Health & Medical

Medical customs, procedures and patient expectations in Indonesia differ from what newcomers often assume, so prepare rather than expect things to work as at home. English-speaking, internationally accredited private hospitals are now well-established in the main cities: Siloam, Mayapada and Pondok Indah in Jakarta, BIMC in Bali, and the new Bali International Hospital in Sanur.

Foreign residents on a KITAS or KITAP who work here for six months or more must enrol in BPJS Kesehatan, the national health insurance; membership is checked at KITAS renewal. Retirees and spouses may join as self-paying (mandiri) members. BPJS is referral-based and covers neither overseas treatment nor evacuation, so most foreign residents also hold private international insurance; serious cases are still often flown to Singapore.

Bring an adequate supply of any prescription medicine, your medical records, and a doctor's letter naming each drug, its generic name and dosage. Up to a 90-day personal supply of ordinary prescription drugs is allowed; psychotropics are limited to about 30 days and must be declared, and narcotics need authorisation arranged before travel. Medicines sold here must be BPOM-registered, and pharmacy chains are well-stocked for common needs.

Before any emergency, find the nearest good hospital, note its hours, and register with a doctor or clinic you trust.

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