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Embarking on the adventure of living in Bali is a dream for many, but it’s essential to grasp the intricacies of the island’s medical and safety aspects to make the most of your experience. From the right vaccinations and tips to avoid the notorious “Bali Belly” to understanding the nuances of insurance, the healthcare system, security, and mastering the art of driving around this tropical paradise – there’s a wealth of information to uncover.

While there are various factors to contemplate, having the right information allows you to fully embrace your experience in this stunning destination while ensuring your well-being and safety.

We cover all of this information in fine details in our consulting service, but to get you started here is a quick overview.

Medical Services

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.

Our Year in Bali Partner with Padma Care

Padma Care helps expat families access high-quality healthcare at local rates. For 350,000 IDR (~$24 USD) per month per household, you get:

✔️ Daily access (7 days a week) to a Personal Healthcare Assistant and support team
✔️ Your dedicated Personal Health Advisor who knows your family
✔️ Expert doctor recommendations (vetted network of 108 specialists)
✔️ Negotiated local pricing at 7 hospitals and 11 clinics
✔️ Bills and treatments are carefully vetted so you don’t overpay or get unnecessary services
✔️ Guidance on navigating clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies with ease
✔️ Peace of mind knowing you’ll always have the right help at the right time

Most members recoup the annual membership cost on their first significant medical visit through negotiated savings alone. Even better: Padma Care can help you structure a smart insurance strategy—pairing a high-deductible international plan with affordable local care—that saves families $1,000s annually compared to traditional expat insurance.

Our Year in Bali Special Offer: Receive one month free when you sign up!

It only takes 10 minutes to register, and you can choose your start date. Still have questions? Book a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your family’s needs.

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Healthcare 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 bonus? 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.

Medicine and Pharmacies

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.

Hospitals

When it comes to healthcare in Bali, it’s important to know that hospital costs can vary significantly. Aside from the new Bali International Hospital in Sanur, most hospitals in Bali use a tiered pricing system — with different rates for locals, KITAS holders, and foreign tourists.

The two most popular private hospitals in Bali are Siloam Hospital and BIMC Hospital, both known for their high standards of care and modern facilities. However, there are several other reputable hospitals across the island, depending on the treatment you need.

Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar is the main public hospital in Bali, featuring an International Wing and experienced doctors who handle critical cases. It’s also a key referral centre for other hospitals on the island.

Kasih Ibu Hospital, also in Denpasar, is another trusted option with an expat-friendly emergency department. For specialised care, Rumah Sakit Mata Bali Mandara is well known for ophthalmology (eye treatments), while Bali Med Hospital offers affordable healthcare and a wide range of specialists.

If you require complex tests, specialist consultations, or are seeking a second opinion for a serious diagnosis, it’s often recommended to travel to Australia or Singapore, where diagnostic accuracy and advanced facilities are more reliable.

The opening of the Bali International Hospital in Sanur, featuring foreign doctors and world-class facilities, marks an exciting step forward in Bali’s medical tourism industry. This hospital aims to raise the standard of healthcare for both residents and international visitors living in or travelling to Bali.

Insurance

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 if you were to have a personal scooter accident and not holding a local motorbike licence. We can assist you in getting a local scooter and car 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 International insurance companies in Bali, 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.

Click here to read the difference between Travel and Health Insurance policies. 

Safety and Community Support

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.

Alternative Medicine and Natural Therapies

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the medical system in Bali?

Bali offers a mix of local clinics, international-standard hospitals, and specialist practices. In expat and tourist hubs like Canggu, Seminyak, Ubud, and Denpasar, you’ll find modern facilities with English-speaking staff.

Clinics provide a wide range of services, including general consultations, dental care, and specialised treatments. Many operate 24/7, offering accessible, affordable, and internationally-standard care. Western residents often report feeling safe and impressed by the quality of treatment.

Through Our Year in Bali, we connect you with trusted doctors, dentists, and other medical support before you arrive on the island, as well as guidance and connections to health insurance and much more.

Do I need health insurance in Bali?

Yes, health insurance is essential, even if you’re healthy and fit. It’s different from travel insurance and should include emergency evacuation or repatriation in case you need to be flown to another country for treatment. Many hospitals in Bali require upfront payment, so having the right insurance ensures you’re covered in an emergency.

Learn More

What’s the difference between health insurance and travel insurance?

For short-term visits (under 6 months), travel insurance covers emergencies, cancellations, and lost baggage. For long-term stays (6+ months), international health insurance provides comprehensive care, including routine check-ups, hospitalisation, prescriptions, and pre-existing conditions. We connect you with trusted providers to ensure coverage meets your needs and visa requirements.

Note it will also depend on the type of visa you are holding when living in Bali as to the type of health insurance products you can use.

Read our article on the differences between Health Insurance and Travel Insurance.

Why use an insurance broker in Bali?

A local insurance broker can save you time, money, and confusion. They simplify the process by:

  • Explaining policies and options
  • Matching coverage to your visa and lifestyle
  • Helping you choose between inpatient-only or full inpatient/outpatient coverage
  • Offering payment plan guidance
  • Supporting both health and travel insurance

How do insurance claims work in Bali?

Depending on who you decide to go with, claims are usually very straightforward. Instead of dealing with generic call centres, you can WhatsApp your receipts directly to your broker or the insurer’s local team. Many expats report getting faster reimbursements and more personal support than they experienced back home.

What health insurance do I need?

For long-term stays, it is strongly advised to have international health insurance that covers treatment at least in Indonesia and subsequently overseas. For shorter visits, travel insurance may be enough.

Policies can differ greatly, so it’s best to work with an insurance agent who understands expat needs and the local healthcare system. From the Silver Package upwards, we’ll connect you with trusted providers who specialise in expat health insurance for Bali.

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Which hospitals do expats use?

Many expats in Bali rely on private hospitals and international-standard clinics located in key hubs like Denpasar, Sanur, Canggu, and Ubud. These facilities are generally well-equipped, have English-speaking staff, and offer faster service than public hospitals.

 

Commonly recommended hospitals and clinics include Bali International Hospital, Siloam Hospitals Denpasar, BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua, Kasih Ibu Hospital.

There are also 24/7 medical clinics that can assist where a hospital visit is not needed. 

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Are vaccinations required?

There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Bali. However, it’s strongly recommended to consult your doctor or travel clinic before relocating, especially for long-term stays or if you’re moving with children.

We recommend considering Dengue vaccination for long stays, as dengue is fairly common in Bali. We have a list of recommended vaccinations in our Bronze Package, and we can connect you with a trusted local partner in Bali who specialises in administering the dengue vaccine.

Learn more

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