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No one wants to think about visiting a doctor or hospital while on vacation, let alone in a foreign country. However, throughout my travels I have learned it is best to plan for the worst and hope for the best. Trying to be prepared is a good “insurance” policy, for me. Being well informed and prepared generally means you won’t need to use your “mental information preparedness kit”. However, when you aren’t prepared, or well informed, that’s when situations tend to spiral out of control. Being prepared can certainly help eliminate some stress during a medical situation, no matter how small, or large. So, while in Bali I am going to tell you the about the best hospitals to visit in case you need to see a doctor.
Bali can throw you some curve balls, ranging from motorbike to surfing accidents and everything in between. Therefore, I want to help you be prepared in case you have to visit a doctor while in Bali. Bali has some very good hospitals with western standards that are clean, modern and have well trained doctors. However, please keep in mind that Bali is part of Indonesia, and Indonesia is a developing country. In full disclosure, if a major medical event happens while you are in Bali, Bali’s hospitals have some deficiencies. But then again you can probably say the same about many hospitals even in developed countries. However, I want to help you eliminate any potential “deficiencies” in your medical care in Bali.
Before I tell you which hospitals are the best in Bali, I want to tell you a couple brief stories that will help you understand the importance of knowing this information and being prepared.
Parasite in Bali
What happens if I get a parasite in Bali? Short answer, go to the hospital and see a doctor. Many in Bali experience what is call “Bali Belly”. It is simply an upset stomach that can cause diarrhea and usually lasts 2-3 days. It is caused from consuming food your stomach, and digestive system aren’t used to. Usually, you can take charcoal pills and it helps. However, it can also be caused by eating contaminated food. In extreme cases you can then develop a parasite. If after a day or two of having intestinal issues you aren’t starting to feel better, you will want to visit the doctor.
TIP: When in Bali visit a pharmacy and buy “Norit Activted Carbon” Charcoal Pills. Once taken the activated charcoal absorbs toxins throughout the digestive tract. You can also buy activated charcoal pills on Amazon before traveling to Bali.
This happened to a friend of mine who visited Bali. He arrived in Bali, after spending some time in another country, and developed a parasite. Poor guy spent more time around a toilet then a plumber, during his first few days in Bali. I took him to BIMC in Nusa Dua, he saw the doctor right away, gave a sample that they tested immediately at the hospital, and subsequently received an antibiotic to kill the parasite. Within a couple days he was well on his way to feeling like a new man.
Hospital Testing
By the way, when requesting a sample, the hospital will give you a small plastic cup, a couple of rubber gloves and ask you to give them a “sample”. Anyone that can actually do this, without creating a disaster, should receive an award, in my opinion. Also, don’t get the bright idea that you can do this in the comfort of your hotel, or villa, and somehow put it in a plastic zip lock bag and assume you can rush to the doctor to have them test it. This is a completely different story (sigh), but the lesson learned was that the hospitals need a “fresh sample”. They only have equipment that can test a sample within 20 minutes of it receiving it.
Some hospitals and clinics won’t be able to test for parasites, or other illnesses. Going to a hospital that is equipped to handle laboratory testing, immediately read the results, and then give you the correct medication, is essential so you don’t spend the rest of your vacation as close as possible to the nearest rest room.
The Not So Good, the Bad and the Ugly
On the opposite end of the spectrum, is a story that ends much differently.
There was another person who visited Bali, had an accident and needed emergency medical attention. This person was originally taken to Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar. When I arrived at the hospital I thought, “Where am I?!” I felt like I was experiencing all the horrible things you thought only happened in the movies. Nope! I learned very quickly what a “developing country’s” local hospital is like.
The person needed a ventilator to breathe, but Sanglah did not have such a medical device. A nurse had to use a hand pump to rhythmically “squeeze” air, every few seconds, so this person could breathe during their stay at Sanglah. May I add that the nurse who was given this important job had to be routinely woken up because she would often doze off.
Hospital Defibrillator
The next day, this person was eventually transferred to BIMC Kuta in which much better care, including a surgery, was received. However, we learned that despite this hospital being relatively modern, allegedly, did not have a defibrillator, if needed. They perform “manual chest compressions” if your heart stops beating. This blew my mind! Isn’t a defibrillator a standard piece of medical equipment in every hospital? My parents were able to buy one at their local COSTCO store in the United States, surely every hospital would have one. Not in Bali.
A hard lesson learned was the importance of going to a good hospital from the very beginning in order to receive the best care possible, and alleviate any added stress.
TIP: There is only one instance I would recommend going to Sanglah in an emergency. If you are bitten by a poisonous snake, in Bali, go to Sanglah. They are one of the only hospitals with anti-venom, and have people on-site that specialize in snake bites.
Travel Insurance
I could continue to tell you stories of medical situations that have happened in Bali, but they all teach the same important lessons. First, if you visit Bali, or any foreign country for that matter, make sure you have Travel insurance. The hospitals in Bali, like many hospitals on this planet, want to know they are going to be paid. Despite medical care in Bali probably costing less than medical care in your home country, the bills can accumulate if you need a surgery, or need to spend a few days in the hospital. Travel insurance will immediately provide you the means to be receive treatment and give you peace of mind knowing this expense will be covered.
TIP: Before you can process your claim, the hospital still wants to know they will be paid. You may have to give them a credit card number as “collateral” for payment. Don’t worry, give them your card, then fill out and submit your travel insurance claim. Either the hospital will receive payment directly from the insurance company, or the insurance company will directly reimburse you.
Best Hospitals in Bali
The second thing I learned is where the best hospitals in Bali are. After experiencing Sanglah Hospital, I asked another expat friend, who has been in Bali for many years, where I should go if I need medical treatment in Bali. First, he said, “Not Sanglah” (only go here if you are bitten by a poisonous snake), then he gave me the names of four different hospitals in south Bali. These are listed in order from number 1 to 4 of where to go first, if you have the ability to choose.
1. Siloam Hospitals Denpasar
This hospital is actually located in Kuta, on Sunset Road, and is equipped with doctors to handle various specialties other hospitals don’t have. For instance, if you have a heart, eye or major respiratory problem, the other hospitals will send you to Siloam. Siloam is the best hospital in Bali.
- Address: Jl. Sunset Road No. 818 Kuta, Badung
- Phone: +62 361 779 900
- Email: info.SiloamHospitalsBali@siloamhospitals.com
- Website: https://www.siloamhospitals.com/en/Hospitals-and-Clinics/Hospitals/Find-nearest-Hospitals
“Siloam Hospitals Denpasar is fully equipped for trauma and Medical Evacuation with ‘Hospital on Wheels’ ambulance service along with hemodialysis and chemotherapy day care services. The 104-bed hospital was established to cater to both local and international patients. Siloam Hospitals Denpasar has received KARS accreditation from Indonesia Ministry of Health.”
Source: Siloam website
2. BIMC Nusa Dua
BIMC Nusa Dua is a very good hospital. It is clean, modern, the doctors are good, and is where many foreigners go if they need health care, including testing for parasites. I also know a person who successfully received surgery, and spent a few nights here, after a surfing accident.
- Address: Kawasan BTDC Blok D Nusa Dua 80363, Bali, Indonesia
- Phone: (0361) 3000 911
- Emergency: 1-500-911
- Email: nusadua@bimcbali.com
- Website: https://bimcbali.com/bimc-siloam-nusa-dua
- https://www.siloamhospitals.com/Hospitals-and-Clinics/Hospitals/BIMC-Hospital-Nusa-Dua
“Located in the centre of the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) complex, BIMC Siloam Nusa Dua is the first hospital in Indonesia accredited by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standard International (ACHSI). The facility is within walking distance of luxury 5-star hotels and villas, the Bali Golf and Country Club, Nusa Dua Convention Center, Bali Collection shopping and food esplanade, not to mention the many beautiful secluded beaches; all located just 20 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.”
Source: BIMC Bali website
3. BIMC Kuta
If you can’t get to BIMC Nusa Dua, go to BIMC Kuta. BIMC Kuta is also a 24 hour medical center, has an ICU and can perform surgeries.
- Address: Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai No 100X, Kuta 80361, Bali, Indonesia
- Phone: +62 361761263
- Email: info@bimcbali.com
- Website: https://bimcbali.com/bimc-hospital-kuta
- https://www.siloamhospitals.com/Hospitals-and-Clinics/Hospitals/BIMC-Kuta
“Strategically located in the heart of Kuta in Bali, BIMC Hospital Kuta is home to a 24-hour Emergency Department, providing easy access for patients from all over the island. Recognized as the preferred healthcare provider in Indonesia by the International Assistance Group (IAG), the hospital holds international standards of care for residents and tourists alike. The hospital has also received KARS accreditation from Indonesia Ministry of Health with Paripurna Status.”
Source: Siloam Hospitals website
4. BaliMed Denpasar
Address: Jalan Mahendradatta No. 57X, Padangsambian, Kecamatan Denpasar Barat
Kota Denpasar, Bali 80119
- Phone: +62 361 3117311
- Emergency: +62 855 390 6501
- Email: marketing@balimedhospital.co.id
- Website: https://balimedhospital.co.id/balimed-denpasar/
If you are in Denpasar and need medical treatment go to BaliMed. If you are being taken by ambulance tell them to take you here, and not to Sanglah Hospital. BaliMed also has a 24 hour emergency center.
“Strategically located in the heart of Denpasar in Bali, BaliMéd Denpasar is home to a 24-hour Emergency Department, providing easy access for patients from all over the island. BaliMéd Denpasar holds international standards of care for residents and tourists alike. The hospital has also received the highest KARS accreditation from Indonesia Ministry of Health.”
Source: BaliMed website
Additional Hospital: Ubud BIMC Medical Center
Ubud is a couple hour drive from the Kuta and Nusa Dua area, so if you find yourself needing medical care while in Ubud go to BIMC Ubud Medical Centre. They have 24 hour emergency services and also have a laboratory to test for various illnesses.
- Address: Jl Raya Sangginang No 21, Kedewatan, Ubud – Gianyar 80561, Bali, Indonesia
- Phone: +62 3612091030
- Email: admin.ubud@bimcbali.com
- Website: https://bimcbali.com/bimc-ubud-medical-centre
“Bali International Medical Center Ubud (BIMC Ubud) is a health service center located in Ubud City, Gianyar Regency, Bali Province. BIMC Ubud provides a wide range of medical services supported by state-of-the-art medical equipments and an experienced team of medical professionals in their fields with the aim of providing health services of international quality and reducing patient referral rates to other areas.”
Source: BIMC Bali website
What Do I Need to Bring with Me to the Hospital in Bali?
1. Passport. The hospital will need identification in order to treat you. If you can’t obtain your passport before going to the hospital make sure you at least have your home country driver’s license in your wallet.
2. Travel Insurance Documentation. Present your insurance information so the hospital can begin processing and you can receive treatment.
3. Credit Card. As mentioned earlier the hospitals want to know they will get paid for treating you. You may need to present your card to help expedite your medical care and worry about your travel insurance after medical treatment begins.
4. Medical Directive. If you have any medical directives make sure you present them to the administration prior to receiving medical treatment.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to the Hospital in Bali?
If you need to go to BIMC in Bali, below are the doctor “consultation” fees. This is not inclusive of any medication, or procedures you may need.
- 680,000 IDR (about $50 USD)
- 950,000 IDR (about $70 USD) if visiting the hospital between the hours of 10:00pm – 8:00am. They consider this “after hours”.
When my friend went to BIMC, for his parasite, the total cost was about 2.5 million rupiah (less than $180 USD). This included the doctor consultation, laboratory fees, and prescription medication.
The person that needed surgery, due to a surf accident, had reconstructive surgery, spent a few days in the hospital and his travel insurance paid about $6000 USD.
Medical costs are relative, of course. However, in Bali, compared to your home country, they are probably much less expensive.
Prescription Medication in Bali
After visiting a doctor, they may prescribe you medication. You have 2 choices to obtain this medication.
- Buy the medication from the hospital pharmacy for an inflated price.
- Visit a local Apotek (pharmacy) and have your prescription filled there for a much cheaper price.
As an example, I once received a prescription from a clinic and decided to just buy it there. The cost for the medication was equivalent to $70 USD. Afterward, out of curiosity, I checked the price at a local pharmacy and the exact same medication cost $7 USD. The hospitals and clinics that care for foreign patients will always charge more for prescription drugs, upwards of 10 times more.
My recommendation is to obtain your prescription, and have it filled at a local pharmacy for a much cheaper price. However, when you are sick, I know this may be the last thing you want to do so feel free to buy your prescription at the hospital. They will provide you with a printout about the medication and the doctor’s instructions for taking it. If you decide to go to a local pharmacy, you can visit the following pharmacy chains that are good, and easy to find in Bali.
- Guardian Pharmacy
- Kimia Farma Pharmacy
Kimia Farma Pharmacies have the widest selection of prescription drugs you can obtain in Bali.
What Kind of Drugs Can I Buy Over the Counter in Bali?
Often times you can also go to the pharmacy and buy drugs over-the-counter that you would normally need a prescription for in other countries. For instance, you can buy Asthma inhalers that you can’t get OTC in other countries. Also, you can buy steroids, like Prednisone, for respiratory illnesses over the counter. However, if you need pain medication and think you can buy Vicodin or 800mg Ibuprofen tablets over-the-counter, sorry, no can do. The pain medication they have in Bali is called Panadol and is essentially the equivalent to Tylenol.
The selection of drugs you can obtain OTC in Bali is pretty wide, though. If you decide, for some reason, you want to self-medicate, feel free to visit a local pharmacy. They may have what you are looking for.
Final Thoughts
No one ever expects to have to go to the hospital or doctor while on vacation. However, being prepared will definitely be less stressful, and could help in case of an emergency.