Healthcare in Indonesia varies widely in quality, and most expats choose private facilities over public ones throughout their stay.
Foreign workers staying in Indonesia for more than six months are required by law to enrol in the national health insurance scheme, BPJS Kesehatan. Coverage can be limited, though, and most expats supplement it with private medical insurance. For those on a retirement visa, comprehensive health insurance valid in Indonesia is a legal requirement.
Public healthcare in Indonesia
Public healthcare in Indonesia is limited, with the best facilities found in and around Jakarta. The standard of local medical care can be poor, and public hospitals, especially those in the capital, tend to be overcrowded, with long waiting times.
While expats can be treated at local public hospitals, doctors and staff will most likely be Indonesian, and there is no guarantee they will speak English, so communication may be an issue. Expats enrolled in BPJS can access public healthcare through the scheme’s referral system, although those without coverage will be expected to pay in cash upfront.
For these reasons, expats in Indonesia tend to opt for private healthcare, which is relatively expensive but offers far better facilities and coverage.
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Private healthcare in Indonesia
Private healthcare in Indonesia is expensive but offers a far higher standard of care than the public system. Facilities usually boast superior amenities, and expats are far more likely to encounter English-speaking staff.
Many expats travel to Singapore, Thailand, or Australia for serious or planned procedures where specialist care is needed.
Health insurance in Indonesia
Employers typically provide health insurance in Indonesia as part of an expat’s relocation package. Before setting off for Indonesia, expats should check their contracts to see whether the health insurance policy is adequate for their needs and those of family members.
Freelancers, digital nomads, and those whose employers do not provide cover will need to arrange their own international health insurance before arriving.
As most expats and wealthy Indonesians often go to Singapore to access better medical care for more serious conditions, expats should ensure the company’s health insurance policy covers international medical evacuation as well as treatment in Singapore or Australia.
Pharmacies and medication in Indonesia
Pharmacies in Indonesia are known as apotek and are recognisable by the green cross sign outside. They can easily be found in the large shopping malls scattered throughout all major cities. Pharmacies can also be found in most hospitals and medical clinics, although expats will need a prescription from a doctor at that particular practice, as they don’t tend to fill prescriptions from elsewhere.
Pharmacies in Indonesia sell a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications and usually have an on-site pharmacist to assist customers with any drug-related questions. Many medications that require a prescription in Western countries (including some antibiotics) are sold over the counter, although enforcement of prescription regulations has been tightening. Again, expats should be aware that, generally, Indonesian pharmacists know little English, so communication may not be easy.
Health hazards in Indonesia
Malaria is among the health hazards in Indonesia tied to its tropical climate, although it is not typically a problem in major urban hubs like Jakarta and Bali. Those in rural parts of Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, or Papua should consult a travel health specialist about anti-malarial medication. Papua carries the highest risk by far, accounting for over 90 percent of Indonesia’s malaria cases.
Dengue fever is a year-round risk across the archipelago, including in major cities. Spread by mosquitoes that bite during the day, it is one of the most common health threats facing expats in Indonesia. There is no specific treatment, so prevention through insect repellent, long clothing, and mosquito nets is the best defence.
The air quality in Indonesia’s main cities, especially Jakarta, is poor. Children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions such as asthma are most at risk, so it is worth keeping the necessary medication and inhalers on hand.
Vaccinations in Indonesia
Vaccinations for Indonesia are well worth sorting out before departure, as the country’s tropical climate can expose newcomers to a range of infectious diseases. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
Common vaccinations recommended include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, polio, and routine immunisations such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP). Expats should consult a healthcare provider to tailor their vaccination recommendations based on their individual needs.
Some vaccinations require a series of doses spread over several weeks, so early planning pays off. Prospective travellers should also be informed of the health risks in the areas they plan to visit and take necessary precautions. For instance, although malaria is not prevalent in major cities such as Jakarta and Bali, it is still present in rural areas.
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Emergency medical services in Indonesia
To contact emergency medical services in Indonesia, dial 118 and 119 for the dedicated ambulance and medical emergency lines. The general emergency number is 112. The country’s emergency services are still developing, and it does not yet have a unified national ambulance network.
Public hospitals have ambulances, but staffing and equipment are not of a high standard. Expats should identify private ambulance services available in their area. Due to traffic and limited ambulance coverage, it can be faster to make your own way to a hospital by taxi or private car.
For life-threatening emergencies, medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia may be necessary. Expats should confirm that their health insurance covers international air ambulance services, as the cost without cover can be prohibitive. Most international health insurers will provide policyholders with a list of nearby hospitals and a 24-hour assistance hotline. Save these numbers on your phone before you need them.