Do you need insurance for Bali?
| Question | Sources say (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Compulsory on entry? | Not as far as we know: check the official Indonesian immigration site |
| One night in a private hospital | About $1,000 to $2,500 (one guide's estimate) |
| Fracture surgery after a scooter fall | About $8,000 to $15,000 (same guide) |
| Medical evacuation | $50,000 to $100,000 or more; one 2024 case around $232,000; over $60,000 per Australian authorities |
| Road accidents | Over 7,000 accidents and 632 deaths in twelve months, 86% involving motorbikes, per one guide |
Scooters, Bali belly and surfing
Private hospitals such as BIMC or Siloam give good care but often work on payment or a guarantee up front, hence the value of direct billing. For scooters you need your home licence with the motorbike category plus an international permit: see renting a scooter in Bali. Traveller's diarrhoea ("Bali belly") is common but rarely serious: a consultation and medicine cost little, unless dehydration leads to a hospital stay. For surfing and diving, check the list of covered sports: see diving in Bali.
Comparison: your options
| Option | What it gives | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) | Nothing in Bali: valid only in the EU and EEA | No repatriation |
| Premium bank card | Assistance and medical costs, sometimes | Trip paid with the card, limits, scooters often excluded |
| Home health insurer | Partial reimbursement abroad | You advance costs; often no repatriation |
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Care, hospital stay, emergency evacuation | No cancellation, no pre-existing conditions |
| Trip-cancellation insurance | A different product: costs if you cancel | No partner on this site |
SafetyWing: facts read on 24 October 2026
- Essential plan: from $62.72 per 4 weeks (ages 18 to 39, list price), up to 364 days.
- Medical up to $250,000; emergency evacuation up to $100,000 lifetime; death transport up to $20,000.
- Not covered: pre-existing conditions, maternity, cancer treatment; no cancellation in Essential.
- Leisure sports covered per an activity list; bought online, before departure or abroad.
- Motorbike accidents covered only with the right licence, full safety gear and no alcohol.
This is not a promise of reimbursement: read the contract before buying.
How to choose
- Check the scooter clause: licence, helmet, alcohol.
- Look for at least $100,000 of medical cover and a real evacuation benefit.
- Check surfing, diving and the Batur hike.
- Keep the assistance number and the contract offline.
FAQ
Does the EHIC work in Bali?
No, it covers only the EU and EEA.
Can I rent a scooter with travel insurance?
Only if your contract covers motorbikes and your licence is valid in Bali; otherwise do not ride.
Can I buy cover on the spot?
SafetyWing allows it, but an accident that has already happened is not covered.
Pour aller plus loin
Prepare the trip with before you go to Bali, scams and safety in Bali and the Bali budget.
