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How to Navigate the Health System in Indonesia

Gain insight into the health care system in Indonesia. Explore its accessibility and limitations for expatriates, remote workers, retirees, and others who choose to live in Indonesia.
How to Navigate the Health System in Indonesia

Indonesia’s healthcare system is comprised of both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system is known as the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) and is funded by the government. It is available to all Indonesian citizens and foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system. However, most expats and digital nomads opt for private healthcare due to the quality of care and the availability of English-speaking staff.

Indonesia’s Public Healthcare System

The JKN is the public healthcare system in Indonesia and is funded by the government. It is available to all Indonesian citizens and foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system. The cost of public healthcare is relatively low, but the quality of care is not as high as private healthcare. Public hospitals are typically overcrowded and understaffed, and many people do not recommend using public hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Indonesia’s Private Healthcare System

Private healthcare in Indonesia is more expensive than public healthcare, but the quality of care is much higher. Private hospitals are typically well-equipped and staffed with English-speaking doctors and nurses. Expats primarily use private hospitals, and many people recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Indonesia’s Top Hospitals

The following are some of the most well-known hospitals in Indonesia:

  • Siloam Hospitals, Jakarta (private)
  • RSUP Sanglah, Denpasar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Sardjito, Yogyakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin, Bandung (public)
  • RSUP Dr. M. Djamil, Padang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Sardjito, Yogyakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Hasan Sadikin, Bandung (public)
  • RSUP Dr. M. Djamil, Padang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Soetomo, Surabaya (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, Jakarta (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Kariadi, Semarang (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo, Makassar (public)
  • RSUP Dr. Mohammad Hoesin, Palembang (public)

Health Insurance Companies in Indonesia

The most popular private health insurers in Indonesia are Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia, Asuransi Sinar Mas, and Asuransi Bina Dana Arta. These companies offer a variety of health insurance plans, including plans for expats and digital nomads. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Indonesia: How to Navigate the Health System

“I’ve lived in Indonesia for a few years, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live on $3,000 a month while still enjoying modern amenities. However, you’ll need to make some sacrifices and choose your location wisely. Living in popular expat areas like Jakarta or Bali can be quite expensive, especially if you want to maintain a high standard of living. Rent, dining out, and entertainment costs can add up quickly in these areas. For example, a decent apartment in a nice neighborhood in Jakarta can easily cost you over $1,000 a month, and eating out at international restaurants can be pricey as well. On the other hand, there are more affordable locations in Indonesia where you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. Cities like Yogyakarta and Bandung offer a lower cost of living while still providing access to modern amenities. In these cities, you can find a nice apartment for around $300-$500 a month, and the cost of eating out and entertainment is significantly lower than in Jakarta or Bali. To make it work on a $3,000 a month budget, you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and prioritize what’s important to you. You might need to cut back on dining out at fancy restaurants, limit your shopping, and choose more budget-friendly entertainment options. Additionally, you can save money by shopping at local markets, using public transportation, and taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities available in Indonesia. Overall, it’s definitely possible to live a comfortable life in Indonesia on a $3,000 a month budget, but you’ll need to be strategic about your spending and choose a location that offers a lower cost of living,” said one expat living in Indonesia.

“Indonesia has a wide range of medical services available to its citizens. The country has a network of public hospitals and clinics, as well as private medical facilities. The public health system provides basic medical care, while private facilities offer more specialized services. Indonesia also has a number of medical universities and research centers, which provide advanced medical training and research opportunities. In addition, there are a number of international hospitals and clinics in the country, offering quality medical care to both locals and foreigners,” commented one member living in Indonesia.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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