Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Last updated on Jul 09, 2025
Summary: Expats and global nomads in Yogyakarta, Indonesia share their experiences with health insurance, healthcare in Indonesia, local hospitals and specialists, quality of medical care and more.
As a foreigner living in Yogyakarta, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
"As a foreigner living in Yogyakarta, you will have access to public healthcare, but it's important to note that the quality and availability of services can vary. The public healthcare system in Indonesia is generally not as advanced or comprehensive as those in Western countries. Hospitals and clinics in larger cities like Yogyakarta tend to be better equipped and staffed than those in rural areas. However, they can still be crowded and the standard of care may not be as high as you're used to. Public healthcare in Indonesia is funded by a system known as BPJS Kesehatan, a national social security program. As a foreigner, you can enroll in this program, but many expats choose to also have private health insurance for more comprehensive coverage. The public healthcare system in Yogyakarta, like in the rest of Indonesia, can be slow and bureaucratic. You may face long wait times for treatment and the facilities may not be as clean or well-maintained as you're used to. English-speaking staff can also be hard to find in public hospitals. Pharmacies are widely available in Yogyakarta and over-the-counter medication is easy to obtain. However, more specialized medication may not be as readily available. Many foreigners living in Yogyakarta choose to use private healthcare services. Private hospitals and clinics generally offer a higher standard of care, with more modern facilities and English-speaking staff. However, these services can be expensive, so it's recommended to have good health insurance coverage. In summary, while you will have access to public healthcare in Yogyakarta, it's advisable to also have private health insurance for more comprehensive coverage and a higher standard of care," wrote an expat living in Yogyakarta.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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