Healthcare & Safety in Bali

Bali boasts a healthcare system that often rivals or surpasses the services you find back in your home country.

Doctor and dentist visits are very affordable, making it convenient for expats to access quality care. The island offers a wide range of medical centres, 24/7 clinics, and international standard hospitals, all staffed with skilled professionals.

The added bonus? Making appointments can be made via WhatsApp message or via a hospital app. Doctors can make home visits, ensuring you receive the care you need, even from the comfort of your own home.

Medications in Bali are reasonably priced, and pharmacies are abundant, also offering the convenience of home delivery. However, it’s essential to note that not all medications may be readily available, so it’s wise to check before your move.

Many medications in Bali are accessible without a prescription, but it’s important to exercise caution. Keep in mind that some medications may be more potent than what you’re accustomed to. For example, when opting for Indonesian versions of common drugs, such as Panadol, be vigilant, as there are multiple variations, which can be confusing.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or rely on regular medication, it’s imperative to confirm whether Bali’s hospitals provide the necessary medicines, medical professionals, and specialists you may need. In some instances, local hospitals may not offer specific treatments or carry certain medications. As a result, many individuals opt to travel to destinations like Singapore, Thailand, or return to their home countries to access specialised medical care and treatment.

Medical clinics in Bali offer a wide range of services, including general doctor consultations, dental care, and various specialised treatments. Many of these clinics operate 24/7, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and up-to-date international-standard medical care in the key expat areas of the island.

By working with us, we provide you with contacts of the best doctors, dentists as well as other medical numbers depending on where you live on the island.

There are two major and most popular hospitals – Siloam and BIMC that provide good care.

However there are many other great hospitals to also choose from depending on what treatment you need.

For example, Sanglah Hospital serves as the main public healthcare facility, equipped with an International Wing and experienced doctors who handle critical cases, often assisting other hospitals on the island.

Kasih Ibu Hospital in Denpasar is another notable option, offering a quality expat emergency room.

Specialised medical needs, like ophthalmology, can be met at hospitals such as Rumah Sakit Mata Bali Mandara, while Bali Med Hospital stands out for its affordability and a wide range of specialists.

If you are looking at getting specific treatments, tests or seeking a diagnosis, it may be better that you go back to your home country for this (or places like Australia or Singapore), because you don’t want to be misdiagnosed for a serious illness.

A brand-new international hospital is presently under construction in Sanur (due for completion end of 2024), with plans to staff foreign doctors. This development reflects an increasing emphasis on medical tourism, aimed at elevating the healthcare offerings for both residents and tourists on the island.

Health insurance is an absolute must when living in Bali and it must be distinguished from travel insurance. Accidents can happen, and being prepared with the right health insurance is essential. Your health insurance policy should always include “Emergency evacuation or repatriation” coverage.

Most international health insurance policies cover a minimum term of 12 months, so anything under that time frame is when you could go with comprehensive travel insurance instead.

Another reason where travel insurance needs to be considered is when you travel out of Bali on a KITAS visa. In that case, insurance companies would consider that you are a resident of Indonesia, so you would need to be covered on travel insurance when travelling back home or visiting other countries.

It is also important to note that most insurance companies do not pay for your medical expenses in a scooter accident if you are not holding the correct licences. Some offer restrictions on this and require you to prove you are holding a local motorbike licence and an international motorbike licence, different from your International drivers licence.

Navigating the intricacies of insurance can be a challenging and bewildering task, especially when deciphering the product disclosure statement. To alleviate this complexity, we connect you with established expat insurance companies on the ground, with long term experience in guiding and insuring expats.

These experts handle the arduous task of interpreting policies, identifying the optimal options tailored to your needs, and devising a suitable payment plan.

Their proficiency extends to comprehending the medical system and the specific visa you hold, ensuring you’re in secure hands. Whether it’s selecting between “inpatient or hospitalization” coverage or opting for a more extensive plan that encompasses both “inpatient and outpatient” benefits, they provide comprehensive assistance.

Additionally, they extend their support to cover your travel insurance needs.

Streamlining the claims process, these professionals make it exceptionally easy for you to submit claims. You can simply capture images of your receipts and transmit them via WhatsApp directly to the claims department, receiving personalized assistance instead of dealing with a generic call centre.

There is a lot to cover when talking about safety in Bali, such as natural disasters and the tropical environment, Bali belly, and other health considerations, traffic and driving, financial safety, like petty crime, and so much more. This is where our packages cover all avenues for you to consider, along with providing tips, advice, and solutions.

You can also connect with other expats on the ground, utilizing community Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups to gather insights into potential risks. Bali’s expat community is tight-knit and supportive.

Bali is renowned for its alternative medicine, natural therapies and plethora of health food stores.

The island is a hub for holistic healing, offering various remedies and therapies that can be explored and integrated into your healthcare routine.

If you also work in alternative and holistic health and medicine, then Bali is for you!