Part of a Bali vacation is choosing beach clubs, trips, and warm weather gear. But one big question always comes up: Do you need travel insurance for Bali?
Coverage may seem like a waste of time, but it could save you from getting a huge surprise bill while you’re away.
Do You Need to Have Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is not necessary to obtain a tourist visa to Bali in Indonesia. Airport customs rarely refuse travellers who lack the required documents.
Entry regulations can change quickly, but local officials recommend that all international travellers have the right kind of medical coverage. Even without a law, it’s a huge financial risk to go to Bali without insurance.
The Real Cost of Health Care in Bali
There are good private hospitals in Bali (BIMC, Siloam) with English-speaking staff and great care. Private health care in the Islands is, however, expensive.
- Minor Illnesses: A simple case of severe food poisoning (Bali Belly) or bacterial infection needing an IV drip, medication, and a few days’ hospital stay can cost you hundreds of dollars.
- Serious Conditions Dengue fever, broken bones, and emergency surgery can cost thousands of dollars in hospital fees. Many private hospitals don’t admit patients unless they pay in advance or have insurance.
- Emergency Evacuation: The cost of an air transfer to Singapore or home for a serious medical emergency could exceed $50,000.
Scooter Crashes & Adventures Sports
Scooters are the most popular way for tourists to get around Bali, but they also cause most tourist accidents. Bad roads and uncontrolled traffic often cause accidents.
Remember that the majority of insurance plans only include scooter rentals when:
- Your motorbike license from your home country is valid.
- International Driver’s License.
- You are wearing a helmet during the collision.
- You’re all clean.
You will not be covered by your insurance if you forget your helmet or license. If your Bali schedule includes adventurous activities like surfing, scuba diving, white-water rafting, and trekking Mount Batur, make sure your coverage covers these.
Volcanic eruptions and flight cancellations
Bali is home to active volcanoes like Mount Agung and Mount Batur. Volcanic ash clouds shut down planes and cancel travel plans for days as safety concerns close local airspace.
Volcano eruptions, natural catastrophes and extreme weather may cause you to miss your flight, stay in a hotel for a couple of days, eat out, and rebook your aircraft. Such events should be covered in your travel insurance.
Lost/stolen baggage
Snatch-and-grab robberies of phones or bags from passing motorcyclists are common in Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta. Travel insurance covers stolen items, lost passports, and plane delays.
Policy Check Before You Buy
Keep these points in mind when choosing a Bali insurance policy:
- Medical limit: Provide $100,000 in medical insurance and emergency repatriation.
- Motorbike clause: Check engine size (cc) and licensing limits.
- Boundary lines: Look for restrictions on valuables such as phones, cameras, and computers.
- Check that the out-of-pocket excess is suitable.
Travel insurance is a little extra, but it means you can relax in Bali without the stress of unexpected costs.