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Understanding expatriate health insurance in Bali

Moving to Bali appeals to many expatriates in search of paradise. However, before settling in, it’s crucial to fully understand the local healthcare system and choose a mutual insurance plan suited to your needs.

The Indonesian healthcare system

In 2014, Indonesia introduced the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), a public health insurance system designed to offer citizens free access to basic medical care. A commendable initiative, but one that still has limitations, particularly in terms of the quality and effectiveness of care.

If you are an expatriate working in Indonesia for more than six months, your employer will automatically register you with the JKN. You will then receive a health insurance card which will give you free access to certain health establishments in the country.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that the quality of care varies considerably and may not match the standards to which expatriates are accustomed. What’s more, the JKN does not generally cover private facilities, which are often better equipped, or medical evacuations to another country in the event of an emergency. For these reasons, many expatriates opt to take out a private health insurance plan to benefit from better coverage.

Why take out private health insurance in Bali?

Faced with the limitations of the Indonesian public health system, many expatriates prefer to take out private health insurance. This gives them access to private facilities offering better-quality care, and, if necessary, the possibility of medical evacuation to another country, or even their home country.

Local private health insurance generally covers medical expenses in private clinics and hospitals, but it does have its constraints:

• They only cover treatment in Indonesia.
• Access to care is often restricted to a specific network of establishments.
• Reimbursement ceilings are sometimes limited.
• Medical repatriation is not covered.

For more comprehensive protection, many expatriates opt for international health insurance. It offers broader coverage, both in Bali and abroad, covers medical expenses from the first euro spent, and offers a wider choice of establishments and benefits to suit individual needs.

It’s worth noting, however, that these plans generally require a medical questionnaire on enrolment. Certain pre-existing conditions may result in exclusions or additional costs. So it’s essential to compare offers carefully before making your choice.

Medical costs in Bali

The cost of medical care in Bali is highly dependent on the type of facility and the nature of the treatment. In public hospitals, rates are relatively low, but the quality of care can be uneven. Conversely, private clinics and hospitals offer a better level of service, but at much higher prices, making good health insurance essential.

To give you an idea, here are some average rates charged in Bali’s private establishments:

• Consultation with a general practitioner: between €15 and €25
• Specialist consultation: between €30 and €80
• Night in single room: between €50 and €90
• Routine dental care (examination + cleaning): between €20 and €40
• Dental implants: between €600 and €2,000 per implant

A key point to remember: private hospitals and clinics generally require a payment guarantee before administering treatment. Without health insurance, you’ll often have to pay in advance using a credit card. So it’s best to be well covered to avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of an emergency.

Insurance options for French expatriates in Bali

French expatriates in Bali have several options for their health cover:

1. Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE): offers coverage similar to that of French Social Security. Membership is open to all, with no medical questionnaire, which is advantageous for those with a medical history. However, premiums can be high, reimbursements are limited to the Social Security scales, and repatriation cover is not included.
2. First-euro insurances: These insurances provide cover from the first euro spent, and offer worldwide coverage. They are flexible and can be customized to suit the needs of the insured. However, enrolment requires a medical questionnaire, and certain pre-existing conditions may lead to exclusions or premium increases.

Subscribing to an expatriate health insurance plan for Bali

Whether you’re an expatriate or a traveler, having good health insurance in Bali is not an option, but a necessity. Before you leave, take the time to assess your needs, compare the different offers and choose coverage that includes not only medical expenses, but also a repatriation guarantee in case of emergency. Good preparation will enable you to enjoy your stay on the Isle of the Gods with peace of mind.