Understanding Healthcare Facilities in Bali: Public vs. Private Hospitals

In Bali, medical facilities range from small community clinics to large private hospitals catering to international patients, yet the gap in quality, cost, and accessibility between public and private care is significant. 

For those unfamiliar with Indonesia’s healthcare structure, knowing where to go in a medical emergency can mean the difference between timely treatment and stressful delays. This article outlines the key differences between public and private hospitals in Bali, including notable facilities, quality of care, accessibility, and language support.  

The state of healthcare in Indonesia 

Indonesia has made remarkable progress in healthcare coverage, with WHO data showing the country has achieved 90% healthcare coverage through its national health insurance expansion. The government's commitment to healthcare is evident in its substantial budget allocation: in 2024, the government allocated approximately 187.5 trillion Indonesian rupiah to healthcare, representing an increase from the previous year. Additionally, Indonesia's healthcare spending is projected to increase dramatically, with forecasts showing a potential growth of 89.4 billion U.S. dollars (+183.52%) between 2024 and 2040.  

Public hospitals in Bali  

Coverage and accessibility 

Public hospitals in Bali operate under government management and primarily serve Indonesian residents through the national health insurance scheme, BPJS Kesehatan. This system provides heavily subsidised medical care at public facilities. Foreign nationals who meet specific residency and administrative requirements may qualify for BPJS enrollment, though eligibility criteria can be complex. 

Important Note: If you're considering BPJS coverage, verify your eligibility, understand registration requirements, and confirm benefit levels for your specific situation well in advance of needing care. 

Quality and services 

While these public hospitals effectively handle routine outpatient services, emergency stabilisation, and many inpatient needs, they often face challenges including: 

• Heavy patient volumes leading to extended waiting times 

• Administrative complexity that can slow treatment processes 

• Limited specialty services compared to private alternatives 

Most public hospitals can manage standard medical procedures and basic emergency care. However, highly complex treatments, such as advanced neurosurgery, specialised cardiac procedures, or cutting-edge oncology treatments, often require patient transfers to major medical centers in Jakarta or overseas referral hospitals. 

Notable public facilities 

• Sanglah Hospital (RSUP Sanglah) in Denpasar stands as Bali's largest and most advanced public medical facility, serving as the island's primary referral center. 

• RSUD Wangaya Hospital, one of Bali's oldest medical institutions, continues to provide essential healthcare services to the local population. 

• RSUD Sanjiwani Hospital in Gianyar serves the popular Ubud region and surrounding areas, holding an "A" accreditation from Indonesia's Ministry of Health—a mark of quality standards.  

Private Hospitals  

Private hospitals and international clinics have become the preferred choice for many foreign residents and tourists due to several key advantages: 

• Faster access to care with reduced waiting times 

• English-speaking medical staff for better communication 

• Modern facilities with up-to-date medical equipment 

Cost considerations 

Private healthcare in Bali comes with significantly higher costs compared to public options. Even routine treatments can cost several times more than public hospital rates. It's essential to understand that not all private facilities offer the same capabilities. Some may lack advanced surgical suites or fully equipped intensive care units. 

Limitations of private care 

Despite their advantages, private hospitals in Bali may have limitations in handling the most serious medical emergencies. Life-threatening conditions such as: 

• Severe trauma requiring advanced surgical intervention 

• Complex cardiac emergencies 

• Major strokes requiring specialised neurological care 

• Advanced cancer treatments 

Leading private healthcare providers 

• BIMC Hospital has established itself as a premier choice for international patients, offering comprehensive medical services with strong relationships to global insurance providers. 

• Siloam Hospitals Denpasar provides a full range of medical specialties, emergency services, and maternity care specifically designed for international standards. 

• Kasih Ibu Hospital rounds out the major private healthcare options, catering to both local and international patients with modern facilities and multilingual staff.  

Geographic challenges 

Bali's geography presents unique challenges that can significantly impact emergency medical care outcomes. Popular expat destinations such as Ubud, Canggu, and the island's northern and eastern regions are considerable distances from Denpasar's major medical facilities.  

Traffic congestion, particularly severe in Denpasar and major tourist areas, can dramatically slow ambulance response times during peak hours. This factor becomes critical during medical emergencies where every minute counts. 

Remote location access poses additional challenges for residents living or working in Bali's more isolated areas. The nearest facility capable of providing advanced medical care may require lengthy ground transportation or even helicopter evacuation.  

Why international health insurance is essential 

In serious medical emergencies, not all facilities in Bali can manage life-threatening conditions. Even private hospitals may refer patients to better-equipped centres in Jakarta or Bangkok for advanced care. 

For this reason, it’s strongly advised that expats have comprehensive international health insurance with medical evacuation coverage. This ensures you can access appropriate treatment without delay, even if it means transferring to another city or country. 

APRIL International offers fully customisable health insurance plans tailored to expats in Indonesia and worldwide. Benefits include access to high-quality medical facilities, 24/7 assistance, medical evacuation, telehealth services, and more.