Healthcare & Health Insurance in Indonesia
Summary: Digital Nomads in Indonesia share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Indonesia, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
What are healthcare services like in Indonesia?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Indonesia, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Indonesia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a lower standard than private healthcare. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Expats in Indonesia often use the public healthcare system for basic medical needs, but they may opt for private healthcare for more specialized treatments," said one digital nomad in Indonesia.
"It's very important to have health insurance and if you're on an international scheme, then have the documents on the ready to give proof. If you don't have healthcare insurance, be prepared to pay a pretty penny when sorting health bills," commented a person living in Bali, Indonesia.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What is the quality of medical care in Indonesia like?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Indonesia, they replied:
"Indonesia has a wide range of medical services available to its citizens. The country has a network of public hospitals and clinics, as well as private medical facilities. The public health system provides basic medical care, while private facilities offer more specialized services. Indonesia also has a number of medical universities and research centers, which provide advanced medical training and research opportunities. In addition, there are a number of international hospitals and clinics in the country, offering quality medical care to both locals and foreigners," wrote one digital nomad living in Indonesia.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Indonesia?
"My kids and I all had dengue fever at the same time and were taken very well care of at BIMC, Nusa Dua. I am so pleased we had health insurance because the hospital bill would have cost us a hefty US $2100," explained one digital nomad living in Bali, Indonesia.
"Healthcare and health insurance in Indonesia can be expensive, depending on the type of care and insurance coverage needed. Generally, basic healthcare services such as doctor visits and vaccinations are relatively affordable, but more specialized treatments and procedures can be costly. Health insurance premiums can also be expensive, especially for comprehensive coverage, but there are government-subsidized health insurance plans available for those who qualify," said one member in Indonesia.
What are emergency services like in Indonesia?
When we asked about emergency services, members in Indonesia wrote:
"Emergency services in Indonesia are generally reliable and efficient. In the event of an emergency, the best way to call for an ambulance is to dial the emergency number 112. This number is toll-free and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operator will then dispatch an ambulance to the location of the emergency," commented a person living in Indonesia.
"There are many clinics and hospitals [in Bali] that are privately owned, but the ones in rural areas are staffed by people who speak little English. The most most popular hospital is BIMC in Nusa Dua which offers superb healthcare," explained one digital nomad living in Bali, Indonesia.
Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
"Some of the most popular cities in Indonesia for medical specialists are Jakarta and Surabaya. Both cities feature a wide range of highly-skilled physicians, specialists, and surgeons. Other cities with good selections of medical specialists include Banda Aceh, Medan, Balikpapan, and Yogyakarta. In addition, many tropical islands in Indonesia have some of the best medical specialists, including Bali, Lombok, Sulawesi and Sumatra," explained one person living in Indonesia.
"One can get the right healthcare needed in any area you are in, but not all have the same superior quality like at BIMC. An efficient ambulance service is available at BIMC. Taxis run 24/7 and they are another option to use when in an emergency. It is so important to have health insurance as costs can be hefty if one is hospitalized for serious issues," wrote one digital nomad living in Bali, Indonesia.
Are common prescription medications available in Indonesia?
"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Indonesia. Most medications are available over the counter at pharmacies, although some require a prescription from a doctor. The Indonesian government regulates the sale of prescription medications, and all medications must be approved by the Ministry of Health before they can be sold. In addition, the government has implemented a system of price controls to ensure that medications are affordable for all citizens," said a member in Indonesia.
"Most drugs are easily available at pharmacies that are dotted everywhere. Most antibiotics can be bought over the counter, at a cost much less than in Europe," explained one person living in Bali, Indonesia.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Indonesia?
"Medical facilities and care in Indonesia are generally adequate and available in major cities, although access can be limited in remote areas. In the larger cities and main tourist areas, some good quality private hospitals and clinics can be found and much of the latest medical technology and treatments can be found. Public healthcare is also available and some hospitals offer free or low-cost treatment. Doctors and nurses are generally well-trained and many have studied abroad, however as with many developing countries there is still a lack of resources, especially in rural areas," commented a person living in Indonesia.
As a foreigner living in Indonesia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"Yes, foreigners living in Indonesia have access to public healthcare. The quality of care varies depending on the region, but generally the public healthcare system is adequate for basic medical needs. The cost of care is usually quite affordable, and there are a variety of public and private hospitals and clinics available. However, it is important to note that the availability of certain treatments and medications may be limited, so it is important to research the options available in the area before seeking medical care," remarked one member in Indonesia.
What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
We asked expats in Indonesia if they have access to public healthcare in Indonesia. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...
"The pandemic has had a significant impact on the healthcare system in Indonesia. The government has implemented a number of measures to help contain the spread of the virus, including the closure of schools, the suspension of public transportation, and the implementation of social distancing protocols. Hospitals have been overwhelmed with patients, leading to long wait times and a shortage of medical supplies. The government has also implemented a number of initiatives to help support the healthcare system, such as providing additional funding for medical personnel and equipment, and increasing access to telemedicine services. Despite these efforts, the healthcare system in Indonesia is still struggling to cope with the pandemic," explained one person living in Indonesia.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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