Indonesia Health Insurance for Expats

Private international health insurance in Indonesia offers global medical benefits and access to better-quality hospitals. Residents in Indonesia and working expats are required to sign up with a public health insurance program, but the plan is limited in coverage and availability.

Expats in Indonesia can purchase international health insurance to cover the costs of private healthcare facilities. Public healthcare is at a much lower standard in Indonesia than most expats are used to, and the private sector offers better care and reliability for expats.

This guide provides information about Indonesia’s healthcare system and outlines the key benefits of securing health insurance in the country. Our experts at Pacific Prime are always available to help you understand your health insurance options in Indonesia.

Read on to discover more, or click here to obtain a no-obligation, free quote.

Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Indonesia

The Healthcare System in Indonesia

Indonesia’s healthcare system is composed of a public and private sector, with the public sector being inconsistent in quality. While some public hospitals closer to larger cities are adequate, rural healthcare can be substandard. Private healthcare is more reliable.

In 2014, the Indonesian government introduced Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN). This public health insurance scheme aims to insure the country's citizens and residents, including 96 million poor individuals.

The JKN scheme, which is managed by the Social Security Organizing Agency - Badan Pengelola Jaminan Kesehatan (BPJS), provides cover for around 221 million people— roughly 82% of the entire population.

The progress of this insurance scheme has been stalled by the many public hospitals that have yet to accept the insurance. This means that those with JKN coverage may find it only accepted in a few hospitals across the country.

Indonesia’s Public Hospitals

Indonesia’s public hospitals provide essential healthcare services and are funded by the government. These hospitals are managed by the Ministry of Health and cater to a wide range of medical needs, from emergency care to specialized treatments.

Services in public hospitals can be limited, and patients often experience long waiting times. Public hospitals are typically more affordable, but access to high-quality care can vary depending on the location.

RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo

Located in Jakarta, RSUP Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo is the largest and most prominent public hospital in Indonesia. It offers comprehensive medical services, including specialized treatments and surgeries. As a teaching hospital, it also plays a key role in medical education and research.

RSUD dr. Soetomo

This hospital, based in Surabaya, is one of Indonesia’s leading public healthcare facilities. It offers a wide range of medical services and is known for its well-equipped facilities. Like many public hospitals, it can be crowded, but it is recognized for its advanced medical procedures and expertise in critical care.

RSUP Sanglah

Located in Denpasar, Bali, RSUP Sanglah is a regional public hospital that provides various medical services, from emergency care to specialist treatments. It is the primary referral hospital for Bali and offers affordable services, though patients may experience long wait times due to high demand.

Indonesia’s Private Hospitals

Private hospitals in Indonesia are known for providing higher-quality care and more comfortable accommodations than their public counterparts. They tend to have shorter wait times, advanced medical technology, and attract experienced specialists.

Private hospitals are generally more expensive, but they are a popular choice for expats seeking premium healthcare services.

BIMC Hospital

Located in Bali, BIMC is a top private hospital catering to expats and international patients. The hospital offers modern healthcare services, including emergency care, specialized treatments, and elective procedures. It’s known for its high standards and international-level service.

Siloam Hospitals

With multiple locations across Indonesia, Siloam Hospitals is a well-established chain of private hospitals that provide world-class healthcare services.

They offer a wide range of specialties, from cancer care to orthopedics, and are equipped with advanced medical technology. Siloam is favored by both locals and expats for its efficient services.

Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah

This private hospital, located in Jakarta, offers high-quality healthcare with a range of services including cardiology, neurology, and pediatrics. Known for its luxurious facilities and personalized care, Rumah Sakit Pondok Indah is one of the leading private hospitals for expats in the capital.

Quality of Care in Indonesia

Expats visiting public health facilities will find that they are often overcrowded, understaffed, and underfunded. Even if an appointment is booked, it is unlikely that the medical professional will speak English, making medical consultations difficult to interpret and fully understand.

Not many public facilities have adequate cleanliness standards, and it is common for diagnostic equipment to be out of date. For this reason, many expats choose to purchase private health insurance.

Health Insurance Options in Indonesia for Expats

Public and private health insurance are the two options available to expats in Indonesia. Expats will apply through their employers in Indonesia for the public health insurance scheme.

Private health insurance in Indonesia can be secured through the three following types of plans: travel, local, and international. Which specific plan is best for you will depend on your circumstances.

Public Health Insurance for Expats in Indonesia

Expats in Indonesia must participate in the BPJS Kesehatan public health insurance system, which provides coverage for basic healthcare services, such as hospital stays and doctor visits. While affordable, the quality of care can vary, and wait times may be long, especially at public hospitals.

BPJS Kesehatan has two plan types: PBI for low-income individuals and PBPU for expats and other residents. Although it covers essential treatments, it does not include dental or cosmetic procedures, and private insurance is often recommended for more comprehensive coverage.

Expats are required to register for BPJS after obtaining a KITAS or KITAP. The monthly premiums are based on income, and while BPJS offers a solid healthcare foundation, supplementing with private health insurance can improve access to quality care.

Private Health Insurance for Expats in Indonesia

Expats can purchase private health insurance through local or international health insurance providers. Many expats choose international health insurance plans due to their global coverage, which can protect them in Indonesia and back home.

Pacific Prime offers a range of customizable international health insurance plans, providing comprehensive coverage for expats in Indonesia. These plans can include coverage for outpatient treatment, hospitalization, emergency services, and even repatriation.

Private health insurance ensures that expats can access quick, high-quality medical care without the delays commonly associated with public hospitals.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Public and Private Health Insurance in Indonesia

There are many advantages to private health insurance when compared to public health insurance in Indonesia, such as better coverage and higher annual limits. Public health insurance has the advantage of being available at a very low cost, but the disadvantage is its limited availability.

Public health insurance will only cover expats at public health facilities. Expats are better off receiving healthcare at one of the country's private healthcare facilities. Medical professionals at these healthcare institutions are more likely to speak English and the level of care is higher.

Still, some private facilities in Indonesia may be somewhat limited. Expats should add medical evacuation as a rider to their international health insurance plans since many more complicated surgeries are taken care of in neighboring countries like Singapore.

How Expats Can Access the Indonesian Healthcare System

Expats can access public healthcare facilities in Indonesia with a JKN card and have their costs lowered. To be eligible you must work for at least 6 months, after which you will receive a JKN/BPJS card.

This card should be taken with you every time you visit one of Indonesia’s 2,000 hospitals, clinics, or Puskesmas (state-owned community health clinics). Underneath hospitals, the Puskesmas are the most commonly used healthcare facility. In rural areas, Puskesmas are the main health providers.

Expats also have the choice to visit private hospitals, but without private health insurance, be prepared to pay completely out of pocket for your medical bills.

Doctor Visits

Expats in Indonesia often use group practice medical clinics for visits to general practitioners. These clinics have many additional services such as radiology centers, pharmacies, and more.

To find a doctor, expats can ask for referrals at hospitals or clinics for doctors in their area. They can also look online for doctors near them.

Best International Health Insurance Options for Expats in Indonesia

The top international health insurance providers will offer plans for expats in Indonesia with comprehensive coverage and customizable benefits, as well as medical evacuation.

Here is a list of the best international health insurance providers in Indonesia:

• Geoblue
• NOW Health
• IMG Global
• AXA
• Allianz
• April International
• Cigna
• Luma

GeoBlue

Geoblue offers an Xplorer health insurance plan that comes in essential or premier. These plans were created for expats traveling from the United States for business, leisure, or study trips. Expats can choose plans that include the United States in their coverage or not.

Both plans have several deductible options. Some shared features across all levels of plans are:

NOW Health

NOW Health International offers expats abroad comprehensive health insurance solutions, as well as providing plans for international students. They offer online claim processes through a mobile app and provide other prompt online support.

They have several different tiers of plans: WorldCare Advance, WorldCare Excel, and WorldCare Apex. These plans differ in annual limits and coverage options.

These are the key benefits shared across all three plans:

IMG Global

IMG provides international health insurance plans for expats while abroad. They offer comprehensive policies and superior services to their members like crisis support and preventative care.

Their global medical plans come in bronze, silver, gold, and platinum categories. Some of the shared features across their varied plans are:

AXA

AXA global health insurance is a great choice for expats in Indonesia with its range of differing coverage and customizable additional benefits. They offer short-term and long-term plans, with comprehensive coverage for any medical needs.

They offer five categories of coverage with their Foundation, Standard, Comprehensive, Prestige, and Prestige Plus plans. Some examples of shared coverage by all AXA insurance plans include:

Allianz

Allianz offers comprehensive insurance plans in Indonesia to cater to all expats’ needs. Riders are available to be purchased and attached to any basic policy that Allianz approves. These riders can offer coverage for accidents and medical evacuation.

Allianz offers a selection of plans with differing levels of coverage and prices. The basic coverage across all their plans includes:

April International

April International has over 30 years of experience in the international health insurance market. They provide both comprehensive and flexible plans to expats while in Indonesia. They provide varying levels of coverage, fully customizable policies, and a wide direct billing network.

They offer different levels of coverage in four plan options: core, essential, extensive, and elite.

Some of the shared coverage across their plans are:

Cigna

Cigna Global provides flexible insurance plans to expats in Indonesia with 24/7 access to a customer care team. Their plans are both customizable and comprehensive.

Cigna has Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans with different levels of coverage and limits. All three of these plans share several common key coverage benefits:

Luma Health

Luma Health offers expats in Indonesia comprehensive and flexible health insurance solutions. They offer Asia Care Premier, Asia Care Pro, and Asia Care Plus plans. These are designed specifically for expats in South-East Asia.

These plans differ in prices, limits, and coverage. They also share some key benefits in common, as detailed below:

Adding Medical Evacuation to Your International Health Insurance Plan

For complex medical procedures, it is important to consider evacuation to the nearest emergency facility in a neighboring country like Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand.

Discuss with an international health insurance broker, such as Pacific Prime, about medical evacuation plans to supplement international health insurance.

Facts to Consider when Picking Insurance in Indonesia

When choosing a health insurance plan, expats should take into consideration how long their time abroad will be, their lifestyle and needs, as well as if they want coverage back home.

The advantage of international coverage is the protection it offers expats wherever they go, so individuals who plan on traveling often will benefit greatly from global plans.

Likewise, professionals who travel frequently for work will want to choose a health insurance plan that fits their lifestyle and medical care needs.

Most insurance providers allow additional coverage options to extend expats’ benefits during their time in Indonesia. This could cover things like dental, optical, maternity, and more.

• Dental: Dental check-ups, cleanings, and major dental procedures can be covered by additional benefits.
• Maternity and family coverage: Expats looking to expand their family can customize international health insurance plans to cover prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum care. There are also additional benefits to cover the newborn.
• Preventive care: Some plans will offer regular health checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and wellness programs. These resources will help expats keep themselves healthy in their adventures abroad.

Expats with pre-existing conditions may have fewer options when buying international insurance in Indonesia, but there are still solutions available. You can choose a plan with a pre-existing condition exclusion, a moratorium, or coverage with loading.

Here is a general overview of what each term means:

• Exclusion: The insurer will not pay or reimburse the policyholder for medical bills related to the condition if they choose to buy a plan from them.
• Moratorium: The insurance company initially offers health insurance but excludes coverage for pre-existing conditions. The company then observes the pre-existing condition for a specific time known as the waiting period, which is usually 24 months. The insurance company then reviews its decision.
• Coverage with loading: Insurance companies may offer coverage for pre-existing conditions, but only with higher premiums. Not all pre-existing conditions are eligible for this kind of coverage, and not all companies offer this option.

Health and Safety Tips for Travelers in Indonesia

Indonesia is a popular destination for travelers, but it’s important to take certain health and safety precautions while there. Here are some key tips for staying healthy and safe:

1. Vaccinations: Ensure you are up to date on recommended vaccinations, including Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Japanese Encephalitis. Malaria is present in some regions, so consider anti-malarial medication if traveling to rural or remote areas.
2. Travel Insurance: Always have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, including evacuation in case of serious illness or injury. This is especially important in remote areas where healthcare facilities may be limited.
3. Water and Food Safety: Drink bottled or purified water and avoid consuming raw or undercooked food to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Street food can be delicious but may not always be prepared in sanitary conditions.
4. Insect Protection: Mosquitoes in Indonesia can transmit diseases like dengue fever and malaria. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves, and sleep under a mosquito net, especially in areas with standing water.
5. Road Safety: Traffic in Indonesia can be chaotic, particularly in major cities like Jakarta and Bali. Always wear a helmet if riding a motorbike, and be cautious when crossing the street as traffic rules are often not strictly followed.
6. Natural Disasters: Indonesia is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis. Familiarize yourself with emergency evacuation procedures and stay informed about local risks.

Retirees Seeking International Healthcare in Indonesia

Expats retiring in Indonesia should buy an international health insurance plan that offers comprehensive and flexible coverage for their unique needs. This may include coverage for cancer screenings, chronic conditions support, and preventative health benefits.

Reach out to Pacific Prime to hear all our international insurance plans for retirees in Indonesia. We can help secure a plan with excellent coverage for your needs, as well as provide access to all the best private facilities.

Private healthcare facilities are the most reliable in Indonesia, and expats should purchase a private health insurance policy to cover the cost of this care. While public health insurance programs exist, they are not accepted by most hospitals and have limited coverage.

Our insurance experts at Pacific Prime provide all the information you need to choose the right health insurance for your time in the area. As a broker, we are not tied to one specific insurer and we guarantee impartial, unbiased advice.

Feel free to use our plan comparison tool to compare health insurance plans from the top health insurance companies. Contact us today to let us help you begin your journey to Indonesia!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is healthcare high quality in Indonesia?

The public healthcare system in Indonesia is unreliable and generally of lower quality. Care in rural areas is very poor, with outdated equipment and long wait times. The private healthcare sector is of better quality, but many expats still choose to visit Singapore for more complex surgeries.

Do I need travel insurance for Indonesia?

Indonesia no longer requires travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage for visitors, but travel insurance is still of great value to expats and visitors. With accident and medical evacuation coverage, travel insurance protects you in case of any unexpected misfortunes.

Can I use my home country’s health insurance in Indonesia?

Many expats find that their home country’s health insurance doesn’t fully cover medical care in Indonesia. Expats are encouraged to get international health insurance plans to ensure comprehensive care while living in Indonesia.