Practical, up-to-date healthcare guidance for remote workers, expats, and families living in Bali—covering emergencies, hospitals, insurance, vaccinations, and everyday wellbeing.
Last updated: 6 Oct 2025 · Information only, not medical advice.
🚑 In an Emergency: Call 112 (general) · 118 / 119 (ambulance/medical)
Start Here — What to Do in an Emergency
For any urgent medical situation in Bali, dial 112 for general emergencies or 118 / 119 for ambulance and health services. Private hospitals usually offer faster service for foreign patients, but require payment or proof of insurance.
- Private hospitals: BIMC (Kuta, Nusa Dua, Ubud), Siloam (Denpasar), Kasih Ibu (Tabanan, Denpasar), Prima Medika (Denpasar).
- Public referral: Prof. dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah Hospital (Sanglah, Denpasar).
- Bring: passport, insurance card, and credit card for admission.
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Insurance 101 — What’s Actually Accepted
Always have valid health insurance while in Bali. Hospitals often require payment or an insurer’s guarantee before treatment, and evacuation to Singapore or Australia for major cases can exceed USD 20,000.
- Coverage essentials: emergency & evacuation, motorbike use, adventure activities, and direct billing when possible.
- For KITAS holders: foreign employees may be enrolled in BPJS Kesehatan (state health insurance) through their employer, but private cover is still needed for private hospitals.
- Nomads & freelancers: choose an international travel/expat policy with regional evacuation and COVID-19 inclusion.
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Vaccinations & Preventable Risks
See your doctor 6–8 weeks before travelling. Common recommended vaccines include:
- Routine: Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid
- Optional based on stay: Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies
- Malaria: not a concern in main Bali areas, but a risk elsewhere in Indonesia—use repellents and mosquito control.
Rabies & Animal Bites
Rabies remains a risk in dogs and monkeys. Avoid handling animals, and if bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical care immediately for post-exposure vaccination (PEP).
- Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for long stays or frequent outdoor activity.
- PEP and rabies immunoglobulin are available at select hospitals—don’t delay treatment.
Dengue & Mosquito Protection
Dengue fever is common year-round in Bali. There’s no vaccine or specific treatment—prevention is key:
- Use mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin
- Sleep with nets or closed windows
- Empty standing water near your villa
- Seek medical care if you develop fever, pain, or rash
Clinics, Pharmacies & Prescriptions
For minor issues, use urgent-care clinics or private hospitals. Pharmacies (Apotek) are common across the island—larger chains enforce prescription rules.
- Antibiotics: prescription-only by law—bring your doctor’s note for refills.
- Bringing medication: keep in original packaging with a doctor’s letter; stricter rules apply to narcotics or psychotropics.
- 24/7 options: Guardian, Kimia Farma, and Viva Apotek branches in Denpasar & Canggu.
Everyday Safety for Remote Workers
- Road safety: motorbike accidents are the most common emergencies—wear a helmet and have the correct licence or your insurance may not cover you.
- Heat & hydration: avoid long midday exposure; carry bottled water.
- Surf & reef cuts: clean wounds immediately and use antiseptic to prevent infection.
- Air quality & ash days: check forecasts during dry season; keep masks handy.
With Kids or Family
- Several paediatric clinics and private hospitals cater to families (e.g., BIMC, Siloam, Kasih Ibu).
- Keep vaccination records up to date and carry copies for school enrolment.
- Stock basic medicines and rehydration salts.
Costs & Paying for Care
Expect to pay upfront at private hospitals, even with insurance. Keep your insurer’s emergency line and a credit card available for deposits.
- GP/clinic visit: USD 20–50
- Private hospital consult: USD 40–100
- ER visit: USD 100–200+
- Medevac: USD 15,000–25,000+
Healthcare — FAQs
What are Bali’s emergency numbers?
Dial 112 for general emergencies, or 118 / 119 for ambulance and medical assistance.
Which hospitals do expats use?
BIMC (Kuta/Nusa Dua/Ubud), Siloam (Denpasar), Kasih Ibu, and Prof. dr. I.G.N.G. Ngoerah (Sanglah) are common choices with English-speaking staff.
Will hospitals treat me without insurance?
Yes, but you must usually pay upfront or provide an insurer’s guarantee of payment before admission.
Do I need malaria tablets for Bali?
No, malaria risk in main Bali areas is very low. Use mosquito repellent and nets instead.
Is rabies a risk?
Yes. Avoid animals and seek immediate medical care after any bite or scratch for rabies vaccination.
Are antibiotics over-the-counter?
By law, antibiotics require a prescription from a qualified pharmacy. Bring scripts for any long-term medication.
Can foreigners join BPJS?
Foreign employees with a valid KITAS can join BPJS through their employer; most nomads rely on private insurance instead.
Am I insured on a scooter?
Only if your policy includes motorbike cover and you hold the correct licence (international + local category). Check your insurer’s fine print.