Healthcare in Bali: clinics, hospitals, insurance and pharmacies

How the system works in practice

Bali has a two-tier setup. Private, internationally oriented hospitals with modern equipment and 24/7 emergency services are concentrated in the south (Denpasar, Kuta, Sanur, Ubud and nearby). Smaller clinics and pharmacies are widely available across the island. Outside the main tourist areas, and on the nearby islands, facilities are much more limited. Check where the nearest full hospital is before you choose where to live.

Most expats use private care. Typical choices include BIMC, Siloam and Kasih Ibu. Insurers and expat guides mention these as JCI- or ISO-accredited. Check the current accreditation of any facility on its own website.

Clinics, hospitals and emergencies

• Minor problems (infections, stomach trouble, minor injuries): walk-in private clinics and the outpatient departments of private hospitals. Many have English-speaking staff.
• Serious problems: go to a full hospital with an emergency department. The big risk is going to a small clinic first and losing time.
• Payment: private hospitals often ask for a deposit or a guarantee from your insurer before admission. Carry your insurance card, passport copy and a payment card with a high limit.
• Costs: prices vary a lot between facilities. Ask for an estimate before non-emergency treatment, and keep itemised invoices for claims.

Insurance

You have two main options.

• Private international or expat insurance: this is what most foreigners use. Before buying, check four things. Does the policy cover the private hospitals you intend to use? Does it offer direct billing or only reimbursement? Does it cover medical evacuation? Does it exclude pre-existing conditions, and how long are the waiting periods?
• BPJS Kesehatan (national scheme): Presidential Regulation No. 82/2018 says foreigners who work or live in Indonesia for at least six months must join it. Whether and how this applies to your visa type is something to confirm with BPJS Kesehatan or your sponsor/employer. BPJS is mostly used in public facilities and is not a substitute for private expat cover. Many expats keep both.

Tourists and short-stay visitors should hold travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover. A serious accident can cost a lot, and evacuation to Singapore or Australia is a real possibility for complex cases.

Pharmacies (apotek) and medication

• Pharmacies are everywhere, including chains and small local shops. Staff in tourist areas usually understand English.
• Brand names and active ingredients often differ from your home country. Bring the generic (INN) name of your medicines and a doctor's letter or prescription.
• Prescription-only drugs should be bought with a prescription from a local doctor. Don't rely on over-the-counter availability, and avoid unlabelled or very cheap products of uncertain origin.
• Bringing medication in: a guide on Indonesian prescriptions reports that, as of 2023, BPOM guidance lets travellers bring up to a 90-day supply of regular prescription medicine. Keep it in original packaging with a prescription. Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances (for example some strong painkillers, ADHD or sleep medication) are tightly regulated, and importing them without the correct permission can lead to serious penalties. Check the rules with the Indonesian embassy or BPOM before you travel.

Common mistakes

• Buying insurance without checking hospital coverage or evacuation.
• Not keeping a copy of your medical history and medication list.
• Waiting too long with a fever or injury and ending up in an emergency.
• Assuming home-country prescriptions are valid in Indonesian pharmacies.

What to check before you rely on this

Prices, accreditation and BPJS rules for foreigners change. Confirm them on the hospitals' own websites, with your insurer and with BPJS Kesehatan. Some sources here are commercial or expat-community guides, so use them for practical orientation rather than official rules.