Billy Bagus
Jul 31, 2025
Expats living in Bali can now access Indonesia’s public healthcare system, BPJS Kesehatan, which offers a range of free or subsidized medical services that were previously thought to be limited to Indonesian nationals. The national health insurance system under Indonesia’s Social Security Administration is designed to provide affordable and universal healthcare. While it remains unavailable to short-term tourists or travelers, it is open to foreigners who meet specific residency and employment criteria.
This development marks a significant step forward in healthcare inclusivity for long-term foreign residents in Bali.
Eligibility Requirements for Expats
To be eligible, expats must have lived in Indonesia for at least six consecutive months, possess a valid temporary or permanent residence permit (KITAS or KITAP), and be employed or investing through a registered business entity. These conditions ensure that the program supports residents contributing to the local economy.
Currently, hundreds of eligible expats residing in areas such as Buleleng have already enrolled in BPJS Kesehatan. Many of them are involved in Bali’s thriving tourism and accommodation sectors. The program allows participants to choose from various healthcare classes, with Class 1 and Class 2 being the most popular among foreign nationals due to their comprehensive services and affordable monthly premiums.
Not Just for Bali: A Nationwide Program
This initiative is not limited to Bali alone. The same BPJS access is available to qualified expats throughout Indonesia, provided they meet the residency and employment requirements. Whether in Jakarta, Surabaya, or Yogyakarta, eligible foreign nationals can benefit from Indonesia’s national health insurance program under the same guidelines.
World-Class Healthcare for Tourists in Bali
For tourists and non-residents who do not meet these criteria, Bali still offers access to cutting-edge medical care through the newly opened Bali International Hospital in Sanur. Located within the Sanur Special Economic Zone for Health and Wellness, the facility is part of a broader initiative to transform the island into a leading destination for medical tourism.
The Sanur SEZ, developed over five years, merges modern healthcare with Bali’s wellness heritage. Patients can access treatments in cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, stem cell therapy, fertility care, and more, all within a tranquil setting that includes yoga gardens and sacred wellness rituals.
A Vision for Indonesia’s Healthcare Future
This new era of healthcare in Bali reflects Indonesia’s ambition to become a regional medical hub, reducing the need for outbound medical travel to cities like Bangkok, Singapore, or Kuala Lumpur. The Bali International Hospital is supported by luxury accommodations at The Sanur, a five-star dual-hotel resort complex, allowing patients and their companions to recover or prepare for treatment in comfort and privacy.
President Prabowo Subianto has praised the development as a landmark achievement for the nation, highlighting its alignment with Indonesia’s vision to offer world-class healthcare services.
In summary, BPJS Kesehatan is available to expats across Indonesia, including Bali, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements. This opens up affordable, quality public healthcare to a growing community of foreign residents who are making long-term investments in the country. Meanwhile, for tourists and short-term visitors, Bali’s private medical sector now offers world-class treatment options that blend clinical excellence with the island’s unique spirit of healing.
