Discover everything you need to know about choosing between public and private healthcare if planning a move to Bali.
Bali is a dream destination for many who desire the expat lifestyle. The island offers a vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, lots to do and see, and an affordable cost of living.
However, when pursuing our expat dream, we must also consider practical things, like healthcare.
It does, and it’s also generally affordable and accessible to expats.
However, despite there being the option to use Indonesia's public healthcare system as an expat, many in this situation choose not to do so for several reasons:
These concerns see most expats who move to Bali prefer to seek treatment at private medical facilities, which can offer a broad range of benefits and solutions to all of the above issues, and more.
While private healthcare can offer a range of benefits, it's also significantly more expensive than receiving the same care at public facilities, and medical bills can quickly stack up if you don't have an adequate level of insurance coverage.
For example, while a basic medical consultation might be available for as little as $14, specialised treatments can start from $500, and private hospital rooms can cost up to $350 per night!
And while this is likely all significantly cheaper than what you’d pay in a typical Western country, it can still become a sizeable financial burden.
When a public healthcare system doesn't meet your needs or expectations, and you want to avoid costly private medical bills, the sensible solution is to buy a comprehensive health insurance plan.
Let's explore five reasons you should do that if you plan to relocate to Bali.
With a private health plan, you can access the highest quality medical care at private hospitals and clinics while minimising your out-of-pocket costs.
In addition to receiving the best possible medical care from the most well-trained clinicians, you may also be able to access innovative care and treatment options, benefit from advanced diagnostic options, and be cared for by professionals proficient in your native language.
Who knows when a medical emergency will happen or if you’ll fall ill unexpectedly? The last thing you want when dealing with such a shock is the stress of working out how you’re going to pay for surgery or a hospital stay.
Avoid being overwhelmed by such a situation and give yourself peace of mind by ensuring you have adequate coverage in place.
While you’ll have access to the best medical facilities in Bali, in some cases, you might require treatment that isn’t available nearby or wish to return to your home country for treatment.
Many expat health plans – and all of those available at Now Health International – include at least some element of emergency evacuation coverage, ensuring you can get to wherever you need to go to receive the treatment that will help you recover.
If you choose a comprehensive plan, such as one of our WorldCare plans, you'll benefit from health coverage not just in Bali but in other locations, too.
This means you can still use your health plan if you travel overseas on a business trip or return to your home country to visit family and friends.
And if you decide Bali isn't for you and relocate again, your health plan can move with you, too!
There's a lot to consider when selecting a health plan. Focusing on these four areas will go a long way to ensuring you find the right plan for yourself and anyone who is accompanying you to Bali:
If you plan to move to Bali, researching and finding a comprehensive health insurance plan should be high on your priority list. You'll have the peace of mind that will allow you to make the most of living in your new location and a crucial safety net should you need to access high-quality medical care while minimising your out-of-pocket costs.