Health Insurance in Indonesia For Foreigners and Expats
Indonesia’s healthcare system has a few bright spots, but it also faces many challenges. Ranked 92nd by the World Health Organization, Indonesia has undertaken ambitious plans to improve universal access to care across the board.
Additionally, patient facilities in Jakarta continue to improve. However, the standard of public healthcare in Indonesia is far beneath what most expats are used to.
The situation is so severe that the U.S. State Department itself declares that “Sanitation and health care conditions in Indonesia are far below U.S. standards. Routine medical care is available in all major cities, although most expatriates leave the country for all but the most basic medical procedures. Psychological and psychiatric services are limited throughout Indonesia.”
With these stern words in mind, here’s what would-be expats should know about health insurance in Indonesia.
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- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
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Overview of Indonesia’s National Health Insurance System
The Indonesian healthcare system is a mix of private insurance plans and basic, government-funded care. In 2014, Indonesia launched a mandatory health insurance program. Called Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), it’s designed to bring basic medical treatment and facilities to all citizens.
The JKN program carries heavy expectations that it will evolve into a comprehensive universal healthcare program. If it succeeds, it could be the most extensive publicly funded healthcare system in the world. But for now, its progress is stymied.
Among the most serious obstacles are hospitals and clinics themselves, many of which haven’t opted to join the program. As such, patients are left to cobble together usable solutions by combining various facilities.
The facilities that comprise Indonesia’s healthcare system are organized into tiers. At the top are community health centers, known as puskesmas. In the middle are health sub-centers. And at the third level are village-level integrated posts.
Benefits of a Global Medical Insurance Plan
The quality of public healthcare in Indonesia falls short of the standards to which most expats are accustomed. For that reason, the vast majority hold international health insurance.
Holding private insurance gives expats the option to receive healthcare in private hospitals and clinics. There, patients will find modern, comfortable services at an international standard. Additionally, private facilities are much more likely to have English-speaking staff than their public counterparts.
An essential aspect of any private insurance policy for foreigners living in Indonesia is air evacuation. Not only is such an option important for those living in rural and remote areas, but it’s also essential for emergency transportation to Singapore. Singapore’s healthcare services are outstanding and often fill gaps where Indonesia’s system falls short.
Best Medical Insurance for US Citizens Living in Indonesia
BCBS Global Solutions Worldwide Premier
- Unlimited annual and lifetime coverage
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- For U.S. citizens abroad or foreign nationals in the U.S.
Best Health Insurance Options for Living in Indonesia
IMG Global Medical Plan
- Affordable global coverage with flexible options
- Coverage area options based on where you live or work
- Visit any doctor or hospital worldwide
Cigna Global Insurance Plan
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Pros and Cons of Using the Local Healthcare System
Indonesia has inadequate public healthcare. Wait times are long, and some specialists are hard to find. Additionally, public healthcare facilities are often understaffed, overcrowded, and lack patient privacy.
Few facilities can be described as sparkling clean, and diagnostic equipment is often outdated. Additionally, expats need to note that most doctors and nurses in the public healthcare system don’t speak English.
However, in rural areas, a public clinic is often your only recourse for local healthcare. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the hours, services, and qualifications of the staff at your nearest health center.
How Expats Can Qualify For Local Healthcare
As part of the effort to expand enrollment, everyone formally employed in Indonesia is required to register in the JKN program, which is administered by the Badan Penyelenggara Jaminan Sosial (BPJS), the social security program.
Program enrollees include expats, as long as they’re part of the formal employment sector.
The terms of BPJS don’t allow for exclusion based on pre-existing conditions. However, to receive treatment, you must visit a participating clinic or hospital.
Alas, only a small proportion of eligible facilities have signed up. As such, you’re signing on for a program that you can only use in limited circumstances.
What You Need To Know About Processes
If you’re an expat working in a professional capacity in Indonesia, your employer is obligated to register you and your family members in the JKN program. To claim eligibility, you must be working in the country for at least six months.
Upon registration, you and your family members will each receive a BPJS card. You need to bring this card with you when you visit public hospitals, clinics, or puskesmas.
Your employer will also arrange for an automatic salary deduction to cover the program costs. The BPJS premium is 5% of your monthly salary, with 4% paid by the employer and 1% by the employee.
How Routine Doctor Visits Work
Most expats, especially those in Jakarta, utilize group practice medical clinics. In many ways, these are like tiny hospitals. In addition to general practitioners, they have a wide range of specialists on staff, allowing them to address most medical concerns.
Clinic services often include laboratories, radiology centers, pharmacies, dental care, psychiatry, physiotherapy, and other specialized care. In some cases, they even offer emergency room services and ambulance care.
While group practice medical clinics offer comprehensive care, new residents might still experience culture shock. In Indonesian culture, doctors are highly respected and regarded as figures of authority.
This might be difficult for foreigners accustomed to seeking second opinions or detailed explanations from their family doctors, and they may experience some pushback.
After all medical appointments, you’ll have to settle your bill in cash. Keep all paperwork so you can submit your receipts for insurance reimbursement later. Note that very few medical facilities in Indonesia accept credit card payments.
How To Find A Family Physician
If you’re generally a healthy person who rarely visits the doctor, you might not be too worried about finding a doctor in Indonesia. However, the country has inherent conditions that may pose a threat to your health.
From air pollution to tropical diseases to traffic accidents, Indonesia isn’t exactly a healthy place to live, despite its many yoga retreats and beachside wellness centers.
Well-established expats in Indonesia recommend working with your insurance broker to obtain a list of English-speaking physicians in your area. From there, you can narrow down your choices based on hours of operation, the breadth of services offered, and reputation.
Having a clinic and practitioner you’re comfortable with before it’s absolutely needed is a tremendously practical step in a country where comprehensive care is lacking.
Find the Best International Medical Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes from top insurers
- Get expert advice at no additional cost
- Find the right plan for your needs and budget
Joe Cronin, President of ICI, is a leading expert in international health, life, and travel insurance. An MBA and founder of multiple global businesses, he helps expatriates and travelers access trusted, comprehensive insurance solutions worldwide.
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