Do You Need Travel Insurance for Indonesia?
You usually don't need it as a strict entry requirement (varies by nationality and special circumstances), but you should treat insurance as essential because Indonesia travel commonly involves:
Scooter Accidents
Very common. Scooters are the default transport in Bali and many islands. Even people who swear "I won't ride a scooter" often end up renting one.
Water Activities
Surfing, snorkeling, diving, boat trips. These are not "optional extras" in Indonesia—they're often the main reason people go.
Trekking & Volcano Hikes
Mount Batur, Ijen, Rinjani. Injury risk plus remote access. Many policies classify these as "hazardous."
Food Poisoning / Infections
Frequent travel medical issue. Dehydration, stomach bugs, and infections happen more often than people expect.
Long Domestic Travel Days
Missed connections, delays, disruptions. Multi-island itineraries are common and ferries/domestic flights can be unpredictable.
Medical Transport
Especially outside major centers. Getting to a better facility can be the expensive part, not the treatment itself.
In short: Indonesia is a high-experience destination with high activity exposure.
The #1 Mistake People Make with Indonesia Travel Insurance
The Trap
They buy a cheap policy that looks fine—until they actually do Indonesia things.
Typical Failure Points
Scooter riding not covered (or covered only under strict requirements)
Water sports and diving excluded (or require add-ons)
Trekking/volcano hiking classified as "hazardous"
Weak evacuation/repatriation wording
Reimbursement-only medical process (you pay everything first)
Unclear emergency assistance
Indonesia-Specific Risks That Should Shape Your Insurance Choice
1) Scooters Are the Default Transport in Bali and Many Islands
Even people who swear "I won't ride a scooter" often end up renting one because it's convenient. If you ride at all, you need to check:
- Is scooter/motorbike riding covered?
- Are there engine-size limits?
- Do you need a specific license/permit?
- Do helmets have to be worn for coverage validity?
- Are passenger injuries covered?
If your plan excludes scooters and you rent one anyway, you're buying false protection.
2) Water Activities Are Not "Optional Extras" in Indonesia
Indonesia trips include:
Many standard policies exclude these without an activities/sports extension. If Indonesia is your destination, assume the extension may be necessary.
→ Full Scuba Diving Insurance Guide (Komodo, Raja Ampat, Bali)
3) Medical Logistics Can Matter More Than the Clinic Cost
In some locations, the issue isn't "doctor fee." It's:
- Finding the right facility quickly
- Coordination and authorization
- Transfer to a better hospital if needed
- Language and documentation for claims
That's why 24/7 assistance quality is a real value driver in Indonesia.
4) Volcano Hikes and Trekking Can Be Classified as "Hazardous"
If you plan:
…confirm what your insurer calls "trekking," "mountaineering," altitude limits, and rescue coverage.
What a Good Indonesia Travel Insurance Policy Should Cover (2026 Checklist)
1Emergency Medical Coverage (Non-Negotiable)
Your policy should clearly cover:
- Doctor visits and emergency treatment
- Tests and imaging
- Hospital stays if needed
- Medication prescribed for the incident
Indonesia reality: Many travelers use private clinics for speed. Your plan should be structured for real use, not theoretical reimbursements.
2Medical Evacuation + Repatriation (The Catastrophic-Cost Shield)
This is the coverage that protects you if:
- You're injured in a remote area
- You need transfer to a better facility
- You need medically necessary repatriation home
Tip: If you're choosing between two policies, stronger evacuation/repatriation + better assistance usually wins.
324/7 Emergency Assistance That Coordinates Care
This is what separates "insurance" from "a PDF you never use." Look for:
- A real 24/7 hotline
- Clear instructions on where to go
- Help with approvals if required
- Guidance on documentation and billing
In Indonesia, this is especially valuable when you're on an island or in a remote area.
4Scooter / Motorbike Coverage (Indonesia Decision-Maker)
If you might ride:
- Confirm the policy includes it
- Confirm conditions (license/permit/helmet rules)
- Confirm if passenger injuries are included
- Confirm whether off-road riding is excluded
This is the single most common "claim denial trigger" for Indonesia travelers.
5Water Sports and Diving Coverage (Second Decision-Maker)
If you plan surfing, snorkeling, diving, boat excursions, freediving—you need clarity:
- Is it included or an add-on?
- Are there depth limits for diving?
- Do you need certification?
- Are guided activities treated differently?
If you're doing Komodo or diving trips, don't guess.
6Trip Disruption Protection (Delays, Missed Connections)
Indonesia often involves:
- Long-haul flight + domestic connection
- Ferries between islands
- Weather disruptions
- Multi-stop itineraries
Look for: trip delay benefits (hotel/meals/transport), missed connection coverage, interruption coverage for covered reasons.
7Theft, Baggage, Electronics, and Documents
Common claims include:
- Stolen phone
- Lost bag in transit
- Stolen wallet/passport
Check: theft requirements (police report often required), electronics sub-limits, baggage delay essentials coverage.
8Personal Liability (Recommended)
Useful if you:
- Damage property (villas/apartments)
- Injure someone accidentally
- Ride scooters or do activities where accidents can involve others
Not the most common claim—but it protects against expensive edge cases.
Choose the Right Indonesia Insurance Based on Your Trip Style
Bali Chill Trip (Ubud + Beach, Minimal Activities)
Prioritize: Medical + evacuation/repatriation + assistance + theft
Even "relaxed Bali" still has scooter temptation and day tours.
Bali + Scooters Every Day (Canggu/Seminyak/Uluwatu)
Prioritize: Scooter coverage + medical + assistance + liability
This is where cheap policies fail the most.
Surf Trip (Uluwatu, Canggu, Lombok)
Prioritize: Water sports coverage + medical + assistance
Surfing can be classified as "sport" in some policies—confirm it.
Diving Trip (Komodo, Amed, Nusa Penida, Gili)
Prioritize: Diving add-on + evacuation + assistance
Diving is rarely "just included." You want clear terms.
Volcano Hikes / Trekking (Batur, Ijen, Rinjani)
Prioritize: Trekking coverage + rescue/evacuation + medical
Trekking exclusions are common. Don't assume "hiking = covered."
Multi-Island Itinerary (Bali → Lombok → Gili → Java)
Prioritize: Disruption coverage + assistance + theft + medical
Multi-stop travel increases delay risk and increases the value of strong support.
When Cancellation Coverage Is Worth It for Indonesia
Cancellation can be worth it if you booked:
Important: Cancellation often has timing rules (commonly best purchased close to booking). To avoid cannibalizing your cancellation guide, we keep this section simple and Indonesia-focused.
Pre-existing Conditions (Don't Guess)
If you have a pre-existing condition (even stable), policy differences matter:
Some exclude anything linked to it
Some cover under strict rules
Some require disclosure
If this applies, tell us upfront so we filter policies correctly. Otherwise you risk buying a plan that looks good until you need it.
How Claims Usually Work in Indonesia (What to Expect)
There are two common experiences:
Experience 1: Coordinated Help (Best Case)
- → You call assistance
- → They direct you to a facility
- → They guide approvals and documentation
- → You're less likely to get stuck in billing confusion
Experience 2: Pay First, Claim Later (Worst Case)
- → You pay out of pocket
- → You collect invoices, reports, proof of payment
- → You submit and wait
For Indonesia, aim for policies that give you the best chance of Experience 1—especially if your trip involves islands or activities.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong in Indonesia (So Your Claim Gets Paid)
Medical Incident
- If urgent, get care first.
- Call insurer assistance as soon as possible.
- Collect:
- Medical report / diagnosis
- Itemized invoice
- Proof of payment (if you paid)
- Prescriptions and discharge notes
Scooter Accident
- Document the incident clearly
- Follow local requirements (and insurer instructions)
- Collect medical documentation + any official reports if required
Be aware: Helmet/license compliance can matter depending on policy terms.
Theft / Lost Phone
- File a police report if required
- Keep proof of ownership if possible
- Document time/place/what happened
Delays / Missed Connections
- Get written confirmation from airline/ferry operator where possible
- Keep receipts for extra hotel/meals/transport
- Keep original booking confirmations
Rule: Documentation = payout. No documents = delays or denial.
Travel Insurance for Indonesia from Spain (Residents & Expats)
If you live in Spain, Indonesia trips often mean:
That makes the best-fit structure usually:
- Strong medical + evacuation/repatriation
- Real 24/7 assistance
- Scooter and water activity coverage (if relevant)
- Optional cancellation if your bookings are expensive and non-refundable
Get an Indonesia Policy Shortlist (Fast)
Send us your Indonesia trip details and we'll recommend 2–3 best-fit policies with a clear "why this one" explanation:

