Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Relocating to Indonesia as an expatriate represents an exciting adventure, but accessing healthcare can become a complex challenge. While the archipelago strives to improve its medical infrastructure, the quality and accessibility of care vary significantly from island to island, and it’s crucial for foreigners to thoroughly understand the existing system.
Whether navigating between modern urban hospitals and rural clinics, or maneuvering through the maze of international health insurance, being well-informed is essential to ensuring a smooth and secure experience.
In this article, we’ll explore the different options available for expatriates, highlighting essential resources for adapting to this evolving healthcare system.
Accessing Quality Healthcare in Indonesia
Access to quality healthcare in Indonesia for expatriates heavily depends on choosing between public and private facilities, as well as having international health insurance coverage. Here’s a structured summary of key points to know.
Major Reputable Private Hospitals and Clinics for Expatriates
Major Indonesian cities, particularly Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali, have networks of private hospitals recognized for their modern equipment, internationally trained specialists, and capacity to serve international patients.
| City | Facility | Notable Specialties | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jakarta | RS Premier Jatinegara | Multi-specialty, 24/7 emergency care | Best Hospital in Indonesia (2021-2023), international group |
| Jakarta | Siloam Hospitals (network) | Cardiology, neurology, oncology | Multiple locations, JCI accreditation |
| Jakarta | MRCCC Siloam Semanggi | Oncology | Regional reference for cancer treatment |
| Surabaya | Dr. Soetomo General Hospital | Emergency care, specialized treatments | Leading public academic hospital |
Good to Know:
Expatriates in Indonesia often prefer private hospitals like Siloam and Brawijaya in Jakarta, which are well-covered by international insurance, while translation apps can facilitate medical communication.
Calculating Your Healthcare Budget While Living Abroad
Healthcare Budget Calculation for Expatriates in Indonesia
| Type of Service | Public Hospital | Private Hospital | International Clinic |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Practitioner Consultation | 100,000–300,000 IDR | 500,000–1,500,000 IDR | 1,000,000–3,000,000 IDR |
| Specialist Consultation | 300,000–700,000 IDR | 1,500,000–4,000,000 IDR | 3,000,000–7,000,000 IDR |
| Daily Hospitalization | up to 3,000,000 IDR | 3,000,000–10,000,000 IDR | 10,000,000+ IDR (premium) |
Regional Differences
In Jakarta, prices are generally higher than in Bali or rural areas, especially in private hospitals and international clinics.
Public facilities remain more affordable, but quality and speed vary significantly by region.
Private vs Public Facilities
Private facilities offer superior quality, English-speaking staff, and modern infrastructure, but cost 3 to 10 times more than public facilities.
Public hospitals are more accessible but may have limited equipment and staff, especially outside major cities.
Health Insurance Options for Expatriates
- Public Insurance (BPJS):
- Open to expatriates
- Very low cost (less than 10 USD/month)
- Limited access to designated hospitals, variable quality, long wait times
- Covers basic care, not well-suited for expatriates seeking international standards
- Local Private Health Insurance:
- Offers better coverage in private facilities
- Variable rates based on age and chosen coverage
- Some limitations for highly specialized care or medical evacuation
- International Health Insurance:
- Comprehensive coverage, access to premium facilities
- Covers expensive treatments, medical evacuations, and treatments outside Indonesia
- Recommended annual budget for full coverage: 1,500 to 2,000 euros per year
Practical Tips for Managing Healthcare Budget
- Secure international insurance to handle emergencies and serious cases requiring evacuation
- Compare coverage levels and verify inclusion of hospital care, specialists, and evacuations
- Anticipate expenses by setting aside funds for uncovered treatments and upfront payments (often in cash)
- Research facility quality by region and maintain a personal pharmacy when traveling to rural areas
- Prioritize policies without high deductibles or pre-existing condition exclusions
Key Takeaway
Foresight is essential: inadequate or minimal coverage can lead to significant expenses during emergencies or serious illness. Choosing the right health insurance secures both your budget and peace of mind during your time abroad.
Good to Know:
In Indonesia, a general practitioner consultation averages 10 to 20 USD, but prices can rise for specialists or in private clinics, especially in Jakarta compared to Bali; opting for international health insurance can ease the budget burden from unexpected expenses, particularly during extended stays in private hospitals.
Top Private Clinics for Expatriates
Selection Criteria for Ranking Private Clinics in Indonesia
- Quality of Medical Services: international certifications (JCI, local accreditations), adherence to safety protocols, diversity of medical specialties.
- Reputation and Experience of Medical Staff: education level, international experience, presence of specialists.
- Modernity and Diversity of Equipment: advanced medical technologies, recent infrastructure, specialized units (ICU, imaging, surgery).
- Feedback and Satisfaction from Expatriate Patients: verified reviews, testimonials about care, staff adaptability to cultural and linguistic needs.
- Languages Spoken and Expatriate Welcome: presence of multilingual staff, interpretation services.
- International Insurance Options: acceptance of major expatriate insurance policies, streamlined reimbursement management.
Comparison Table of Main Private Clinics Recommended for Expatriates in Indonesia
| Clinic/Hospital Name | Location | Medical Specialties | Languages Spoken | International Insurance | Key Strengths for Expatriates |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIMC Hospital Nusa Dua | Bali (Nusa Dua) | Emergency care, surgery, general medicine | English, Indonesian | Yes (majority accepted) | Multilingual staff, 24/7 emergency service, medical evacuations, highly recommended by expatriates for attentive care and quick response |
| Siloam Hospitals Bali | Bali (Kuta) | Cardiology, pediatrics, surgery | English, Indonesian | Yes | Recognized hospital group, modern equipment, diverse specialties, solid reputation |
| Bali Royal Hospital | Bali (Denpasar) | General medicine, emergency care, surgery | English, Indonesian | Yes | Intensive care unit, advanced technologies, comfortable environment, appreciated for quality care |
| SOS Medika Klinik Bali | Bali (Kuta) | General medicine, medical evacuation | English, other languages | Yes | Specialized in expatriates/travelers, organizes evacuations, multilingual consultations |
| Kasih Ibu Hospital | Bali (Denpasar) | Emergency care, maternity, pediatrics | English, Indonesian | Yes | 24/7 emergency service, attentive staff, reputation for family care |
| RS Pondok Indah | Jakarta (Pondok Indah) | General medicine, surgery, maternity | English, Indonesian | Yes | JCI accredited, multiple locations, personalized care, valued by expatriates for speed and clear explanations |
| Siloam Hospitals Semanggi | Jakarta (Semanggi) | Oncology, surgery, cardiology | English, Indonesian | Yes | Specialized in oncology, state-of-the-art equipment, welcomes international patients |
| RS Premier Jatinegara | Jakarta | Wide range of specialties | English, Indonesian | Yes | “Best Hospital of the Year” winner multiple years, prioritizes safety and infection control |
Expatriate Testimonials
- “I received emergency care at BIMC Hospital, the staff spoke English and the treatment was immediate. Everything was handled with my international insurance, which greatly simplified the process.”
- “At SOS Medika, the medical team knew how to reassure me and clearly explain the proposed treatments, which is invaluable when you don’t speak Indonesian.”
- “At RS Pondok Indah, consultations are quick, and the hospital helped me get the necessary documents for insurance reimbursement.”
Addressing Specific Expatriate Needs
- Multilingual Staff: Most recommended clinics have doctors and nurses who speak English, and sometimes other languages, for clear communication.
- Accepted International Insurance: Major private clinics collaborate with leading global insurers, allowing expatriates to receive care without upfront payments.
- Administrative Support: Assistance with insurance documentation and administrative procedures.
- Adapted Services: Teleconsultation options, medical evacuations, 24/7 emergency care, personalized advice based on expatriate cultural context.
- Family Considerations: Pediatric and obstetric care, psychological support to facilitate integration and health security for expatriate families.
Key Takeaway
The best Indonesian private clinics combine international medical quality, multilingual welcome, and optimized care for expatriates, ensuring safety and peace of mind during extended stays in Indonesia.
Good to Know:
The best clinics for expatriates in Indonesia, such as International SOS in Jakarta and BIMC in Bali, stand out for their modern equipment, multilingual staff, and partnerships with international insurers, offering services tailored to expatriates’ specific needs, as evidenced by numerous satisfied users.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
