Blog

Healthcare is one of the first things to plan for when you live in Bali long-term. The island has private hospitals, clinics, public health facilities, laboratories, and dental clinics.

How quickly you can get care depends on where you live and how well you have prepared. Many international residents use private hospitals and established clinics because they may offer English-speaking staff and easier service.

Public facilities can cover basic care at a lower cost, but access, waiting times, language, and paperwork can vary. This guide explains where to go for different needs, how to check a provider, how insurance and BPJS Kesehatan work, and what to do in an emergency.

It is general information, not medical advice.

Where Can Expats Get Healthcare in Bali?

Private Hospitals

Private hospitals are suited to emergencies, serious illness or injury, specialist visits, surgery, hospital stays, scans, and lab tests. Hospitals with services for international patients are mostly in southern Bali and Ubud, including:

• Denpasar

• Kuta

• Sanur

• Nusa Dua

• Canggu

• Ubud

Services differ between hospitals, so check what is offered before you need it.

Clinics and General Practitioners

Established clinics and general practitioners (GPs) can help with minor illnesses, routine check-ups, small injuries, basic health checks, and follow-up care. Some take walk-ins or bookings through WhatsApp.

Confirm they are open and available before you go.

Public Healthcare Facilities

Puskesmas (community health centers) and public hospitals can offer more affordable basic care. Waiting times, language support, paperwork, and referral rules may be different.

Specialist Clinics and Hospitals

Before you book a specialist, check the doctor's qualifications, Indonesian registration, and specialist credentials. Also ask about language support, available appointments, insurance arrangements, and whether you need a referral.

Laboratories and Dental Clinics

For blood tests, lab work, and scans, check whether you need a doctor's referral, and ask for a written copy of your results. For dental care, ask about sterilization practices, the dentist's qualifications, a cost breakdown, the treatment plan, and follow-up visits.

Does Healthcare Access Differ by Area in Bali?

Yes. Emergency departments, specialists, and services for international patients are not spread evenly across the island.

The time it takes to reach care can differ between southern Bali, Ubud, and quieter areas, and traffic can make it longer. If you are choosing where to live, check how far you are from the nearest emergency department and the provider you would use.

It is worth weighing this alongside the villa itself. Explore our location guides in Bali.

How Can Expats Check Whether a Healthcare Provider Is Reliable?

• Check the doctor's credentials: See whether the doctor's Indonesian registration and specialist qualifications can be confirmed.

• Check the services: Make sure the facility offers what you need, such as emergency care, lab tests, scans, a pharmacy, specialist care, surgery, or help with transfers to another hospital.

• Check language support: Clear English-language support helps when you discuss a diagnosis, medication, treatment options, and follow-up instructions.

• Ask about costs first: Where you can, ask about consultation fees, deposits, treatment and medication costs, insurance arrangements, and ways to pay.

• Look beyond online reviews: Reviews share useful experiences from other residents, but they should not be your only guide. Also check the facility's official website or the relevant Indonesian health authorities.

How Should Expats Use Health Insurance in Bali?

Comprehensive health insurance matters for long-term residents because medical costs can vary a lot depending on the treatment. Check whether your policy covers:

• Outpatient visits and prescription medication.

• Hospital stays and surgery.

• Pre-existing conditions.

• Motorbike or scooter accidents.

• Surfing, diving, trekking, and other activities.

• Medical evacuation and treatment outside Bali if needed.

Also find out how payment works. With direct billing, the provider arranges payment with your insurer.

With reimbursement, you pay first and send your documents to the insurer later. Confirm which one applies before non-emergency treatment.

Keep your policy number, your insurer's emergency contact, claim instructions, insurance card, and emergency contacts close at hand. Store copies offline as well as digitally.

Can Expats Use BPJS Kesehatan in Bali?

BPJS Kesehatan is Indonesia's national health insurance program (JKN). Its guidance says participants include foreigners:

• Who have worked in Indonesia for at least six months

• Who register or are registered

• Who pay contributions

It lists a passport and a work permit among the documents needed for foreign nationals. That does not mean every expat qualifies.

Eligibility depends on your own situation, such as your visa and employment status. Check eligibility, registration steps, contributions, referral rules, and participating facilities directly with BPJS Kesehatan.

For non-emergency specialist care, people in the public system usually start at a primary healthcare facility and get a referral where one is required.

What Should Expats Do in a Medical Emergency?

This is general guidance. Serious symptoms need urgent care from a professional.

Know Where the Nearest Emergency Department Is

Find the nearest hospital with a working emergency department before you need it, and note how long it takes to get there from home. This can differ across Bali.

Know the Emergency Number

For a medical emergency, the Ministry of Health's national number is 119. It is free from mobile and landline phones.

It connects to local Public Safety Centers (PSC), which arrange ambulances and medical teams. You can also reach it through the SATUSEHAT Mobile app.

Save it in your phone with your nearest hospital's number, and check official sources now and then in case details change.

Know When to Go Straight to an Emergency Department

Examples include:

• Severe trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness.

• Confusion or signs of a stroke.

• Heavy bleeding, a serious head injury, a suspected broken bone, or a high-impact road accident.

• A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or a fast-worsening fever.

• Severe dehydration, vomiting that does not stop, or a possible serious infection.

This list is not a diagnosis. If you are unsure, get urgent professional care.

Planning Your Life in Bali?

Healthcare is just one part of preparing for a comfortable life overseas. If you’re planning to live in Bali, it can also help to learn more about the local area, daily life, and practical things to consider before making a move.

Explore living guides in Bali for helpful tips and information for expats. If you’re looking for a home or want to learn more about living in Bali, you can also contact Bali Coconut Living to explore your options and get more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should Expats Know About Scooter, Surfing, and Sports Injuries?

Check that your insurance covers them before you ride or play. For serious injuries, such as a suspected broken bone or head injury, go to an emergency department instead of waiting.

How Can Expats Avoid Language and Continuity Problems?

Confirm English-language support before you book. Ask for written notes, medication names, and copies of test results, and keep them in one folder.

Using the same provider where possible also helps.

What About Healthcare Outside Southern Bali?

Emergency and specialist care is not the same everywhere. In quieter areas, getting to a hospital can take longer, so plan your route, insurance, and transfer options early.

This is a useful point to consider when choosing where to live.

How Can Expats Prepare for Healthcare Before They Need It?

Arrange insurance, save emergency numbers, note your nearest emergency department, and keep your medical records and policy details easy to find. Check a provider's services and credentials directly before you rely on it.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Speak with a qualified health professional about your own situation.

If you’re also planning a move to Bali and need help finding a place to live, feel free to contact us to learn more about your options.

Sources

Adji, M. Y. R. (2024, October 6). Health Ministry integrates 119 emergency number into SATUSEHAT app. Antara News.

BPJS Kesehatan. (n.d.). Panduan layanan bagi peserta Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional – Kartu Indonesia Sehat (JKN-KIS) [PDF]. BPJS Kesehatan.

Fadilah, R. (2025, February 10). Nomor telepon darurat 119, ini penjelasannya. Antara News.

Genc, L. (2026, May 12). Understanding Healthcare facilities in Bali: public vs. private hospitals. APRIL International.

Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. (2016, July 1). 119 terobosan baru layanan kegawatdaruratan medik di Indonesia. Kementerian Kesehatan RI.