The National Health Insurance Service of the Health Social Security Agency (JKN BPJS) in Bali is reminding expats that they are entitled to many free or subsidised public health services in the same way that Indonesian nationals are.
The BPJS is not a service that tourists or travelers are eligible for, but that does not stop non-residents from accessing new world-class healthcare facilities in the province.
Speaking to reporters, the Head of the Singaraja Health BPJS Office, Joys Karman Nike Palupi, confirmed that in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations, BPJS Kesehatan is able to provide services to foreigners. Foreigners are eligible, provided they meet specific requirements.
Palupi told reporters, “At least have lived in Indonesia for the last 6 months, have an official residence permit, and be a worker or investor. There must be a business entity that oversees or acts as a business provider.”
She noted that in Buleleng, there are hundreds of expats and foreign workers who are eligible for BPJS services. Palupi added that these individuals work in a range of industries, including those who have opened businesses in the tourism sector or have invested in the accommodation sector in Buleleng Regency. She confirmed that many take class 1 and class 2 health insurance.
Palupi told reporters, “Many foreigners join because, according to the information from those we have met, the reason for joining is that the premium paid is relatively cheap. Other than that, here they say it’s easy to find a specialist doctor.”
While only those who are residing in Bali on a KITAP or KITAS will be able to access specific BPJS services, all tourists traveling to Bali will have access to new world-class medical tourism facilities at the Bali International Hospital in Sanur.
Sanur, which is Bali’s OG tourism resort, has undergone a serious transformation over the last five years and is now officially operating as the Sanur Special Economic Zone for Health, Wellness, and Medical Tourism.
The Indonesian Tourism Board, Wonderful Indonesia, shared, “Special Economic Zones are areas with special rules to attract investment and are meant to grow the economy. Sanur SEZ is the first Indonesian health and wellness zone, blending world-class medical care with Balinese healing traditions.”
Adding “In Sanur SEZ, step into 4.9 hectares of ethnobotanical garden where yoga spaces, open-air spaces, and sacred melukat rituals are situated peacefully in the heart of the garden. It’s not just recovery, it’s a transformative journey.”
The Bali International Hospital, which is now fully open and operational, is poised to help establish Bali as a world-leading medical tourism destination, offering patients an alternative to seeking medical care in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong.
The brand new hospital facility offers patients access to Cardiology, Oncology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, Orthopedics, Stem Cell Therapy, Aesthetic Surgery, Fertility Treatments, Eye Specialists, and Geriatrics.
In the coming months, the Sanur Special Economic Zone will also welcome the opening of dozens of private specialist clinics offering everything from reproductive healthcare services and aesthetic and cosmetic treatments.
What sets Sanur and the Bali International Hospital apart from other medical tourism destinations around the world is that, steps away from the wards, tourists can rest, recover, or even prepare for treatment with a stay at The Sanur.
The 5-star dual hotel resort area is home to The Meru Sanur and Bali Beach Hotel, which is the tallest hotel in Bali, featuring 10 floors and 274 rooms.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Bali International Hospital, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto told the media, “I think (the Sanur Special Economic Zone) is a breakthrough for the first time in our republic, we are planning, or creating a special economic zone for world-class, international-class health services.”
He added, “I saw that Bali International Hospital was also extraordinary. When I entered, I thought it was a hotel. Indeed, the hospital has a hotel feel. The floors are marble. What I mean is, Indonesia is a big country, a developed country, dynamic, so we must also have the best facilities.”
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.