The Best Bali Travel Insurance Policies: The Guide for 2024
Short on time? Just want to get to the bottom line?
We created this article to be one of the most comprehensive on the web, so it’s long. Stick with us—the advice is comprehensive.
But if you know you need insurance and just want to get it sorted, then...
Click through now for a free quote:
Overall Best Choice: Heymondo (save 5% with this link!)
Best Single/Adventure/Digital Nomads: Heymondo
Best Family: Heymondo
Best Budget: SafetyWing (but also get a quote from Heymondo just to compare and be fully informed)
Best for comparing multiple policies: Travel Insurance Master
Table of Contents Show
Best Bali Travel Insurance: Introduction
Buying Bali travel insurance might seem like a daunting process. Or just boring.
However, by the end of this article, you will know exactly which why insurance for Bali is so important, what policy inclusions you need and where to get Bali travel insurance sorted in a few clicks.
Bali travel insurance is an essential part of your trip (like that other essential, the Bali Visa) as it will protect you from hideous expenses and give you the peace of mind of a team of people who are behind you should an emergency arise.
Will you need it?
A study by the Australian Government's Smartraveller found that 1 in 4 travellers claimed on their travel insurance in the 2018-19 year (before COVID stopped travel) - that's over 300,000 claims and 90% were paid out. Wow.
Related:
Do we benefit by telling you that you need Bali travel insurance?
We are not recommending you get travel insurance just because we might benefit if you support our work by following a link in this article (but thank you!).
All the consumer and government advice worldwide agrees that everyone going overseas to a place like Bali should consider travel insurance a must-have, and you can get it from your travel agent, online, or through your airline (the most expensive ways), or you can go online or use our recommendation (and that helps us create more content).
For anyone who has had an accident on the island of the gods, or fallen ill, the lack of Bali travel insurance can be truly devastating. And the truth is, medical care on the islands is expensive, and if the illness is serious, they simply don't have the facilities to care for you there, and you will need to be evacuated, and the bill for that will be astronomical.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Bali and Lombok?
It is not mandatory to have travel insurance to enter Indonesia, including Bali and Lombok.
However, it is highly recommended to purchase travel insurance when travelling through the country as a medical expense bill can be devastating:
- A small injury involving a few stitches could easily cost you $2,000.
- A medivac from Bali to Australia can cost between $30,000 and $40,000 depending on the medical facility.
- A Bali travel insurance policy for 7 days is likely to cost less than $50 dollars.
The comfort of having a travel insurance help desk 24/7 on the end of the phone will be reassuring if you have an emergency. They will have your back.
What kind of travel insurance do you need for Bali, Ubud, Lombok?
To decide the level of coverage you need, it helps to understand the risks so you can ensure these are included in your policy and also not pay for coverage you do not need.
What are the common sickness and health issues in Bali?
The islands hold a range of health risks due to its tropical climate, poor infrastructure, wild roads and the fact tourists are seen as the financial solution to any accident (you will be blamed, regardless of the truth).
Sure, there are the obvious like motorcycle accidents, surfing accidents and general travel accidents, but even an infected coral cut, bite in a monkey forest, walking the uneven, pot-holed streets or slipping down a waterfall pathway are obvious risks. It is also important to be aware of the risk of food poisoning and bacterial infections caused by contaminated water and foods.
Should you worry about Malaria and Dengue Fever in Bali?
Malaria is present in rural parts of the islands, and travellers should be vigilant about taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Dengue Fever is another health concern for travellers to Bali. There is no treatment or vaccination for Dengue Fever, so travelers are at risk of catching it and eventually developing severe symptoms.
Is Bali healthcare expensive?
Hospitals in Bali are generally much more expensive for tourists compared to locals (and medical is not free in Indonesia, even for locals). The quality of medical cover and healthcare can be quite basic, particularly if you're seeking advanced treatment or surgery. This is why you should always travel with health cover that covers medical evacuation and coverage for treatment costs. Understand that the majority of travellers do have Bali travel insurance, so hospitals charge accordingly and if you are the bunny without cover you still pay the high price regardless.
Why Bali travel insurance is important for seniors
Travelling to Bali can be a beautiful and exciting experience for seniors, but it can also be a potentially risky one. To protect against accidents and medical expenses, senior citizens must consider purchasing Bali travel cover. This must cover expenses in the case of an emergency, including evacuation. No senior should go to Bali without insurance.
What should Bali travel insurance cover?
When choosing your policy, it’s important to decide what coverage you are going to need because policies differ in their inclusions. Also, the price of a policy can change with optional inclusions.
Six things Bali travel insurance should cover
Emergency medical expenses, including medical evacuation costs;
Baggage and personal property is important to cover you for loss, delay and theft;
Cancellation and trip interruption should also be covered under the plan;
Sports and activities add-ons provide coverage for sports and activities. For example, most policies regard the very innocent-sounding activity of snorkeling as a high risk activity;
Some policies also offer additional benefits such as personal accident and liability coverage, accommodation cover, and legal expenses.
Finally, read the plan's terms carefully, as some may exclude certain medical expenses, include coverage limits, or exclude certain pre-existing medical conditions.
What Bali travel insurance probably won’t cover is Identity Theft
Identity theft, hacking, and viruses are all big problems in Bali, and they are usually not covered by travel insurance. That is why it is important to protect your digital identity with an app that protects your digital identity and your devices.
Is emergency medical evacuation and repatriation important?
Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage is critical to cover medical and transport expenses if the traveler requires transfer to another country (typically Singapore, Australia, or your home country) for urgent medical care. Often, this coverage will include your partner or family member to accompany you.
Should I have non-medical emergency evacuation?
Non-medical evacuation coverage can include expenses related to emergency evacuation, such as transportation and travel-related expenses. This can include medical expenses, if necessary.
Is baggage and personal property cover important?
All policies typically cover items such as luggage, personal effects, cameras, spectacles, and computers. The coverage can be customized to include additional items such as a GoPro camera or a drone.
If your airline loses your baggage or your Gilli Islands transfer boat hits a wave, the cost of buying a new set of clothes can be eye-watering, and you won't be able to avoid the expense. Get covered, and your new wardrobe (and equipment) is covered, up to the value of your policy.
Trip Cancellation
Trip cancellation cover protects you from losing out on prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses due to unexpected emergencies. It is important to note that trip cancellation insurance is different to insurance that covers expenses related to delays or missed flights.
Canceling your Bali trip for health reasons
Canceling your trip to Bali for health reasons can be covered under travel policies. In order to reimburse you for any non-refundable and prepaid expenses, such as expenses paid for accommodation, transportation, and medical expenses, travel policies typically include coverage for cancellation costs.
Canceling your Bali vacation trip because of extreme weather
Trip cancellation cover can provide financial protection in the event of extreme weather while on a trip. This type of cover protects travelers against the cost of canceling a trip due to inclement weather. It also reimburses travelers if a trip is delayed or canceled due to inclement weather.
Cancelling your trip due to Volcano activity
A travel insurance plan can provide coverage for trip cancellation fees as well as expenses incurred if you need to cancel your trip due to volcanic activity or volcanic ash. If a natural disaster takes place before your trip, trip cancellation benefits may not apply.
Trip interruption
Trip interruption insurance can provide travelers with coverage if an unexpected emergency causes them to cancel their trip with little notice. This type of travel cover can reimburse travelers for non-refundable expenses such as airfare, hotel stays, and tours that may have been planned for their trip.
Treating travellers Bali Belly
Bali Belly, also known as indigestion or travel-induced stomach pain, is a common health issue that can occur during travel to Bali. Many plans include a 24-hour emergency medical helpline. This can be critical if you are suffering from Bali belly and need medical attention or advice even in the middle of the night (inevitable, right?).
Tip: We have a special article What is Bali Belly? A Guide to Causes, Symptoms &Treatment which will share with you essential steps to prepare yourself before your trip and protect yourself from Bali belly whilst in Bali.
Adventure sports and activities
Bali is known for its adventure activities, including surfing. But did you know most policies consider snorkeling an adventure sport? Getting on a swing can also be regarded as an adventure sport, as is rafting or cycling tours. If you plan on taking part in any of these activities, make sure your travel policy covers you.
Riding motorbikes and scooters
Riding motorbikes and scooters in Bali is a common activity (even if just as a passenger on a Gojek), so it's essential to check what's covered under travel insurance policies. Many policies will not cover you unless you have a motorcycle license in your home country and you wear safety gear whilst riding. Check the policy carefully.
Accidental death and dismemberment
Accidental death and dismemberment coverage can help ensure that families are financially prepared for such a tragic event. A comprehensive travel insurance plan for Bali would provide comprehensive coverage for these expenses.
Baggage loss and theft coverage
If you are traveling to Bali, be sure to keep travel insurance coverage for baggage loss in mind. Lost or damaged luggage is a common concern when traveling, and insurance can help offset the costs associated with replacing lost items.
Gear and electronics cover
It is important to check the policy's coverage for electronics and other gear before traveling to Bali as these items may not be covered by the insurance plan unless specified (meaning you list them when taking out the policy). If electronics and other gear are included in the coverage, read the policy to understand any excess and depreciation rules (meaning they may pay you a reduced value for older equipment).
Medical insurance for investors, digital nomads, and remote workers
If you’re traveling the world as a digital nomad or remote worker, it’s vital you have travel insurance to protect yourself from any potential risks. Digital Nomads are highly likely to rent a motorcycle and certainly be a passenger on one often. And as a digital nomad, Indonesians see you as being 'on business' so they will look to you to pay in the case of any accident even if it is not your fault.
Investors and business people visiting Bali should make sure they have travel cover and make sure it covers business trips. It is crucial that travellers understand all the terms and conditions of their insurance policy before purchasing it and ensure they receive comprehensive coverage for their trip.
How to choose the right Bali travel insurance for you
We have a simple formula to determine the right cover for you:
Add up your trip costs, equipment and think about the activities you will get into when deciding how much coverage to include in your policy. That ticks off the variable cost aspect of insurance.
Choose the maximum you can get for medical and evacuation - don't skimp on this part. Often the max cover is only a few buks more than standard.
You don't need more cover than your belongings are worth or the value you paid for your trip. You do need cover for most activities, even snorkelling. You do need the max cover you can get for medical and evacuation.
What is the best travel insurance for Bali?
Here is our selection of the best travel insurance for Bali available. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, we may receive a small commission if you take out a policy at no extra cost to you (in fact, some of our recommendations come with exclusive savings) and in turn, you and the insurance you choose are supporting our work, which is a win-win.
Want the Bottom Line?
Our Bali travel insurance recommendations:
#1 - HEYMONDO - If you ask us to give a general ‘best’ answer, we think Heymondo is the best choice. It is reasonably priced (use this link and get 5% off as well), has the best coverage with zero excess, and an app with 24/7 live support. It also has a high Trustpilot rating among consumers.
Click here for a quote
#2 - SAFETYWING - If you are a budget traveler, budget family, or digital nomad, SafetyWing is the low cost, lower-coverage guy who will have your back in a big emergency. SafetyWing also has an excellent Trustpilot rating. Click here for a quote
#3 - TRAVEL INSURANCE MASTER - TIM offers a diverse array of plans and advantages from several top-notch global suppliers, consolidated on a single website for effortless comparison. Each journey is unique, and your travel insurance arrangement should reflect that fact.
If you want to know more about our reasons for this recommendation and some special cases where we would advise other choices, read on…
Our Recommendation of best travel health insurance Bali in depth:
We’ve reviewed a bunch and there are two main insurers we’ve checked out thoroughly and recommend you consider:
1. Heymondo
Heymondo has been around since 2016 and is baked by AXA, a world-leader in insurance. Their policies offer very high coverage amounts, and they have no excess or deductible, which means you can claim without paying the first X dollars yourself. They have plans for short trips, long-term travel and annual plans. They cover most activities and sports you’re likely to do on Bali and Lombok (except, for example, scuba diving, which requires an add-on, so check your activities closely to see if yours are covered). Also, they have an app with 24/7 doctor advice, free online calls, and claim reporting. We think this feature is huge... all you need is WiFi and you get help, even in the middle of the night.
Heymondo Trustpilot Rating: 4.4 from 1500+ reviews, 78% 5-star
Summary: High coverage, no excess, most activities covered and an app for quick help
Bonus: Use this link to get 5% discount thanks to Heymondo supporting small publishers like us and our readers
2. SafetyWing
SafetyWing is very popular among budget digital nomad travelers. They are a safe, solid company. They are cheaper because (1) they offer lower coverage amounts than others, and (2) they have a $250 excess. In other words, they could be a good choice if you just want to be covered for a major loss for a low premium and are happy to not claim for smaller medical or personal item losses. Our advice is that everyone must have travel insurance, so SafetyWing is the choice for those who feel bulletproof but just want to know that if they really go off the rails, they are covered.
SafetyWing Trustpilot Rating: 4.3 from 657 reviews, 78% 5-star
Summary: Cheap but absolutely reliable choice if you are okay with low coverage amounts and a $250 excess.
Travel Insurance Master offers a diverse range of plans and benefits from top providers worldwide, all conveniently accessible on a single website for easy comparison. No journey is the same, and your travel insurance should reflect that.
The process is straightforward - input your unique trip and traveler information in three simple steps. The website will swiftly identify all available plans and present them side by side for easy comparison, suggesting the most valuable coverage. This recommendation is generated by Travel Insurance Master's advanced algorithm, which is continuously updated and enhanced to provide you with the best travel insurance options.
Even if you haven't fully paid for your trip yet, you can request a quote and safeguard your journey. In fact, it is advisable to purchase insurance soon after making a deposit for your trip, ideally on the same day or within a few days afterward. This is because insurance companies that cover pre-existing medical conditions will only do so if you acquire trip insurance within a specific time frame from the initial deposit, typically around ten days.
Summary: If you have the time, this is a great way to compare a variety of policies to find the right one for you.
Travel insurance recommendations for special needs:
Best Bali travel insurance for Young Families
For families that want solid coverage, go with Heymondo.
SafetyWing is a interesting choice for young families on a budget because they include 2 children under 10 (one per adult) free on your policy. That is pretty amazing when you think about it. Just bear in mind their policy has a $250 deductible and much lower coverage than Heymondo and that is one way they keep it affordable.
Best Bali travel insurance for adventurous people:
Heymondo gets the edge for us because of its high rating by its customers. Just make a list of your anticipated sports and activities and make sure they are included. They probably are, but just check.
Best Bali travel insurance if you want to ride a motorbike
Heymondo (for comprehensive cover) and SafetyWing (cheap). Note that you must have a motorcycle license in your home country and be prepared to wear safety gear when riding during your trip. You won't be covered if you answer “no” to either point.
Best cheap and affordable Indonesia travel insurance
SafetyWing is a value-based choice, as you will see if you compare rates. Note the $250 deductible, one reason why the rates are so cheap. To be covered on a motorcycle, you must have a motorcycle license in your home country and be wearing safety gear when riding on Bali and Lombok. But the policy covers all the other important things, like interruption, cancellation, natural disasters, and personal liability, and includes reasonable limits for the premium paid. Also note that Heymondo offers our readers 5% discount, which might be the bonus you need to go for the better coverage.
Best travel insurance for remote workers and digital nomads
Heymondo is still our favorite here. SafteyWing has a specifically named policy for remote workers and digital nomads. With Heymondo, you can only extend the long-stay policy, and you need to extend it 3 days before it expires.
Best travel health insurance Bali if you've left home already
Heymondo and SafetyWing are both brilliant here because they will let you take out the policy after you have left home. And you can extend while away as well (only the long term policy with Heymondo).
How to read your policy disclosure document (PDS)
Once you have used the links above to get a few quotes, take a moment to read the details of the cover for each of your choices. Here are a few tips to reading the policy disclosure documents (PDS) so you can focus on the important bits:
The table of benefits gives an overview of the coverage.
The policy cover section is crucial and often divided into 'what we will pay for' and 'what we won't pay for.'
General exclusions are important to review as they outline events that are not covered by any section of the policy.
Pre-existing conditions are essential to review, especially for those with medical conditions, no matter how minor, as they can remind you of any forgotten ailments.
The word definition table may contain surprises, making it a useful resource to clarify the meaning of terms like 'relative' or 'moped' or 'motorcycle'.
'How to make a claim' sections will share with you things like the need to avoid admitting fault or liability and the documentation required when making a claim, such as police reports.
Many policies have a specific section detailing COVID-19 coverage for medical, cancellation, and other related matters.
Write down and keep the 24-hour emergency assistance contact number in a handy place.
How much is travel insurance for Bali?
The above Bali travel insurance options all offer competitive pricing and have received excellent online reviews from travellers and we're confident you will find amongst these the best possible rate for the cover you require. If you need help choosing or just want a sounding board feel free to reach out to us and we can share any latest information and tips where we can. Just click the Whatsapp button floating bottom right of your screen.
Advantages of buying Bali travel insurance online
There are many benefits of buying travel medical insurance online. You can easily compare plan features, costs, and terms to find the best coverage for your trip. Moreover, insurance plans offer comprehensive medical coverage for short-term travel not available through traditional health insurance plans. Also, you can easily get insurance for your trip as there is no need to visit a travel agent or fill a lengthy medical questionnaire. Thus, buying Bali travel insurance online has become an essential part of travel planning today.
Recommended hospitals in Bali and Lombok
We do not receive or accept any benefit for the following recommendations - they are simply the best:
BIMC hospitals in Nusa Dua, Kuta/Denpasar and Ubud have been providing world-class medical facilities to tourists in Bali for many years. The hospital offers a wide range of healthcare services including surgeries, medical treatment, diagnostic tests, and health check-ups.
Siloam Private Hospitals offer excellent medical facilities to travelers in Bali. These private hospitals have world-class medical equipment and well-trained staffs who provide quality medical care to patients. You can get medical treatment at Prima Medika Hospital, Lombok International Hospital or Ganesha Medical Centre as per your choice.
Mataram General Hospital is the main public hospital in Lombok. This hospital provides medical services at reasonable costs and has specialty departments such as obstetrics and gynecology and emergency medical wards. You can visit this hospital if you are looking for quality medical care from top-notch doctors and specialists alike.
Recommended dentists in Bali
There are several recommended dentists in Bali, such as ARC Dental Clinic, Kuta Sunset Dental Seminyak and Uluwatu Dental Care.
Denpasar BIMC Dental Centre is also a great option. They provide quality dental care for both domestic and international patients. They offer wide range of dental treatment options, such as tooth extraction, crowns, and bridges. Besides, their treatment plan can be customized as per the needs of the patient.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, travel insurance is necessary for Bali. Travel insurance can provide important coverage in case of unexpected events such as medical emergencies, lost luggage, trip cancellations, and more. It can also help protect you financially if you are faced with unexpected expenses or delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
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No. That entry requirement has now ended. Read more on the Welcome Back to bali official website
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No, travel insurance is not mandatory for your trip to Bali, however, it is highly recommended. Not only can medical expenses be high in an exotic destination like Bali, but even a medivac from Bali to Australia would cost up to $40,000! That's why Bali travel insurance can be a worthy investment when travelling abroad.
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Ensure that the insurance plan is comprehensive enough to cover all your valuable belongings, medical care expenses in an emergency, evacuation costs and travel delays. With the right insurance plan, you can enjoy a worry-free trip and focus on making the most of it!
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Yes, some online policies will allow you to buy after you have left home, but not all. Check our policy recommendation section where we tell you exactly which policies to go for in this case.
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In the event of an emergency in Bali, call for help as soon as possible. For medical emergencies dial 118 or +62 361 118, and for police-related emergencies dial 112 or +62 361 112. It is also advisable to save your accommodation host's number in your phone as they may be able to provide assistance if required. But most importantly, save your Bal travel insurances' Help Desk number in your phone and call them as soon as possible - they will help you get help, coordinate care and give you emergency triage advice over the phone whilst you wait or get to help.
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Yes, policies will cover this but it is usually an 'adventure' or 'sport' add on - but it is a must. You need this coverage even if you are just a passenger on a motorcycle 'taxi' like Gojek and it is very likely you will get on one at least a few times when on Bali and Lombok.
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Yes, coverage usually comes as an add-on to a standard policy that must be purchased separately. When it comes to hiking around active volcanoes in Bali, most policies will cover up to 4,500 meters of hiking which includes both Mount Batur and Mount Agung.
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Yes. Everyone visiting Bali should have travel insurance no matter where we come from. Even if you ride a motorcycle at home or are used to a range of rugged conditions, you can still get hurt and need medical assistance.
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Yes. Even if you stay in one location you will still move around, go shopping, go to the beach and risk accident or injury.
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Bali travel insurance is not expensive. For a single person for 7 days it can be around 50 dollars. For a family it can be less than a few meals out back at home. It is something you can buy well in advance of your trip to spread your trip costs out.
Conclusion
Bali travel insurance is critical - do not leave home without it. Go for a comprehensive policy because when you really need it is when it is truly serious and you will want to be fully covered.
Whether you buy your Bali travel insurance through a travel agent or online, a small portion of premium will go to your travel agent or referral source. In supporting our work by using the links above you not only ensure you have the critical coverage you need but you are supporting independent publishing as well. So thank you and pat yourself on the back too because your trip will be fully secured and safe.
Suggested traveller resources
For Australians: Smartraveller
Also for Aussies (but worth a ready by everyone), the travel insurance information by Choice on Smartraveller
For India citizens - Travel Advisory
For UK Travellers - Health Travel Advice
For USA Travellers - State Department, Travel Advisory
Discover everything you need to know about Bali's new tourism tax before your next visit to this tropical paradise.