Redpoint Destinations

Bali

Traveling to Bali: What to Know Before You Go

Essential Information for Travelers to Bali

Bali has exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Popular with spiritual seekers, remote-working creatives, surf-nomads, and adventure travelers, the Indonesian province is one of Southeast Asia's true gems. Whether it's temples and yoga retreats or epic surf breaks and diving spots — whatever you're seeking, you'll probably find it in Bali.

However, all the adventures that Bali has to offer do come with some risks. Whether it's motorbike accidents, surf breaks on remote beaches, or the risk of natural disasters like volcanoes, there are plenty of things that might disrupt your trip. Which is exactly why Bali travel insurance is so essential to protect your trip and make sure you're covered if you need emergency medical care or if you experience a disruption. Read on to find out everything you need to know to safely prepare for your trip to Bali.

Health & Safety in Bali

Medical Care and Hospitals

Medical facilities in Bali fall into two tiers: public and private. Public facilities tend to be under-resourced and less advanced, so foreign travelers typically visit private facilities like BIMC Hospital, Siloam, and International SOS when they need care. All of these facilities will require payment for treatment up front. The cost of emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, prescription medication, and more can add up quickly, which is why it’s essential to purchase travel medical insurance before you go.

If you have a medical emergency while you are exploring Bali or doing adventure activities in a remote location, you may require emergency evacuation. This will help you access the care you need in a more advanced private facility. However, these evacuations are not free and can be extremely expensive. This is why emergency evacuation coverage is also essential for your Bali trip.

Health Risks and Vaccinations

While no vaccinations are required to enter Indonesia, the CDC recommends that, in addition to being up to date on all routine vaccinations, U.S. travelers are also vaccinated for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, tetanus, polio, and measles, which is on the rise worldwide. While malaria transmission is not prevalent in Bali, the CDC also recommends that travelers take steps to prevent mosquito and insect bites during their stay, including protective clothing, nets, and insect repellent.

Digestive issues are also common in Bali, especially if you eat street food. The common name for this is “Bali belly” and it can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. To avoid this, drink bottled water and try to only eat well-cooked food from reputable vendors. It’s also wise to carry a basic medical kit with common over-the-counter medication, as well as spare prescription medication or copies of your prescriptions. This is especially true if you will be visiting or hiking in remote areas.

Insurance Benefits & Coverage for a Trip to Bali

What Does Bali Travel Insurance Cover?

When considering travel insurance for Bali, you will want to make sure your travel insurance company policy covers all the areas below so that you’ll be prepared, no matter what happens during your trip.

Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance:

Unexpected trip cancellation insurance reimburses your non-refundable trip expenses if your trip to Bali is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, family emergencies, or certain government advisories. Bali has its fair share of natural disasters due to its geographic location and geological activity. So it’s wise for your trip to be covered in case you have to cancel due to a catastrophic weather event like a volcanic eruption, tsunami, or earthquake.

Travel medical insurance:

Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses incurred for any injuries or illnesses that happen during your trip. If you need medical attention in Bali, you will most likely have to visit a private clinic, as public ones are under-resourced. These clinics all require payment up front. However, if you have travel insurance, you’ll be able to make a travel insurance claim for any out-of-pocket costs you incurred. In addition, if you have pre-existing medical conditions, don’t forget to apply for a waiver when you purchase your policy.

Emergency medical evacuation insurance:

Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. Bali is known for its adventure travel opportunities, and if you’re traveling in remote areas and have a serious emergency or accident, you may need to be airlifted to a more advanced facility elsewhere in Indonesia or Asia. These flights can be extremely costly, so it’s vital to have this coverage as part of your travel insurance.

Lost luggage and personal belongings insurance:

Baggage coverage is a benefit that covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings should they go missing during your trip to Bali, thanks to petty theft or airline error.

Trip delay insurance:

Trip delay insurance compensates for additional expenses if your travel is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.

Optional add-ons:

There are several additional policy benefits you can add to your travel insurance, depending on the nature of your trip. These include cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage, if you think you may need to cancel for a reason not covered by the typical cancellation policy; extra protection for specialist or expensive gear; adventure sports travel insurance if you plan to do any extreme or dangerous activities; and car rental protection.

Choosing the Right Plan

Ripcord has a variety of plans suited for different trips to Bali. For travelers seeking adventurous activities like surfing Bali’s best breaks and touring scenic roads on the back of a motorbike, Ripcord is an extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, such as emergency evacuation and repatriation, perfect for trips to remote or rural destinations. Cavalry is suited for urban travelers who are seeking luxury and cultural experiences while staying at Bali’s many five-star resorts. Meanwhile, Harbor offers robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler who may be backpacking through Southeast Asia. You can compare all of Redpoint’s comprehensive plans and figure out which one might be right for your trip here.

Entry Requirements & Practical Information

Entry and Visa Requirements

All visitors to Bali must have two empty pages in their passports and six months’ validity beyond the arrival date. While tourism-related visits do not require a visa, you do need a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for a 30-day visit, which you can extend one time. (The cost is roughly $35.) Visitors arriving at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta or Bali’s Ngurah Rai (Denpasar) International Airport can apply for the e-VOA in advance of their arrival. You will also need proof of onward travel, such as a flight booking.

The U.S. State Department notes that, due to an influx of travelers in Bali, officials have launched an enforcement campaign intended to ensure that foreigners are following local laws. This has resulted in “increased enforcement of traffic and vehicle violations, illegal work or other visa violations, illegal drug possession and other crimes.” So it is vital to be aware of local laws during your time in Bali if you want to avoid fines, deportation, or imprisonment.

What To Do in an Emergency

If you have an emergency in Bali and require assistance, emergency services can be contacted by dialing 112. In addition, Redpoint offers 24/7 support on its helpline to travelers who have an emergency or need assistance. If you are having trouble locating help locally, Redpoint’s associates can help connect you to the help you need on the ground.

There is a U.S. Consular agency in Bali, which can help visitors with passport issues. However, the main embassy for Indonesia is located in Jakarta. If you need assistance while you’re in Bali, you should first contact the consulate.

Jl. Hayam Wuruk 310
Denpasar 80235
Bali, Indonesia

Phone: (62) 361-233-605, (62) 361-246-859
After Hours Emergencies: +62-(0)21-5083-1000, select 0 to speak with the operator

Popular Activities and Adventure Travel in Bali

Bali offers thrilling adventure sports and travel experiences, from surfing world-class waves in Uluwatu and Kuta to whitewater rafting on the Ayung River. Hike volcanic Mount Batur at sunrise or go for epic dives off Nusa Penida and Tulamben. And don’t forget to hop on a motorbike as you tour Bali’s most scenic routes. Whether on land or sea, Bali is a paradise for adrenaline-seekers and nature lovers alike — just make sure you have adequate coverage from an adventure travel insurance policy before you go.

FAQs for Bali Travel Insurance

Beautiful rice terraces near Tegallalang village, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia.

Is travel insurance required for Bali?

Travel insurance is not mandatory to enter Bali, but it is always a risk to embark on overseas travel without adequate coverage. Should anything go wrong during the course of your trip, such as a medical emergency or disrupted itinerary, your out-of-pocket costs can easily exceed the price of a travel insurance policy.

What does Bali travel insurance cover?

Comprehensive travel insurance plans should include medical care and emergency medical coverage (at least $100,000 to cover medical emergencies and unexpected costs), emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation and trip interruption coverage, and baggage loss protection. You should also look for a policy with 24/7 assistance services, which all of Redpoint's policies offer.

How much does travel insurance cost?

Your travel insurance policy will be priced based on a range of factors, including trip length, cost, age, and activities. Most of Redpoint's insurance plans range from 6% to 15% of total trip costs. You can also opt to buy an annual multi-trip policy if you are planning multiple trips in the year.

Will travel insurance cover hiking accidents or evacuations?

It depends on your policy. Comprehensive travel insurance policies that include coverage for extreme and adventure activities like surfing and hiking typically do. Redpoint's Ripcord policy is designed with adventure travelers in mind and is a great option if you are planning to tour by motorbike or go on a surfing trip while in Bali.

Can I buy travel insurance while already in Bali?

Typically, you need to purchase international travel insurance prior to departure for your trip, and ideally, as soon as possible after booking your trip. Some providers may issue policies once you're already in the country, but those policies may be costlier and have more exclusions, so read the policy wording carefully.

Protect Your Trip With Redpoint Travel Insurance

Protecting yourself on your trip to Bali requires comprehensive travel insurance, and Redpoint Travel Protection has a global reputation for providing high-quality policies to fit every traveler. It also offers 24/7 support — even in Bali’s most remote corners — to give travelers peace of mind and help them enjoy their trips. Explore Redpoint’s policies here, which can support backcountry adventurers and city hoppers alike