Bali, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, attracts millions of tourists each year. While medical travel insurance is no longer mandatory for tourists entering Indonesia as of 2025, it’s strongly recommended for anyone visiting Bali.
Why You Need Travel Medical Insurance for Bali
Unexpected health issues can arise anywhere and anytime. In Bali, the main health risks include traveler’s diarrhea, scooter accidents, and occasionally dengue fever. Without proper insurance, these situations can quickly turn into nightmares.
The internet is filled with stories of travelers who experienced serious traffic accidents in Bali and had to resort to crowdfunding for help. Private medical facilities in Bali often require immediate cash payment and may even deny treatment without proof of insurance or payment capability.
The Cost of Medical Care
Medical expenses in Bali can be substantial, especially for tourists who typically pay higher rates than locals:
- Basic motorbike accident treatment can cost several thousand dollars
- Overnight hospital stays can run into hundreds of dollars per day
- Medical evacuation to another country can reach six figures
While some medical services in Bali might seem less expensive than in countries like the United States, the costs can still be significant, particularly for serious conditions requiring evacuation to Singapore or other locations.
What to Look for in Bali Travel Insurance
Essential Coverage
When selecting travel medical insurance for Bali, ensure your policy includes:
- Emergency Medical Treatment: Coverage for hospital stays, nursing care, ambulance transport, diagnostic tests like MRIs, extended care after hospital discharge, prescriptions, and emergency dental treatment
- Emergency Medical Evacuation: In case you need to be transferred to a better-equipped hospital
- Trip Interruption: Coverage for return tickets if you need to cut your trip short due to emergencies
- Lost Luggage: Reimbursement for lost checked baggage
- Motor Accident Coverage: Particularly important if you plan to ride scooters or motorcycles in Bali
Additional Considerations
- Deductibles: Some policies have deductibles (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in), while others offer zero excess
- Activity Coverage: Ensure your policy covers activities you plan to participate in, such as surfing, snorkeling, or scuba diving
- COVID-19 Coverage: Check if your policy includes COVID-related medical expenses
Top Recommended Travel Insurance Providers for Bali
1. SafetyWing
SafetyWing offers flexible insurance plans with coverage across 180+ countries. Their Nomad Insurance is particularly popular among digital nomads and long-term travelers due to its affordability and monthly renewal option.
Key Features:
- Medical coverage up to $250,000
- Emergency evacuation up to $100,000
- Coverage for motor accidents (if properly licensed and wearing safety gear)
- Lost checked luggage coverage up to $3,000
Note: SafetyWing has a $250 deductible per claim, which means you’ll need to pay this amount before insurance covers the rest.
2. Heymondo
Consistently rated as one of the best travel insurance options for Bali visitors, Heymondo stands out for its direct payment system for medical expenses, eliminating the need for you to pay upfront and file claims later.
Key Features:
- High coverage amounts in all categories
- No excess or deductible
- Covers most common activities and sports
- Mobile app with 24/7 doctor advice and claim reporting
3. VisitorsCoverage
VisitorsCoverage offers multiple plan options with varying coverage levels to suit different travelers’ needs.
Key Features:
- Multiple plan options with varying coverage levels
- Some plans offer 100% coverage within PPO networks
- Acute onset of pre-existing condition coverage available
- Emergency medical evacuation included
- Optional add-ons like trip cancellation/interruption and device protection
- COVID-19 coverage included in most plans
4. World Nomads
Ideal for adventurous travelers, World Nomads provides extensive coverage for various sports and activities, including surfing and snorkeling—two popular activities in Bali.
Key Features:
- Coverage for numerous adventure activities
- Zero deductible for medical expenses
- Good coverage in all travel and medical-related categories
Cost of Travel Medical Insurance for Bali
Travel insurance costs for Bali vary based on several factors including your age, trip duration, and coverage level:
- Basic travel insurance: $38-$100 for a week-long trip
- Monthly plans for digital nomads: $60-$150 per month
- Comprehensive international coverage: $200-$400+ per month
When to Purchase Travel Insurance
It’s crucial to buy travel insurance before departing for Bali. Most insurance companies only allow purchasing a policy from within your home country, and you cannot buy it once you have arrived in Bali.
Tips for Using Medical Services in Bali
- Visit hospitals rather than calling doctors to your accommodation: You’ll receive more appropriate medical diagnoses and often pay lower rates than those charged by doctors affiliated with hotels and villas.
- Bring your passport: All hospitals in Indonesia require identification for treatment.
- Keep your insurance information handy: Have your policy number and emergency contact information easily accessible.
- Know where to go: Bali has several international-standard hospitals and clinics, including:
- Sanglah General Hospital in Denpasar
- BIMC Hospital (locations in Kuta and Nusa Dua)
- Bali International Hospital in Sanur
- Siloam Hospitals
Conclusion
While exploring Bali’s paradise-like setting, the security of comprehensive travel medical insurance gives you and your loved ones peace of mind. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Bali for a week or for an extended stay—unforeseen events can still occur.
Skipping travel insurance might be the single most expensive mistake a traveler can make. With the right coverage, you can fully enjoy your Bali adventure knowing you’re protected against unexpected medical expenses and travel disruptions.
Remember, the best time to purchase travel insurance is immediately after booking your trip, ensuring you’re covered for any pre-departure cancellations as well as during your entire stay in beautiful Bali.