Add listing Log in

Medicine in Bali: prices, clinics, recommendations

14.01.2025
589
Many people imagine Bali as a paradise on earth: bright sun, luxurious beaches, juicy fruits and a warm ocean; However, even on a paradisiacal island, no one is immune from unexpected health problems; If the abdominal pain turned out to be not a reaction to an exotic dish, but a symptom of acute appendicitis, then rest can turn into a real challenge; At such times, it is important to understand where to seek medical help, how much it costs, where to buy medicines, and which clinics are trustworthy.

medical services in Bali

With all the charms of Indonesia, medicine is the weak point of this state. But if we talk specifically about Bali, then here, due to the status of a popular tourist destination, there is a developed system of private clinics. Their main disadvantage is the very high cost of services. 

Approximate prices for medical services in private clinics:

  • Doctor's visit - from 30 to 50 euros.
  • Basic analyses and tests from 20 to 100 euros.
  • The X-ray is about 25-50 euros.
  • Cold treatment or primary care costs an average of 50 to 150 euros.
  • A one-day stay in a private hospital, including basic services, can cost from 100 to 300 euros.
  • Dentistry - in a private clinic, a filling will cost about 200 euros. 
  • For each individual medical procedure, whether it's an injection, ultrasound, suture, or X-ray, you have to pay separately. If you accidentally fall off your bike or twist your leg, a visit to the clinic can cost 6,000-10,000 euros or more.

Another feature of the paradise island is the commitment of local doctors to traditional medicine. Healing with magic and meditation is not uncommon here.

In general, medical care in Bali is available almost everywhere, especially in tourist areas. However, in remote villages, one cannot count on the good quality of medicine. Emergency care is also available, but its level does not meet European standards. In case of emergency, it is better to call large private clinics directly.

The number 118 is used to call for urgent medical care. You can also use the universal emergency number 112.

State medicine

There are more than 9700 public clinics in Indonesia, which are divided into 2 types: with and without a hospital. Hospitals without inpatient facilities operate on the principle of conventional polyclinics and specialize in non-urgent preventive care. The disadvantage of such institutions is the constant overload of patients and lack of staff. Clinics with inpatient facilities are usually located in rural areas. They provide emergency care around the clock, but in fact their capabilities are also limited, and the equipment leaves much to be desired. In addition, doctors in state clinics rarely speak English.

The main public hospital in Bali is RSUP Sanglah Hospital, located in Denpasar. It doesn't quite meet Western standards, but it is the largest public clinic on the island with English-speaking staff. Although the cost of medical services in public clinics for foreigners is lower than in private ones, it is better to go to private medical institutions for quality treatment. Especially when it comes to dental services.

if you get sick in Bali

Private medicine

Unlike public hospitals, private clinics in Bali look modern and comfortable. They are equipped with good equipment, have no problems with staff and comply with international standards. The island has both local private hospitals and international clinics aimed at tourists and expats. Here you can count on highly qualified English-speaking staff, comfortable rooms and European standards of treatment.

Among the most popular clinics in Bali are:

    BIMC Hospital (Bali International Medical Center) is located in the districts of Nusa Dua and Kuta. It is one of the best international hospitals on the island, specializing in emergency care, surgery and cosmetic medicine. The Kuta branch is the largest, and patients in need of urgent care are most often admitted here. There is also an X-ray department and an intensive care unit. Siloam Hospital is the largest network of private clinics known for high quality of service, modern equipment and a European approach to treatment.
  • International SOS in Denpasar a 24-hour medical institution focused on working with foreigners. Urgent help is also available here. 
  • Kasih Ibu Hospital is a network of local hospitals with offices in Denpasar, Tabanan and other areas. The prices here are very affordable, so KIH is a good option for those who do not have insurance and need treatment for simple, non-life-threatening diseases. Prima Medika Hospital in Denpasar also offers a wide range of medical services.

Dental clinics that are trustworthy:

    Bali 911 Dental Clinic is a dentistry with affordable prices, where dental treatment will not be a serious challenge for the budget. Kuta Dental is a popular clinic, so it is recommended to make an appointment several weeks or months in advance. Bali International Dental Center is a good dental clinic with reasonable rates. 

Before contacting any of the listed clinics, it is recommended to contact the insurance company and clarify whether it compensates for the cost of treatment. Otherwise, the cost of services can reach several thousand euros.

There are also private specialists on the island, whose appointments are cheaper than in clinics. However, in private offices it is not always possible to rely on high-quality modern equipment. If possible, it is better to give preference to international hospitals.

Alternative medicine

Alternative medicine in Bali is not just one of the therapeutic techniques, but an important part of the island's culture, which combines herbal medicine, traditional Balinese practices, Ayurveda and alternative methods from the Western world. Many tourists and expats use Balinese alternative medicine to relax and restore their health, especially coming to retreats combining yoga, meditation and therapy.

alternative medicine in Bali

Balinese people themselves often turn to local healers for the treatment of diseases. Their approach to healing is based on a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, massages, sound therapy, meditation, and various manual and spiritual practices. However, most healers do not have medical qualifications, so Balinese alternative medicine should be considered as an addition to traditional Western medicine, rather than its replacement.

If you want to restore your health through yoga, meditation, herbal medicine, or Ayurvedic practices, choose proven spas and retreat centers with good reputations and positive reviews.

Do I need insurance?

Even in a person with excellent health, the immune system can fail in an unusual environment. Bali is just such an unusual environment for a European: a different climate, high humidity, a change in diet, exotic foods. The most common problems faced by Bali travelers are:

  • stomach disorders;
  • intestinal infections;
  • sunburn;
  • dehydration and sunstroke;
  • injuries when riding a bike, surfing or trekking;
  • Mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and Dengue fever.

Insurance is not required to enter Bali, so some tourists prefer to save money on it. But practice shows that such savings are completely unjustified. At best, there is a risk of getting into a lot of money, at worst, you will have to raise funds for treatment through the Russian-speaking community. The standard of most public health facilities on the island is very low, and admission and treatment at a private clinic will cost a tidy sum. Spending hundreds of euros on doctor visits every time is completely irrational.

The most reasonable option is to choose insurance that will provide maximum coverage in case of unforeseen situations. Some insurance companies provide online consultations with doctors or round-the-clock support in Russian, which is very convenient in a stressful situation.

get medical insurance in Bali

Recommendations for the selection of an insurance policy:

  1. Choose a policy with minimum coverage of at least 50,000 - 100,000 euros, as high-quality medicine is expensive in Bali.
  2. Insurance must include transportation to the clinic, examinations, surgeries, hospital stay, and medications.
  3. If you plan to go surfing, diving, snorkeling, volcano trekking, be sure to indicate this in the policy. Standard insurance does not include injuries sustained during active or extreme sportssports. 
  4. In Bali, there is a risk of rabies infection from bites from dogs, monkeys or bats. The insurance must cover the administration of immunoglobulin, which can cost several thousand euros. 
  5. Include emergency dentistry in the policy to get help in case of severe pain or damage to teeth as a result of injury.
  6. Before applying for a policy, check the reviews about the experience of interacting with the insurance company and be sure to clarify whether the company provides direct billing when the insurance pays for the clinic directly, rather than requiring you to pay out of pocket

In case of illness, first of all, call the assistance company of the insurance partner who coordinates the assistance. There you will be referred to a clinic with which the company has a contract. If the clinic does not cooperate with your insurance company, you may be asked to pay the bill before starting treatment or before being discharged in case of hospitalization. Always have financial resources with you and keep all receipts for future compensation.

When relocating, it is worth choosing options with long-term insurance and also considering the offers of Indonesian companies. All foreigners working in Indonesia are required to join the JKN mandatory National Health Insurance program. After 6 months of working in the country, the local employer must arrange social insurance for the employee and his family. However, even after registering with JKN, many expats prefer to use international private insurance, as the level of public hospitals in Indonesia does not meet the usual standards. The cost of such insurance is on average 50 euros per month.

What do you need to know about local pharmacies?

It is not difficult to find a pharmacy in Bali, here they are called "Apoteks". The largest chains are Kimia Farma and Guardian, they offer a wide range of medicines. Pharmacies also operate at hospitals and on the territory of some hotels.

Most essential medications, including antibiotics, painkillers, and antihistamines, are available over the counter. However, the purchase of specialized medicines may be limited or unavailable, so it is better to take such medicines with you. Many pharmacists speak English, but for convenience it is worth writing down the name of the drug or having its packaging with you.

Recommendations for tourists and relocators

1. Prepare a basic first-aid kit before traveling to Bali, which includes painkillers, antipyretics, antidiarrheal medications, dressings and allergy remedies.

2. To minimize the risk of intestinal infections, avoid eating in questionable places and drink only bottled water.

3. If you are traveling to Bali for a long time, make sure that your insurance covers not only emergencies, but also hospitalization, sports injuries, and dental services.

4. Print out a copy of the insurance policy or save it on your phone so that it is always at hand. Add the assistance service contacts to your phone. 

how not to get infected in Bali

5. Before traveling, find out where the nearest clinics are located and how to get to them. In an emergency, do not wait for an ambulance, but call a taxi.

6. Coordinate each visit to the clinic with the insurance company. Monitor the treatment process, ask the staff what conclusions they write and send to the insurance company. Follow the doctors' prescriptions, otherwise the insurance company will have the right to refuse you a monetary refund. 

7. To prevent infection with malaria and Dengue fever, which are transmitted by mosquitoes, use repellents and try to wear long-sleeve clothing.

8. Avoid contact with stray dogs, monkeys and other animals. In case of bites or scratches, wash the wound and consult a doctor immediately.

9. Before traveling, make sure that you have updated your standard vaccinations: against measles, mumps and rubella, diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. It is also advisable to get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, and if the trip is scheduled from October to March, then also against the flu.

10. Give preference to international clinics rather than private doctors.

11. Pay special attention to personal hygiene: wash your hands more often, use antiseptics.

12. Buy medicines only from large chains (Kimia Farma, Guardian, Apotek BWF), as there is a risk of counterfeiting in small pharmacies outside tourist areas. 

Planning and basic training will help minimize any problems with medical care in Bali.
 

 

Thank you for your help in preparing the material: 

Ekaterina Bocharova, the company's leading real estate broker DDA REAL ESTATE


 

1
All articles by this country
All articles
Property in Indonesia
Discussion