed on Wednesday that his return to Italy will be financed by his private travel insurance, clarifying any doubts in Italy about who would bear the expense of the costly medical transport, as reported by Il Fatto Quotidiano.
"I'm feeling better today. It's been tough, but I remain optimistic and try to see the bright side," wrote Di Battista from the Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
Medical Emergency Strikes in Santa Clara
On August 28, Di Battista experienced a severe headache while in Santa Clara and subsequently lost consciousness for several hours. Initially treated at a local hospital, he was then transferred to Havana for more specialized care.
Di Battista arrived in Cuba on August 22 to create reports for Il Fatto Quotidiano and the TvLoft platform.
Gratitude for Cuban Medical Care
In his message, Di Battista expressed his gratitude toward the Cuban medical staff. "I thank the Cuban doctors who, as confirmed by Italian doctors, were excellent and timely in their diagnosis and initial treatment," he stated.
To assess his travel readiness, two specialists from Rome's Gemelli Hospital traveled to Havana to collaborate with the team caring for him at Ameijeiras.
Speculations and Official Statements
As of now, no official diagnosis has been released. Some Italian media outlets have speculated about a potential stroke, but this has not been confirmed by doctors, family, or Di Battista himself.
The question of who would finance the air ambulance arose in Italy. Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani clarified that the Italian state would not bear the cost.
"During the summer season, from June 1 to August 31, we assisted many Italians in distress, repatriating 25 individuals with health issues. We treated politicians and non-politicians equally," Tajani stated.
In this instance, Di Battista's private insurance policy will cover the air ambulance expenses. Should there be additional costs not covered by insurance, Schierarsi, an organization founded by Di Battista and led by Luca Di Giuseppe, is prepared to launch a fundraising campaign.
Di Giuseppe also urged caution regarding the dissemination of information about the politician's health: "We request caution in sharing information. Official updates will be provided directly by Alessandro and his family."
Critical Views on Cuban Healthcare
Di Battista's case coincides with ongoing discussions in Italy about the state of Cuban healthcare. On August 31, Italian infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti stated that the system is in a "deep crisis," plagued by shortages of medications, medical supplies, anesthetics, oxygen, and energy resources.
Previously, in February 2026, Cuba's own Health Minister, José Ángel Portal Miranda, acknowledged to the Associated Press that the healthcare system was "on the verge of collapse."
Sahra Lahouasnia, Di Battista's partner and mother of their two children, traveled to Havana to be with him during his hospitalization and in the days leading up to his return to Italy.
Understanding the Repatriation of Alessandro Di Battista
Why was Alessandro Di Battista in Cuba?
Di Battista traveled to Cuba on August 22 to produce reports for Il Fatto Quotidiano and the TvLoft platform.
Who is covering the cost of the air ambulance?
The expenses for the air ambulance are covered by Di Battista's private travel insurance policy.
What is the condition of Cuban healthcare?
Cuban healthcare is currently facing a "deep crisis," characterized by shortages in medicines, medical materials, anesthetics, oxygen, and energy resources, as reported by Italian infectious disease specialist Matteo Bassetti.