Expatriates residing in Bali are now able to access BPJS Kesehatan, Indonesia’s national health insurance program, which provides free or subsidized medical services. The scheme, administered by the Indonesian Social Security Administration, was previously regarded as limited to Indonesian citizens.
Under the new framework, foreign nationals who meet the requirements for residency and employment are eligible to register. This initiative is part of a broader effort to provide affordable and universal healthcare across Indonesia, extending beyond Bali to cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta.
Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Residents
The program is not open to short-term visitors or tourists. To qualify, expatriates must have lived in Indonesia for at least six consecutive months and hold a valid temporary or permanent residence permit, such as a KITAS or KITAP. In addition, they must be employed or invested through a registered business entity. These conditions are designed to ensure that participants contribute to the local economy while benefiting from the healthcare system.
Foreign nationals may join BPJS Kesehatan under Presidential Regulation (Perpres) Number 82 of 2018 on Health Insurance, which stipulates that expatriates who have worked in Indonesia for at least six months and have paid contributions are eligible participants.
Hundreds of expatriates in Bali, particularly in areas such as Buleleng, have already enrolled in BPJS Kesehatan. Many of them are involved in Bali’s growing tourism and accommodation industries.
Healthcare Options for Participants
Within the program, expatriates are able to choose between different service levels. Class 1 and Class 2 have proven to be popular among foreign residents due to their comprehensive services and relatively affordable monthly premiums. This mirrors the structure available to Indonesian citizens, providing a standardized system of healthcare access across the country.
Medical Services for Tourists and Non-Residents
For individuals who do not meet the requirements for BPJS Kesehatan, Bali continues to offer access to high-quality medical services through facilities such as Bali International Hospital in Sanur. Located within the Sanur Special Economic Zone for Health and Wellness, the hospital forms part of a five-year development program to position Bali as a center for medical tourism.
The facility provides advanced care in cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopedics, stem cell therapy, fertility treatment, and other specialties. Its design integrates modern healthcare with elements of Bali’s cultural health heritage, including yoga gardens and sacred wellness rituals.
Bali as a Regional Medical Hub
The development of Bali International Hospital and the Sanur health zone reflects Indonesia’s ambition to become a regional medical hub. By expanding domestic healthcare options, authorities aim to reduce the number of Indonesians traveling abroad for treatment.
Supporting the hospital is The Sanur, a five-star dual-hotel resort complex, which offers luxury accommodations for patients and companions. This arrangement allows visitors to prepare for or recover from treatment in comfort and privacy.
