Indonesia Health Insurance and Costs Explained

Indonesia’s tropical charm is irresistible. Nonetheless, behind the island-hopping adventures and sun-soaked days lies one of the most important practicalities of living here: understanding how healthcare works and what it really costs. After all, it is essential to ensure you can access quality care without unexpected financial stress.

You might be an expat setting up a new life. Perhaps you’re a local balancing modern healthcare options. Knowing the system can help you stay healthy — and avoid unpleasant surprises when you need care the most. Being informed helps both expats and locals plan ahead, choose the right insurance, and navigate the system with confidence.

Thus, before you arrive, it’s essential to confirm that your employer provides adequate medical insurance for you and your loved ones. The plan should cover everyday medical needs, unexpected emergencies, and serious incidents — out and about in Indonesia, travelling for work, or on home leave. Don’t wait until you land to sort this out!

Healthcare quality can differ widely across the country, particularly in remote areas. In severe cases, a medical evacuation — sometimes to a larger city or even a neighbouring country — may be necessary. Ensuring your insurance plan includes emergency evacuation can be lifesaving and provide confidence that even in critical situations, proper care is within reach.

Confused? Don’t be! Read along to understand Indonesia’s health insurance and costs.

Indonesia adheres to a dual healthcare system

Indonesia’s healthcare quality is improving rapidly, particularly in major cities like Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya. Many doctors are trained abroad, and private hospitals use modern facilities and international protocols. However, access in rural areas can still be limited, making medical evacuation coverage an important consideration, especially for expats living outside major cities.

The country’s healthcare landscape is divided between public facilities and private hospitals or clinics.

The public system operates under BPJS Kesehatan (Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial), a national health insurance program that covers citizens and foreign residents who work in the country. It’s affordable and accessible, but service quality can vary widely between big cities and rural areas.

Read also: BPJS Kesehatan for Foreigners Residing in Indonesia

Private hospitals, on the other hand, propose a higher standard of care, often with English-speaking staff, shorter wait times, and international medical standards. These are the facilities most expats and middle- to upper-income Indonesians prefer, especially for specialist care or emergencies.

Many multinational companies in Indonesia enrol employees in group practice clinics, which regularly provide high-quality outpatient care for a yearly membership fee or per visit. These clinics sometimes include emergency medical evacuation, but coverage for hospitalisation or major treatments can be limited. To avoid unexpected bills, additional hospitalisation or comprehensive insurance may be needed.

What does healthcare cost in Indonesia?

Overall, healthcare in Indonesia is affordable by global standards, but significant or emergency care can still be costly. Comprehensive medical insurance and evacuation services come at a price, so it’s important to explore your options carefully. Seek advice from unbiased sources, such as independent agencies or brokers, to find a plan that meets both your needs and budget. Be aware that representatives from insurance companies may highlight their products without providing a full comparison, so thorough research is essential.

Healthcare prices depend on the type of facility and location:

1. Local clinics: A consultation might cost between Rp 100,000–300,000 (around US$6–18).
2. Private hospitals: Expect to pay Rp 400,000–800,000 (roughly US$25–50) for a general practitioner visit.
3. Hospital stays: Public wards can cost as little as Rp 200,000 (under US$15) per night, while private rooms in major cities range from Rp 1–3 million (about US$60–180) nightly.

Specialist care and surgery: Prices are lower than in many Western countries but can still reach several thousand US dollars at international-standard facilities.

Why health insurance matters

Even if day-to-day care seems inexpensive, major medical procedures, accidents, or emergency evacuations can quickly become expensive. Having reliable health insurance is therefore beyond a formality — it’s a crucial part of protecting yourself, your family, and even your colleagues. Companies operating in the country recognise the importance of comprehensive medical coverage, not only for expatriate staff but also for local Indonesian employees, safeguarding everyone against sickness, accidents, and emergencies. There are three main options:

1. BPJS Kesehatan (National Health Insurance): Covers basic and emergency care, primarily in public hospitals.
2. Local Private Insurance: Offers coverage at selected private hospitals, regularly with direct billing options.
3. International Health Insurance: Provides global coverage, ideal for expats or frequent travellers, commonly including medical evacuation.

Each option has its advantages, but it’s vital to understand the restrictions, exclusions, and levels of coverage before making a decision. Look carefully to see if routine care, major medical situations like surgeries or childbirth, and emergency evacuations are included.

5 health insurance providers for expats

As an expat living in Indonesia, these international providers are among the most trusted for comprehensive coverage and flexible options, specialising in expat-friendly insurance, meaning they’re designed for people living outside their home country who may need care across borders.

- Allianz Care delivers international plans that include inpatient, outpatient, maternity, and global coverage, with direct access to Indonesia’s top hospitals.
- AXA Global Healthcare is known worldwide, offering flexible global plans that ensure smooth hospital access and evacuation coverage.
- Cigna Global is popular for customisable plans that allow you to choose your coverage region and add benefits like dental and evacuation.
- Be Protected Indonesia is a locally based insurer catering to expats with both domestic and international plans, providing a blend of affordability and access
- William Russell is a UK-based provider offering Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers for expats, with evacuation and outpatient options.

5 health insurance providers for both expats and Indonesians

Do note that minor outpatient visits may not always be included, helping keep premiums manageable. Deductibles are commonly applied per illness, covering multiple visits related to the same condition. It’s also notable to confirm that your plan addresses serious outpatient treatments, such as ongoing specialist care, which some local clinic schemes may not cover.

These options below bridge the gap between affordability and accessibility, giving both locals and expats the freedom to choose where and how they receive care:

- Allianz Indonesia is a trusted insurer for both locals and expats, extending a range of health and life insurance products with international medical support.
- AXA Indonesia provides tailored health plans for individuals and families, with options for both local hospital access and international coverage.
- Cigna Indonesia offers both local and international coverage, ideal for Indonesians who travel frequently and expats who need flexible, tiered plans.
- Prudential Indonesia is one of the country’s best-known insurers, featuring comprehensive private healthcare coverage and wellness programs for Indonesians and foreigners alike.
- Sun Life Indonesia is popular for its array of health and life plans. Local coverage is extensive, and expats can check for plans with overseas treatment benefits.

Essential tips to keep healthcare costs under control

1. Compare hospitals before treatment. Private hospitals offer better amenities, but costs vary widely.
2. Get insurance early. Waiting until you’re unwell can limit coverage and raise premiums.
3. Check for cashless access. Many insurers now allow direct billing with hospitals to avoid paying up front.
4. Maintain preventive care. Regular checkups and vaccinations save money — and stress — long term.
5. Keep emergency numbers handy. In Indonesia, local knowledge can make a big difference in medical situations.