Healthcare in Indonesia

Indonesia’s public healthcare system, known as BPJS Kesehatan, is a government-run programme that provides universal health coverage to citizens and eligible residents. Funded through monthly contributions, it offers access to a network of public hospitals, community health centres (puskesmas), and some participating private facilities. Services covered include general consultations, hospitalisation, maternity care, surgeries, and certain medications.

While BPJS is affordable and provides essential medical services, the quality and availability of care can vary widely between regions. In larger cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bali’s Denpasar, public hospitals are better equipped and staffed, though still often crowded. In rural or remote areas, facilities may have limited resources, outdated equipment, and fewer specialists.

Care in the public system generally involves longer waiting times and less personal attention compared to private healthcare. Most consultations are conducted in Bahasa Indonesia, which may pose a language barrier for new expats without translation support.

Foreigners can join BPJS Kesehatan if they hold a valid work or residency permit. However, many expats choose to combine BPJS membership with private international health insurance, ensuring access to higher-quality private facilities when needed. Understanding how to register and navigate the system can make public healthcare a useful and cost-effective safety net in Indonesia.

Private healthcare in Indonesia is a popular choice among expats seeking higher standards of care, shorter waiting times, and more personalised services than those typically available in the public system. Major cities such as Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, and Bandung have numerous private hospitals and clinics equipped with modern technology and staffed by internationally trained doctors and specialists.

Private facilities offer a wide range of services, including general consultations, specialist appointments, elective surgeries, dental care, and maternity services. Many private hospitals have English-speaking staff, which can help overcome language barriers common in public healthcare. Facilities tend to be cleaner and more comfortable, often with private rooms and additional amenities.

While private healthcare costs in Indonesia are generally lower than in Western countries, they can still be expensive compared to public services. For this reason, many expats choose to purchase private health insurance, which covers treatments at private hospitals and clinics and reduces out-of-pocket expenses.

Private healthcare is often preferred by expats for routine and specialist care, while the public system serves as a safety net for emergencies or when insurance coverage is limited. Understanding local options and insurance plans helps expats access timely and quality medical care in Indonesia.

Health insurance is essential for expats living in Indonesia to ensure access to quality medical care, especially given the variable standards in the public healthcare system. While the government-run BPJS Kesehatan provides affordable coverage for residents with work or residency permits, many expats choose to supplement this with private health insurance for faster service and broader provider options.

Private health insurance plans offer coverage for consultations, hospital stays, surgeries, dental care, and emergency evacuation. Many plans include access to private hospitals in major cities like Jakarta and Bali, where facilities are modern and English-speaking staff are available. These plans help reduce out-of-pocket expenses and provide peace of mind in case of serious illness or accidents.

Premiums vary depending on the level of coverage, age, and pre-existing conditions, but private insurance is generally more affordable than in many Western countries. It’s important for expats to compare plans carefully, considering factors such as coverage limits, waiting periods, and network hospitals.

Ultimately, combining BPJS membership with a comprehensive private insurance plan is often the best approach for eligible expats seeking reliable and timely healthcare in Indonesia. Expats who don’t qualify for BPJS must ensure they’re protected with a private health insurance policy.

English-speaking staff are more common in private hospitals in large cities. Public hospitals primarily use Bahasa Indonesia, which can make communication challenging for expats without local language skills.

Notable private hospitals include Siloam Hospitals and Mayapada Hospital in Jakarta, BIMC Hospital in Bali, and Siloam Hospitals in Surabaya. These facilities offer advanced care, English-speaking staff, and international standards preferred by expats.

Hospitals provide emergency care, general medicine, surgery, maternity, paediatrics, diagnostics, and specialist treatments. Many private hospitals also offer dental care, rehabilitation, and outpatient services.

Admission usually begins with registration at the hospital’s reception or emergency department. Patients provide ID, insurance details, and medical history. Public hospitals may require referral from primary care. After initial assessment, patients are assigned a room or treatment area. Private hospitals often have quicker admissions and personalised service. Payment or insurance authorisation is typically handled before or during admission.

Public hospital services are subsidised and affordable but may involve long waits. Private hospitals charge higher fees but offer faster, higher-quality care. Private insurance can help cover costs and reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

Private hospitals generally feature modern equipment, clean wards, private rooms, and better amenities. Public hospitals provide basic care with simpler facilities and can be crowded.

Most private hospitals accept local BPJS insurance and various private health plans. Some also accept international insurance, though coverage may vary, so verifying before treatment is important.

Expats should ensure routine vaccinations such as MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio are up to date before arriving in Indonesia. Recommended additional vaccines include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies for those in rural areas or with animal contact. Japanese encephalitis is advised for extended stays in high-risk zones. Yellow fever vaccination is required only for travellers arriving from countries where it is present. Influenza vaccination is also recommended annually. Consulting a travel health specialist prior to arrival ensures tailored advice based on lifestyle, location, and planned activities. Carrying an updated vaccination record is useful for medical visits in Indonesia.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, and Zika are common, especially in rural and tropical regions. Using insect repellent and mosquito nets helps reduce risk. Food- and water-borne illnesses, including typhoid and hepatitis A, occur due to poor sanitation in some areas, so safe food and water practices are essential. Air pollution can be a problem in major cities and during forest fire seasons. Road traffic accidents are another health risk, particularly in urban areas with heavy congestion. Expats should also be cautious of rabies, particularly from stray animals, and seek prompt treatment after any suspected exposure.