Healthcare and Health Insurance in Indonesia

Summary: The quality of medical care in Indonesia is generally considered to be lower than in the United States. Emergency services are available, but may not be as reliable or as well-equipped as those in the US. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 118 or contact the nearest hospital.

How are healthcare services Indonesia?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Indonesia, they replied:

"In Indonesia, healthcare services include public health, family planning, communicable and non-communicable disease control, clinical and laboratory procedures, health promotion, health education and training, and rehabilitation. The public healthcare system in Indonesia is government-funded, and is mainly provided by public medical facilities owned by the Ministry of Health or the Social Security Administering Body. In general, the quality of public health care has improved in Indonesia in recent years due to increased access to funds, better trained personnel, enhanced facilities and improved health insurance. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system in Indonesia, provided they fulfill certain criteria. Expats are not eligible for public health insurance, but they may purchase private health insurance for themselves and their families, which is available from a range of licensed insurance providers. Expats in Indonesia can use the public healthcare system, and some may choose to do so depending on their financial situation and the standard of care provided at the public hospital or clinic they visit," remarked 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," said one expat living in Bali.

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What are medical services in Indonesia like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Indonesia, they replied:

"Indonesia has a modern healthcare system, with a wide variety of medical facilities providing comprehensive medical services. The country offers both private and public medical services, and the quality of treatment provided is generally good. Many physicians in Indonesia are educated abroad and have access to up-to-date technology and treatments. Hospitals are well-equipped and the country has a range of specialty clinics including ophthalmology, general surgery, orthopedics, cardiology and more. Most medical services in Indonesia, especially public services, are relatively affordable compared to other countries. Pharmacies are plentiful and medicine is available, both in prescription and over-the-counter," mentioned one expat in Indonesia.

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Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Indonesia?

"Healthcare and health insurance can be expensive in Indonesia depending on the service or coverage being sought. Generally, public health services are cheaper than private services and there are some public health programs and insurance schemes that are aimed at providing coverage to those in need. However, for comprehensive health insurance plans that cover a variety of services and providers, the cost can be relatively high. Ultimately, the cost of healthcare and health insurance in Indonesia can vary widely based on need and coverage," mentioned one expat 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," commented one expat who moved to Bali, Indonesia.

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What are emergency services like in Indonesia?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Indonesia wrote:

"In Indonesia, emergency services such as fire, police, and medical services are available 24/7 to help people in need. To call for an ambulance, you can dial the emergency number 112 and then press 1 (Satuan 115) to reach emergency medical response services. Once the operator answers, you should explain the emergency and provide your location. In some urban areas, it might be possible to ask for an ambulance service through your local hospital or clinic as well," remarked one expat 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," said one expat living in Bali.

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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," remarked one expat 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," said one expat living in Bali.

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Are common prescription medications available in Indonesia?

"Yes, many common prescription medications are available in Indonesia. Individual drugs can be purchased over the counter in drugstores, along with generic and branded medications. There are a number of pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies where customers can obtain prescription drugs. Some prescription drugs may require a doctor’s prescription, and must be obtained from a licensed physician. However, there are still a number of types of drugs available over the counter without a prescription in Indonesia," commented one expat living 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," wrote one expat.

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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," said one expat.

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As a foreigner living in Indonesia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, foreigners living in Indonesia do have access to public healthcare. It is similar to the healthcare services offered in other countries. It is government-funded and offers primary and specialist care as well as preventive and emergent services. The quality of care may vary depending on the region, but some facilities may be more modern and well-equipped than others. The cost of care is usually very affordable and there are also international insurance plans available for those who require full coverage," wrote one expat.

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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 presented a major challenge to Indonesia's healthcare system, which has struggled to cope with rising infection cases and limited resources. Many Indonesians have found it difficult to access the healthcare services they need during this time, due to long waiting times, shortages of medical staff, and lack of adequate hospital beds. There have also been reports of people having to delay treatment due to a lack of funds or insurance, or having to face large out-of-pocket medical costs. The government has been working to increase access to medical services and to provide financial assistance to those in need, but there is still a long way to go," wrote one expat.

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What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Indonesia?

We asked expat moms who gave birth in Indonesia about their experiences and advice they have for other moms to be. They said:

"If you feel comfortable in the country and your birth presents itself without any problems. By all means give birth in Jakarta, where you can stay close to your family, your other children, your house-help, your work (you can work until the last moment and keep all your maternity leave for when the baby is finally there)! You have friends visiting. You don't have that if you travel abroad to have the baby! I did that for my first 2 babies, as I was living in Cambodia and Myanmar, where local childbirth is really not recommended at all," said one expat in Jakarta.

Are healthcare services good in Indonesia?

We asked people if they have access to good medical care in Indonesia. They wrote:

"Healthcare services in Indonesia vary widely due to the country's large size and differing levels of development. Hospital and clinic care, both private and public, are available to citizens and foreign visitors. Primary health care is provided through community health centers and on a fee-for-service basis. Prescription medicines are available in pharmacies or through home visits. Healthcare personnel receive regular training and the government provides some financial subsidies for the public health system. The government also encourages public-private partnerships in order to provide more access to medical care," explained one expat.

15 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Indonesia

How are healthcare services Indonesia?

What are medical services in Indonesia like?

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Indonesia?

What are emergency services like in Indonesia?

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

Are common prescription medications available in Indonesia?

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Indonesia?

As a foreigner living in Indonesia, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Indonesia?

Are healthcare services good in Indonesia?

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