15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Indonesia

"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 expat living 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," mentioned one expat in Bali.

"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," said one expat.

"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," commented one expat 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," wrote one expat.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Bali.

"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," said one expat.

"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," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat in Bali.

"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," wrote an expat living in Bali.

"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 an expat 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 one expat living in Indonesia.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Indonesia.

"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," remarked one expat living in Indonesia.