The card above—inscribed “Kartu Indonesia Sehat,” Indonesia’s Healthy Indonesia Card—symbolizes the country’s universal healthcare program. Now, Bali’s expatriate community can carry this card too. In a significant policy shift, long-term foreign residents in Bali are eligible to join BPJS Kesehatan, Indonesia’s national health insurance system. For an island home to an estimated 30,000 expatriates, this development means access to free or subsidized medical services on par with those enjoyed by Indonesian citizens. It’s a game-changer that could make living in Bali even more attractive for foreigners seeking both paradise and peace of mind.
What is BPJS Kesehatan and who qualifies?
BPJS Kesehatan is Indonesia’s public healthcare insurance scheme, designed to provide affordable, universal coverage for the population. Until recently, it was commonly assumed to be off-limits to non-citizens, but officials have clarified that expats can enroll as long as they meet certain requirements. According to Bali’s Social Security office, expatriates are entitled to the same public health benefits as locals – if they fulfill these criteria:
- Minimum residence – Have lived in Indonesia for at least 6 consecutive months
- Legal permit – Hold a valid temporary or permanent residence permit (KITAS or KITAP)
- Employment or investment – Be employed by or investing in an Indonesian-registered company (in other words, a foreign worker or an official investor)
Short-term visitors and digital nomads on tourist visas do not qualify. These conditions ensure that those benefiting from BPJS are people who are living and contributing in Indonesia’s economy. Local authorities have been actively reminding expats that they can take advantage of many free or subsidized public health services through BPJS, just as Indonesian nationals do. In short, if you’re a bona fide Bali resident with the proper visa status, Indonesia’s healthcare safety net is now open to you.
Why this matters now: affordable care and inclusive coverage
This policy update marks a significant step toward inclusivity in Indonesia’s healthcare system. For years, foreigners in Bali have largely relied on private health insurance or out-of-pocket payments for medical needs. Now, they can tap into a system that offers everything from routine doctor visits and prescriptions to emergency care and surgeries at minimal cost. The benefits for expats are obvious: substantial cost savings and the reassurance of being treated in the public system. Many new foreign members cite the low monthly premiums and easy access to specialists as big incentives for joining BPJS. In fact, BPJS premiums are remarkably low by global standards – a top-tier Class 1 plan costs around IDR 150,000 per month (approximately USD $10), and even that is often split with or covered by an employer for working expats. Compare that to international private insurance plans, and it’s clear why BPJS is an attractive option.
There are already real-world examples of this shift taking hold. In Bali’s Buleleng regency, officials report that hundreds of eligible foreign residents working in tourism and hospitality have enrolled in BPJS Kesehatan. Most opt for Class 1 or Class 2 coverage tiers, which offer more comprehensive services while remaining affordable. By bringing expats into the national insurance fold, Indonesia not only provides them security but also gains a broader membership base supporting the system. It’s a win-win: foreigners get coverage for public healthcare, and the country moves closer to its universal healthcare goals. This move is also timely because Bali is transforming into a regional healthcare hub. In 2025, the island opened the state-of-the-art Bali International Hospital in the Sanur medical special economic zone, signaling a push for world-class medical services at home. Indonesia’s leaders have voiced ambition to curb “health tourism” outflows – the common practice of residents (and expats) flying to Singapore, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur for advanced treatment – by providing comparable quality care in Bali. President Prabowo Subianto praised the new hospital and healthcare initiatives as a “breakthrough” for Indonesia, aligning with the vision of offering international-standard health services on Indonesian soil. In short, the inclusion of expats in BPJS aligns with a broader national strategy: keep people healthy in Indonesia, whether they’re locals or long-term foreign guests, and make Bali a place where one can both enjoy life and feel secure about healthcare.
How can expats enroll, and what should they expect?
How to sign up: Eligible expats can enroll in BPJS Kesehatan through their employer or local BPJS offices. If you work for an Indonesian company, registration is typically handled by your employer as part of your onboarding (in fact, a valid BPJS enrollment is required to renew a work KITAS in Indonesia). Employers contribute around 4% of your salary to BPJS while you contribute 1% via payroll deduction, ensuring your insurance is continuously funded. If you’re self-employed or an investor, you can visit the nearest BPJS center with your KITAS/KITAP and passport to register yourself. You will need to choose a class of service (Class 1, 2, or 3); most expats choose Class 1 or 2 for more comprehensive coverage, at a still-low monthly cost. Upon registration, you’ll receive a BPJS membership number and card – your ticket to Indonesia’s public healthcare network. Using BPJS healthcare: Once enrolled, you can visit public clinics (puskesmas) and designated hospitals for treatment under BPJS. The system operates on a referral model: for non-emergencies, you generally start at a local clinic or general practitioner, and if needed, you’ll be referred to a specialist or hospital that partners with BPJS. Expect some bureaucracy and waiting times – public facilities in Indonesia can get crowded, and you may need patience when seeking care. It’s also worth noting that language can be a barrier; most doctors and staff in the public system speak Bahasa Indonesia as their primary language. Many expats overcome this by bringing an Indonesian friend to translate or by using translation apps for simpler interactions. While the care quality in public facilities is adequate for many needs, it may not match the ultra-personalized service of private hospitals. Think of BPJS as essential coverage for routine and urgent health issues – an invaluable safety net – but not a VIP pass. For complicated procedures or absolute comfort, some foreigners still maintain private health insurance to access private or international hospitals when they wish. Even so, BPJS membership means that an unforeseen illness or accident won’t automatically saddle you with a huge bill, as core treatments are covered. It’s peace of mind that, until now, most foreign residents in Bali didn’t have.
Conclusion: A healthier future for Bali’s expat community
The extension of BPJS Kesehatan to expatriates is more than just a policy tweak – it’s a message that Indonesia values its foreign community as part of the society. For expats in Bali, this is a welcome safety net that makes life on the Island of the Gods even more sustainable and secure. Affordable healthcare access is becoming a standard part of the Bali expat experience, right alongside the island’s renowned culture and natural beauty. The clear takeaway is this: if you’re a foreign professional or investor making Bali your home, you no longer have to worry as much about the “what ifs” of healthcare. Take advantage of this opportunity by checking your eligibility and enrolling in BPJS through your employer or local office – your future self (and your wallet) will thank you. With Bali blending its famous hospitality with an inclusive healthcare system, living in paradise just became a safer bet. It’s an exciting model that other expat hubs may eventually emulate, but for now Bali is leading the way, inviting its international residents to join in a healthier, more secure future. Start exploring your BPJS options today, and embrace the peace of mind that comes with being covered in your home away from home.
FAQ
- What is BPJS Kesehatan and why is it important for expats in Bali?
BPJS Kesehatan is Indonesia’s national health insurance program aimed at providing universal healthcare. It’s important for expats in Bali because, as of 2025, those who meet the residency and visa requirements can join this program and receive subsidized medical care just like Indonesian citizens. This means long-term foreign residents gain access to affordable doctor visits, medications, and hospital treatments through the public system, greatly reducing their healthcare expenses while living in Bali. - How can a foreigner living in Bali get BPJS health insurance?
To enroll in BPJS, an expat must have lived in Indonesia for at least six months and hold a KITAS or KITAP residency permit while working for or investing in an Indonesian entity. If you meet those criteria, you can register through your employer (for work visa holders, BPJS registration is often mandatory) or sign up at a BPJS office by providing your documents and selecting a coverage class. After enrolling, you’ll pay a low monthly premium (around $7–$10 for top-tier coverage) and receive a BPJS card. Present this card when visiting public clinics or hospitals to get treatment under the insurance. Keep in mind that you’ll generally visit a designated clinic first and may need a referral for specialists, and services will be primarily in Indonesian.
