Do you need travel insurance for Bali?
While travel insurance isn’t mandatory for Bali, the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website strongly recommends it. It specifically highlights the importance of ensuring your policy covers overseas medical expenses, including emergency treatment and evacuation, as the government will not cover these costs.
Whether you’re visiting Bali for a surfing trip, exploring its rich history or simply unwinding by the pool, there are many risks to consider. Being transported home for medical treatment, known as repatriation, can exceed $60,000, according to insurer Fast Cover.
But travel insurance for Bali isn’t just about health risks. It also provides coverage for your belongings, cancellations, and optional protection for risky activities specific to Bali, such as hiking, snorkelling, and riding scooters or jet skis.
How to choose the best travel insurance for Bali
Here are some tips on choosing the best travel insurance policy for Bali:
1
Check the exclusions, limits and sub-limits
Most Bali travel insurance policies come with general exclusions, limits, and sub-limits based on your level of coverage. These details are outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), where you’ll typically find any limits and sub-limits listed along with their dollar values. Additionally, the PDS will usually include a section on general exclusions.
2
Align your coverage with your itinerary
Choose coverage that matches your planned activities. If your trip includes a variety of experiences, consider a higher level of coverage. Comprehensive travel insurance offers broader protection than standard policies, covering things like medical emergencies, hospital expenses, interruptions, and higher claim limits.
3
Consider optional coverage for high-risk activities
Bali is known for adventure, and activities like scuba diving, jet skiing, hiking, or moped riding often require additional coverage. Most insurers won’t cover these high-risk activities under their policies, so you’ll need optional cover. Be sure to check your policy's PDS to ensure you’re fully protected.
4
Choose a suitable excess and other additional coverage
Travel insurance excess is the amount you pay when making a claim. You can usually reduce it for an extra fee, lowering your out-of-pocket costs. You can also add extras like rental car excess insurance or coverage for high-value items, such as jewellery.
Insurers generally won’t cover pre-existing conditions, such as illness, disease, or physical injuries. However, they may agree to cover specific pre-existing conditions listed on your certificate of insurance, with strict terms and conditions attached. It’s best to disclose any pre-existing conditions to your insurer when getting a quote to ensure you’re fully covered.
How much does Bali travel insurance cost?
For a two-week trip to Bali, a couples travel insurance policy typically costs between $110 and $300, according to our analysis. The exact price will vary based on factors such as the trip duration, number of travellers, your age, the level of coverage you choose, whether you need annual coverage, and any additional coverage you may require.
Some credit cards offer complimentary travel insurance as a perk. This coverage is usually standard, meaning you can’t adjust the limits or inclusions, but it’s worth checking if you have it and whether it suits your Bali trip. Keep in mind, you generally need to book your trip using the card for the coverage to apply.
Comprehensive vs basic Bali travel insurance: Cost comparison
The table below compares the cost of international travel insurance for a trip to Bali, Indonesia from a selection of leading providers in Australia. While we have done our best to compare the same levels of cover, some price variations may reflect varying levels of cover.
Insurer | 1Cover |
|---|---|
Comprehensive international | $262.94 |
Basic international | $189.44 |
Insurer | Allianz |
Comprehensive international | $298.06 |
Basic international | $179.02 |
Insurer | Budget Direct |
Comprehensive international | $253.02 |
Basic international | $217.80 (Essential) $149.96 (Basic) |
Insurer | FastCover |
Comprehensive international | $268.99 |
Basic international | $232.99 (Standard Saver) $107.99 (Basics) |
Insurer | World2Cover |
Comprehensive international | $262.56 |
Basic international | $183.79 (Essentials Cover) $129.68 (Basics Cover) |
| Insurer | Comprehensive international | Basic international |
|---|---|---|
1Cover | $262.94 | $189.44 |
Allianz | $298.06 | $179.02 |
Budget Direct | $253.02 | $217.80 (Essential) $149.96 (Basic) |
FastCover | $268.99 | $232.99 (Standard Saver) $107.99 (Basics) |
World2Cover | $262.56 | $183.79 (Essentials Cover) $129.68 (Basics Cover) |
What does comprehensive Bali travel insurance cover?
Emergency medical and hospital expenses
Covers the cost of medical treatment, hospitalisation and emergency services if you become ill or injured in Bali. This may include doctor’s fees, surgery, ambulance costs and emergency evacuation if necessary. Some insurers offer unlimited cover for claims, while others may provide coverage up to a certain amount, like $40 million.
Amendment or cancellation costs
These expenses apply if you need to change or cancel your trip due to unforeseen events, such as illness or emergencies. This can include non-refundable flights, accommodation, and other pre-paid travel services, with claims typically capped at a certain amount (e.g. up to $10,000) depending on your policy.
Luggage and personal effects
Covers the loss or damage of your personal belongings while travelling, including items like clothing, electronics, and some medical devices. There’s usually a claim limit (e.g. $15,000), with sub-limits for specific items such as phones, smartwatches, cameras, laptops, drones, and hearing aids.
Personal liability
Protects you if you're held legally responsible for injury, death, or damage to someone else or their property. This coverage helps with legal costs or compensation claims, with limits (e.g. up to $2.5 million) applying. For full details, refer to the terms and conditions in the PDS or your certificate of insurance.
Overseas dental expenses
Covers the cost of emergency dental treatment, with claims typically up to a set amount (e.g., $2,000), depending on your policy. Be sure to disclose any pre-existing dental conditions to your insurer to ensure you have coverage.
Travel delay and missed connections
These are claims related to travel delays and missed connections where you have pre-booked and paid. There may also be a delayed luggage allowance to help cover essential items while you wait for your belongings. Each of these claims will have set limits.
Rental vehicle excess
Covers the amount you’d have to pay if your rental car is damaged or stolen. It typically applies to the excess amount specified in the rental car agreement, and your travel insurance can lower or cover this cost, depending on your policy.
Which Bali activities might require extra coverage?
While Bali travel insurance covers many general inclusions, some activities and events may require you to purchase additional coverage.
Adventure activities
Activities like scuba diving, hiking or zip lining aren’t usually covered under standard travel insurance policies. To be protected, you’ll need to add specific coverage for these activities, often referred to as an "adventure pack" or similar. Be sure to check your policy for any limits, sub-limits, exclusions, or terms related to the adventure activities you plan to do.
Motorcycles and scooters
Most travel insurance policies don’t cover motorcycles or mopeds by default, but you can usually add this coverage for an extra cost. Even with the added cover, insurers often have specific requirements, such as the vehicle being under a certain engine size (e.g. 200-250cc) and having a valid Australian motorcycle or car licence. You’ll also need to wear a helmet, follow local safety rules, and avoid using the vehicle for work, motocross, or racing.
Cruises
Cruise cover for Bali provides protection for issues specific to cruising, such as trip cancellations, missed ports of call, or onboard medical emergencies. It may also cover lost luggage, cruise interruption, or travel delays due to unforeseen circumstances. Be sure to check if your policy includes cruise-specific coverage or if you need to add it separately.
High-value items
You can take out extra cover for specified high-value items like designer clothing or bags, musical instruments, electronics and more. This ensures each expensive item is covered up to a certain amount according to your policy in case of loss, theft or damage.
Most insurers won’t cover personal liability or permanent disability for claims arising from activities like motorcycle or moped riding, even if you have purchased additional coverage.
What’s not covered by comprehensive travel insurance in Bali?
Pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing medical conditions generally won’t be covered unless they’re disclosed to the insurer and they offer coverage. Pre-existing conditions often need to be accepted by insurers in writing and you’ll need to pay an additional premium.
War and civil unrest
Claims arising from war, invasion, acts of foreign enemies, hostilities (whether war is declared or not), civil war, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, or military or usurped power.
Unlawful acts
Claims arising from unlawful acts, such as engaging in illegal activities or violating local laws. Some examples include being involved in illegal drug use or trafficking, participating in street racing or unlicensed gambling, committing theft, fraud or assault, and not following local laws, such as riding a motorbike without a valid licence.
Drug and chronic alcohol use
If an incident or injury occurs as a result of being intoxicated or using illicit substances, insurers may deny your claim. It’s important to review the policy’s exclusions to understand the specific terms and conditions.
Pregnancy restrictions
Coverage is usually provided only for serious, unexpected pregnancy complications up to a certain point (e.g., 24 weeks). You’ll likely need to inform your insurer if you’re pregnant, and disclose any complications from your current or previous pregnancy, or if the conception was medically assisted (e.g. IVF). Coverage varies depending on the insurer and the level of cover you choose.
Safety precautions to consider in Bali
Drink spiking & methanol poisoning
Drink-spiking is a known risk in social settings, particularly in Bali. Always keep an eye on your drinks and avoid accepting beverages from strangers. Methanol poisoning is also often found in illegally-made alcohol and can be extremely toxic, even in small doses.
Medication
Not all medications that are available over the counter or by prescription in Australia can be found in Bali. In some cases, they may be classified as illegal or controlled substances, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. For example, certain drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are illegal in Indonesia.
Bali belly
“Bali belly” is a common term for food or waterborne illnesses that many Aussies experience in Bali, leading to symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhoea and vomiting. It’s caused by exposure to unfamiliar bacteria or viruses, often from eating or drinking contaminated food or water. Travel insurance may cover medical treatment and unexpected trip disruptions if you need to seek care or cut your trip short due to illness.
Animals
In Bali, animals such as stray dogs, monkeys, and other wildlife can pose health risks, including bites or diseases like rabies. It’s important to avoid direct contact with animals and seek medical attention immediately if bitten or scratched. Travel insurance may help cover medical costs if you’re injured by an animal, including treatments like vaccinations or hospital care, ensuring you’re protected in case of such incidents.
Theft
Theft can be a concern for travellers in Bali, particularly in busy tourist areas or when using public transportation. Pickpocketing, bag snatching or losing valuables in crowded places can happen, so it’s important to stay vigilant and secure your belongings. Travel insurance can help cover the loss or theft of items like passports, electronics, and money, giving you peace of mind while you explore the island.
Natural disasters
Bali is located in a region prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and flooding, particularly due to its proximity to the Pacific Ring of Fire. While these events are unpredictable, it’s important to be aware of emergency procedures and local alerts when travelling. Travel insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellations, medical expenses, or evacuation costs if you’re affected by a natural disaster during your visit.
