Travel Insurance for a Bali Vacation (2023)
It’s not mandatory to buy travel insurance for a vacation in Bali. However, whether you’re traveling to Indonesia for business or pleasure, comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. If you require medical care in Bali, upfront costs can be expensive without medical coverage. In the case of trip interruptions or trip cancellations, insurance helps protect you from financial loss.
From exploring rice fields in Ubud to riding a scooter around Denpasar and rafting the Agung River, adventure activities are popular in Bali. A travel insurance policy with coverage for unexpected injuries is a good idea if you’re intending to participate.
Cancel for Any Reason Coverage (CFAR)
Travel insurance companies offer cancellation coverage with standard policies. However, you’re limited with regard to your reasons for canceling. Typically, they include the death of a family member, hospitalization or similar medical emergencies.
Cancel for any reason coverage, otherwise known as CFAR, is a policy upgrade that allows you to remain flexible and cancel travel plans at your discretion. For example, in the case of the pandemic and different requirements for COVID-19 coverage, CFAR is allowed for a wide range of changing circumstances.
It’s important to note that CFAR is subject to disclaimers and restrictions. For example, for reimbursement of a trip cost, you may need to cancel within 48 or 72 hours of a departure or travel delay.
Gear Theft Protection
Whether you’re surfing in Kuta or scuba diving on a boat trip from Seminyak, gear theft protection is useful when you’re taking equipment with you. This may include valuables such as:
- Laptops
- Professional cameras
- Surfboards or snorkel and scuba diving gear
- jewelry
Travel insurance cover helps with the financial loss of items that are damaged, stolen or lost by airlines and tour operators. Generally, your insurance provider reimburses costs up to a predetermined limit. Check if exclusions apply and leave valuable items in your home country if they’re not fully covered.
Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation
The health care system in Bali accommodates tourists with international standards of health care in hospitals and medical treatment centers. Typical health concerns in Bali range from an upset stomach due to new foods, to accidents on motorbikes. Therefore, it’s important to have insurance to cover unexpected medical costs.
In the unfortunate case of accidents and illness, travel insurance for medical emergencies generally includes the following:
- Ambulance
- Hospital fees such as operating room charges
- Emergency dental work
- X-rays
Most health insurance plans include emergency medical evacuation and repatriation if local medical care isn’t available or you need to fly back to your home country. If you’re doing adventure sports or riding scooters, check to see if your plan covers associated accidents.
Rental Car Protection
To rent a car in Bali, you need an International Drivers Permit along with a valid license from your home country. It’s important to get a rental vehicle from a trusted company to ensure third-party insurance is included. Optional coverage is recommended to limit your liabilities while driving around the island.
Coverage may vary depending on the insurance provider. As a general rule, the following are offered by rental car companies:
- Collision damage waivers
- Windshield protection
- Roadside assistance
- Theft protection
Most Bali travel insurance plans include rental vehicle excess cover on top of insurance from car rental companies. This helps reimburse the costs of excess paid for stolen or damaged cars.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
If you cancel your Bali vacation before departure, standard travel insurance policies cover trip cancellations for a limited number of reasons. Usually, known and ongoing natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, are not covered.
Choose CFAR coverage to remain flexible for changing travel plans. As a general rule, accepted reasons for trip cancellations include:
- Death of family members
- Hospitalization or serious illness
- Severe weather conditions preventing departure
- Jury or military duty
