overview
Bali is a popular destination for tourists looking for a combination of adventure and relaxation. However, when traveling not only to Bali, you must ensure you have access to quality healthcare in case of an emergency. The good news is that the island's healthcare system has improved significantly in recent years, and tourists have access to quality hospitals with modern equipment and well-trained medical staff. Tourists can seek treatment at any hospital or clinic in a medical emergency. Overall, the health care system in Bali has come a long way, and as a tourist, you can rest assured that quality medical care is available if needed. This Guide covers the healthcare options available to tourists in Bali, including hospitals and clinics.
This Guide is divided into the following sections:
General Info
The healthcare system in Bali has advanced significantly in recent years. The island boasts several medical facilities that offer high-quality care and adhere to international standards. Reputable hospitals in popular tourist areas such as Denpasar, Kuta, Seminyak, and Nusa Dua provide various medical services.
Bali is home to several internationally renowned hospitals caring for local and international patients. These have modern facilities and medical equipment and highly qualified medical staff. Examples of internationally accredited healthcare providers include BIMC Hospitals, Siloam Hospitals, and Bali Royal Hospital.
Bali Royal Hospital (BROS), source: BROS website
One of the favorable aspects of healthcare in Bali is the availability of fast ambulances. The Bali 118 Emergency Ambulance Service operates across the island, providing timely response and transport in case of a medical emergency. Private hospitals and clinics may also have ambulance services to ensure quick access to medical care.
Many medical facilities in Bali provide services specifically for foreign patients. These facilities employ doctors and medical staff fluent in English and have often received education and training abroad. The presence of English-speaking physicians dramatically facilitates communication and comforts foreign visitors seeking medical care. Communication is critical to ensuring accurate diagnosis, understanding treatment plans, and reassuring patients.
Thanks to the availability of international hospitals, clinics, and English-speaking medical professionals, you can rest easy as a tourist regarding healthcare in Bali. The quality of medical services in selected facilities is comparable to Europe and the USA. You can be sure that you will receive professional and competent care, whether it is for routine check-ups, minor ailments, or emergencies.
Although Bali offers excellent medical services, consider taking out comprehensive travel insurance to cover emergencies. This will provide financial protection and additional support in unexpected medical situations.
Language Barrier
The language barrier can pose a problem for tourists in Bali when receiving health care. Although English is spoken in popular tourist areas and private health facilities, there may still be instances where communication is difficult. Problems can arise due to differences in language proficiency, limited availability of English-speaking health professionals in remote locations, and the possibility of miscommunication about medical symptoms or treatment plans. Language barriers can affect the ability to accurately communicate symptoms to the doctor, understand the diagnosis, follow medical instructions, and provide informed consent.
As a tourist, it is essential to actively try to overcome the language barrier, for example, by installing a translation app (we recommend Google Translate) or learning basic phrases. Alternatively, you can ask for help from hotel staff or an interpreter and always ask for clarification if necessary.
💡 Tip: Most travel insurance companies offer the option of an interpreter. Always contact your insurance company to assign an interpreter for better communication with medical staff if necessary.
Effective communication and mutual understanding between healthcare providers and you are essential to quality healthcare.
Emergency situation
Knowing the emergency numbers and how to find medical help is essential for your safety and well-being in Bali. Below is an overview of the necessary steps to take:
Emergency Numbers
General emergency: Dial 112 to contact the emergency services, including ambulance, firefighters, and police. This is the universal emergency number in Bali.
Tourist police: For non-emergency situations or assistance with tourist matters, contact the Tourist Police at +62 361 754599.
Tourist Information Service: For general tourist information and assistance, contact the Bali Information Service at +62 361 222387.
Procedure in an Emergency
Keep calm and assess the seriousness of the situation. Determine if immediate medical attention is necessary.
If you are in a hotel or accommodation, inform the staff of the emergency so they can help you and provide the necessary information to the emergency services.
Dial 112 and contact emergency services. Clearly state the nature of the emergency, your location, and any nearby landmarks to help them locate you quickly, give all relevant details and ask for an ambulance if medical transport is required.
Bali 118 is the primary emergency ambulance service in Bali. To call the Bali 118 ambulance directly, dial 118. Private hospitals and clinics may also have ambulance services.
BIMC Ambulances, source: BIMC website
If the situation allows, inform the emergency services of your preferred medical facility, if any, or ask for a referral based on your location and medical needs.
Private hospitals such as BIMC Hospital, Siloam Hospitals, and Bali Royal Hospital have emergency rooms that provide immediate medical care.
If you have travel insurance (which we recommend), inform your insurance provider about the situation as soon as possible. Follow their instructions for coordination and assistance. Alternatively, ask for a translator if your insurance includes one.
Have easily accessible proof of travel insurance, identity documents, and any important medical information (see below).
Remember that in an emergency, your safety and well-being are your priority. Stay with someone; if you are alone, inform someone you trust about the situation who can come to you and help you communicate.
If there is a language barrier, seek the help of hotel staff or bystanders to help you communicate with emergency services.
Medical Facilities
Bali offers a range of medical facilities to meet the needs of locals, tourists, and expats alike. The following are the types of medical facilities commonly found in Bali:
State Hospitals
Bali has several state-run general hospitals equipped to handle various health problems and emergencies. These hospitals usually have multiple departments, including emergency, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and internal medicine. Government hospitals are primarily for residents. It is challenging to speak English there. The largest state hospital is the Sanglah in Denpasar.
Sanglah Hospital, source: SRUP Sanglah website
Private Hospitals
Many hospitals in Bali are primarily for the international community and tourists. These hospitals often have English-speaking staff, modern equipment, and international standards of care. They may provide specialized services and collaborate with foreign medical facilities. Examples of such hospitals include Siloam, BIMC, etc. (see the Map below)
BIMC Hospital, Nusa Dua, source: BIMC website
Siloam Hospital, Kuta, source: Siloam website
Public Clinics
Public clinics, also known as Puskesmas, serve mainly the local population and offer basic health services. They provide consultations, vaccinations, and essential treatments. Public clinics may have longer waiting times but are more affordable for residents.
Private Clinics
Private clinics are widely available throughout Bali and offer primary health care services. They are usually run by general practitioners and provide consultations, examinations, vaccinations, and basic treatments. Private clinics are suitable for non-emergency medical needs and minor ailments and are mostly sought after by more affluent locals.
In addition to hospitals and clinics, there are many specialist medical centers to visit in Bali.
Maternity Centers
Specialized centers in Bali focus on antenatal care, childbirth, and postnatal care. These centers provide comprehensive maternity services, including antenatal check-ups, ultrasound examinations, birth assistance, and breastfeeding support. Bumi Sehat in Ubud is the most well-known birthing center supporting natural births. Kasih Medika Hospital in Denpasar is renowned for its services for expectant mothers.
Kasih Medika, Denpasar
Bumi Sehat, Ubud
Dental Clinics
Many dental clinics are widely available in Bali, offering check-ups, dental hygiene, fillings, and cosmetic dentistry services. Some dental clinics are top-rated on the island, and because of their lower prices, they are often used by travelers from Australia who find it worthwhile to fly to Bali for the procedure.
Rehabilitation Centers
There are rehabilitation centers in Bali specializing in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and rehabilitation programs for people recovering from injuries, surgery, or chronic illnesses.
Other Clinics
Bali also has specialized clinics focusing on medical specialties such as dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, ophthalmology, and others. These clinics are staffed by specialists who provide advanced diagnostic and treatment services in their respective fields.
In addition to specialist clinics and health centers, Bali has traditional medicine and wellness centers.
Balinese Traditional Medicine Centres
Traditional medicine practices, rooted in Balinese culture, are often used in health care in Bali. Traditional healers, known as "Balian," provide holistic treatments using herbs, massage, and spiritual rituals to restore balance and address various ailments. Examples of such centers include Bali Usada and Sakti Healing Centre.
Wellness Centers
Bali is renowned for its wellness centers and retreats, which offer holistic therapies, spa treatments, yoga, meditation, detox programs, and other wellness services to promote overall well-being.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are very common in Bali. You can find them in almost every village. In tourist areas, the dominant chain of pharmacies is "Kimia Farma," always with several branches and a wide range of products. Alternatively, pharmacies are usually part of hospitals.
Kimia Farma Pharmacy can be found all around the island
Medications
If you are taking any long-term medication before your trip to Bali, we recommend asking your doctor to prescribe a quantity in advance that will cover your entire holiday. If you are traveling to Bali for an extended period or moving to Bali, check with your doctor or on the internet beforehand to see if your medicine (or an alternative with a similar active part) is available in Indonesia. Have your doctor prescribe the next package in English for you. Suppose you will be buying your medication locally. In that case, it is advisable to check with your travel insurance company beforehand to see if they will cover your medication so that you can allow for any additional costs and not be unpleasantly surprised.
Chronic Medical Conditions
Suppose you are traveling to Bali with any form of chronic medical condition. In that case, we recommend bringing a medical report of your situation, any other necessary documentation in English, and contact information for your treating doctor.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended for all travelers, regardless of the length of their stay. In any unpleasant event, it's good to know you're covered. With insurance, you will get treatment much faster in the event of a severe incident. If you don't have insurance, the hospital will usually only treat you when you pay a deposit for the procedure. If you don't have enough money or a guarantor, only the most necessary treatments may be carried out, and you may have to wait, for example, for surgery until you have enough money.
Unfortunately, This is quite common, where tourists without insurance in Bali get injured, and public funding is organized to treat them. However, in many cases, there is not enough time to wait. Please, always travel with travel medical insurance. You can find out what insurance to choose, how much it costs, and what coverage is needed, including examples of prices for different treatments in the Insurance Guide.
Vaccination
You can find out what vaccinations are compulsory and recommended in Bali, including information on the most common diseases and how to prevent them, in the Vaccination Guide, which covers this topic in detail
Health Tips
Tips on how to stay healthy in Bali, including tips on eating hygiene and what to look out for health-wise in Bali, can be found in the Safety Guide.
Our Experiences
We have had mostly positive experiences with healthcare in Bali, and in many cases, they have surpassed our experience in the Europe. It depends (like anywhere in the world) on the specific doctors and medical staff you encounter. Our particular experiences are listed in a few cases that we have gone through in Bali, including the specific medical facility:
Surgery for Open Fracture of the Foot and Metacarpal Bone of the Foot and Hand
Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar, 2017
After the scooter accident, the locals called an ambulance, which arrived quickly (within 10 minutes). Upon arrival at the hospital, the insurance solution followed. Kooperativa (Czech insurance company) guaranteed to cover everything, and I did not have to pay anything for the whole time. The waiting time for the operation was prolonged due to the occupancy of the operating rooms (when I was told that they had full rooms because they were operating on a V.I.P client before me) and also because we waited 7 hours for the manager in the Czech Republic to come to work (different time zone) and approve or reject the transfer to another hospital (BIMC Nusa Dua). He eventually refused the transfer, saying there was no reason for it because they had sufficient equipment to operate in Sanglah (and also because it was cheaper - author's note). Hence the unnecessary wait of about 7 hours. After about 20 hours of lying in the ER area amongst the locals (at least behind a sheet), I was transferred to a private room with air conditioning and TV, and in less than two hours, the first surgery followed, then another the next day.
The staff at the hospital were excellent and friendly. Every day it was possible to choose five meals from predefined options. I spent ten days in the hospital before being released for "home treatment." The follow-ups were always excellent. Since they didn't have many tourists in this hospital, they were very helpful, and I was almost always the first to go. Other costs for crutches, medication, replacement bandages, etc., were again covered by travel insurance; I didn't have to pay anything on the spot.
A check-up about two months after the surgeries with specialists back in the Czech Republic showed that the surgeries were performed flawlessly using the latest low-contact metal splints, which I still have in my limbs today. To quote the doctor, "We couldn't have done it better here (in the Czech Republic)."
Childbirth
Bali Royal Hospital, Denpasar, 2022
After about 30 hours of a conventional birth, when my daughter decided she was not going anywhere, an unplanned C-section was scheduled. After being transported by ambulance to the hospital, we were forced to pay a 50 % deposit for the planned birth and subsequent postpartum care costs. The total was about IDR 25,000,000 (about USD 1,600). We have no idea what would have happened if we had not had these funds in our account. After paying the deposit, everything moved very quickly, and within an hour, our daughter was born. The birth was wonderful; the doctor was careful and gentle. The nurses were also great; the postpartum care was also perfect. The father could be with the mother and baby the whole time, during and after the birth, and for three days in a private room. For an additional fee, ordering meals for the father in the room was also possible, which we took advantage of.
Vaccination and Newborn Check-up
Bali Royal Hospital, Denpasar, 2022
After arriving at the scheduled time, we immediately went to the doctor's office. Unfortunately, this experience was not a positive one. The doctor practically did not examine my daughter at all. She only told us that she would soon be holding her head alone, although she was holding it perfectly well already. She did not wash her hands or wear gloves before the vaccination. Apart from giving the injection, her contribution was zero. Unfortunately, a second visit to the same hospital with a different doctor went the same way.
Vaccination and Newborn Check-up
Kasih Ibu Hospital, Saba, 2022
After the negative experience above, we booked into Kasih Ibu. We booked via WhatsApp and arrived on time. We then waited in the waiting room for 45 minutes, and after asking the nurses three times, we were told to wait for another 10 minutes, and then it would be our turn. Unfortunately, this was not true, and after an hour of waiting, we were told to wait another 20 minutes, which we refused and went home. So not only did we lose about two hours and USD 12 for the taxi, and we had to travel with a newborn for no reason and wait in a waiting room full of sick children. Although they wrote back to us on WhatsApp saying they were sorry they had a booking system outage, we cannot recommend this hospital from our experience.
Childhood Illness
Ari Canti Hospital, Ubud, 2023
We arrived at the hospital with a child with a fever and vomiting. The doctor more or less just asked what was wrong. We said she was vomiting and had a fever. So we were given anti-vomiting and fever-reducing medication. No further tests were made. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed more than once that this hospital only deals with the effects, not the cause. You come in with A; you get medication for A. But they don't find out that A could result from B. We can't tell if that's the case at other hospitals.
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Map
Below you will find a map of general medical facilities and hospitals that we recommend you contact in case of need. These hospitals are of good quality and provide care comparable to Europe or the USA. You will find contact information for all facilities when you click on it.
Can't you see the map? Google can be stubborn. Try this link.
