When thinking of a holiday to Bali, a few things come to mind; zipping around on a scooter, sipping cocktails by the pool, eating delicious meals and so on. While the plan is for this to be a fun-filled holiday, there are few things to beware of — like the safety of water from a tap or icecube and the drastic differences in the traffic conditions that can make your time on the road a little unsafe.
With travel insurance, you’ll be covered for numerous mishaps that can occur while you’re in Bali. These can include:
Emergency medical treatment
Other medical expenses caused by injuries and accidents
Transport to hospital by helicopter or ambulance
Medical evacuations back to Australia
Car rental excess (sometimes an optional extra)
Scooter rental excess (sometimes an optional extra)
Lost or stolen valuables
Natural disasters
Delayed and cancelled flights + associated accommodation expenses
"Unfortunately my flight to Bali was cancelled by the airline the night before I was to depart, and I couldn’t get on another flight until 3 days later. This put me out of pocket for the accommodation that I had booked, totalling around $1,500 for those 3 nights. After I arrived back from my trip, I lodged a claim with Allianz who reimbursed me for those prepaid expenses (less a $300 excess). The claims process was super straightforward. I filled out an online form, uploaded my documentation like tax invoices and the cancellation email. Within 4 days, Allianz had approved my claim and I received the funds a week later. It was the best outcome from a bad situation."
Every travel insurance policy has things you won't be covered for. Common exclusions include:
If you purchase cover after the incident has occurred. For example, if you take cover out after you've been injured and need medical attention.
Pre-existing medical conditions. If you have any major medical conditions, make sure you let your insurer know before taking out a policy. Otherwise you won't be covered for claims related to that condition.
You travel despite government travel advice. For example, if you travel to areas that have a warning from Smartraveller.
Incidents that occur while you're under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For example, if you go out drinking in Seminyak, get injured and need medical attention — travel insurance won't cover you.
Driving vehicles without a licence. You won't be covered for medical costs or personal liability expenses if you drive without a licence in Bali.
What add-ons should I look for?
This depends on your activities while you’re holidaying. Here’s some common optional extras you might like to consider for Bali:
Scooter rental excess insurance
Scuba diving
Surfing
Best travel insurance for Bali: Medibank International Comprehensive
Our verdict:
Medibank International Comprehensive is a great policy for those travelling to Bali because it has generous coverage limits and includes all the optional extras you might need for exploring the streets of Bali.
Pros & cons:
Unlimited overseas emergency assistance
Unlimited overseas medical and hospital expenses
Up to $10,000 for rental car excess insurance
Optional motorcycle cover
Lower cover of $25,000 in the event of permanent disability. Others cover up to $50,000.
No cruise cover.
Why we picked it
Medibank’s International Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy was given a Finder Score of 9.7/10. This is because it offers higher benefit limits than some other policies, yet remains comparatively affordable. The policy can be tailored to suit your holiday and includes add-on options for popular Bali activities, like motorcycle hire.
Select a medical only policy. Medical only or basic policies will generally be the cheaper policies on the market.
Look for promo deals. Use exclusive deals or promo codes to get a discount.
Opt for a higher excess. This will make your policy cheaper but more expensive if you have to claim.
Compare across a handful of travel insurers. Every policy is different so it’s worth comparing to see where you can get the best bang for buck.
Buy your policy early. Get the most value by buying your policy early. It means you're covered for longer while paying the same price.
Our expert says
"When I travel, I don't want to fork out a lot for travel insurance. I always get something above the bare minimum though which usually only covers medical-only expenses. Flight disruptions and delayed luggage are really common, so look for a cheap policy that covers me for these things."
If you need emergency hospital care due to getting Bali belly then yes, you should be covered.
No, it is recommended that you don’t drink the water in Bali. This extends to using tap water while brushing your teeth and being cautious not to swallow any while washing your face. Additionally, you should not consume drinks with icecubes or eat salads where water may have been used to rinse the salad leaves.
Before travelling to Bali all travellers should make sure routine vaccinations are up to date and speak to a doctor about other travel vaccinations.
Smartraveller.gov.au and a doctor can advise the risks of any other diseases/viruses, which can include:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Tetanus
Influenza
Japanese encephalitis
Measles
Malaria
Zika
Dengue fever
The cheapest policy will usually only cover you for medical expenses. However, flight disruptions and petty crime are fairly common in Bali so it may be worth getting comprehensive travel insurance. This can cover you for medical expenses, trip rearrangement costs, theft, luggage delay and more.
Gary Ross Hunter was an editor at Finder, specialising in insurance. He’s been writing about life, travel, home, car, pet and health insurance for over 6 years and regularly appears as an insurance expert in publications including The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian and news.com.au. Gary holds a Kaplan Tier 2 General Advice General Insurance certification which meets the requirements of ASIC Regulatory Guide 146 (RG146). See full bio
Gary Ross's expertise
Gary Ross has written 644 Finder guides across topics including:
Peta Taylor is a publisher at Finder, working across all of insurance. She's been analysing product disclosure statements and publishing articles for over 2 years. Peta is passionate about demystifying complex insurance products to help users make well educated decisions with confidence. Peta is part of Finder's insurance awards team and works alongside editorial and insights experts to bring users the best insurance products every year. See full bio
Find out how to get travel insurance for children/under 18s travelling without the supervision of their parents and learn the terms and conditions for getting free child cover for your dependent child.
Medibank is a leading travel insurance provider in Australia offering cover for international comprehensive, international medical only cover and more. Read the finder.com.au review for a breakdown of the policy and more.
I am a 74 year old Pensioner, who spends nearly 6 months of the year in Bali. I have mild Oestesporosis and mild Enphysemia and just need the basic insurance to get me back to Australia if anything were to happen to me in Bali. How much would I be approximately? Would it be cheaper t purchase per the 60 day holiday or to purchase for a year?
Finder
JamesSeptember 23, 2021Finder
Hi Richard,
Based on your situation, a seniors travel insurance might be a good option to consider. It offers benefits such as cover for pre-existing medical conditions and accidents overseas.
When you’re ready, you can get a quote from the providers listed in the guide. Click the green ‘Get Quote’ button to get started.
Before applying, always read a policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) so that you’re aware of what you’re covered for, along with and exclusions or restrictions.
I hope this helps,
Regards,
James
angFebruary 16, 2016
Hi
With the volcano issues in Bali, what would be the best cover to get in relation to missed flights, missed work, more accommodation? Assuming you are in Bali when it happens?
Thanks
Finder
RichardFebruary 17, 2016Finder
Hi Ang,
Thanks for your question. It is always advisable to get cover before you leave. As there is no current eruption, there are no moratoriums on the cover.
There is no best cover, as cover needs vary from person to person. To compare your travel insurance options from the brands in our panel, enter your travel details into the form. Once you have done so, you will be able to view the various brands on offer, their cost and levels of cover.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
GabriellaAugust 9, 2015
Does being licenced to ride a motorcycle include L’s?
Finder
RichardAugust 10, 2015Finder
Hi Gabriella,
Thanks for your question. Generally it means you have to have an unrestricted licence.
I hope this helps,
Richard
GeoffMay 7, 2015
My wife and daughter are travelling to Bali in June for 9days, obviously they need travel insurance but they would also like cover for riding scooters are you able to give me a quote
Finder
RichardMay 8, 2015Finder
Hi Geoff,
Thanks for your question.
If you would like to review how the insurers in our panel treat motorcycle use while traveling, please have a look at motorcycle travel insurance. Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features, and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
JudyMarch 14, 2015
I have travel insurance with Priceline and was wondering if I am covered if the government puts out a travel warning for Bali where I am travelling to.
Finder
RichardMarch 19, 2015Finder
Hi Judy,
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, finder.com.au is a comparison service. I contacted Priceline and who said at this point in time, they do not have any specific instructions for people travelling to Bali. If you are after specific information in regards to travel warnings, please refer to the General Exclusion section in the PDS. I would be worth pointing out that travel warnings do change, so keep an eye on this be taking advantage of services such as Smartraveller.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
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I am a 74 year old Pensioner, who spends nearly 6 months of the year in Bali. I have mild Oestesporosis and mild Enphysemia and just need the basic insurance to get me back to Australia if anything were to happen to me in Bali. How much would I be approximately? Would it be cheaper t purchase per the 60 day holiday or to purchase for a year?
Hi Richard,
Based on your situation, a seniors travel insurance might be a good option to consider. It offers benefits such as cover for pre-existing medical conditions and accidents overseas.
The exact cover and premium you’ll pay will vary between providers. Read our guide on Seniors Travel Insurance (https://www.finder.com.au/travel-insurance/seniors-travel-insurance) for more information.
When you’re ready, you can get a quote from the providers listed in the guide. Click the green ‘Get Quote’ button to get started.
Before applying, always read a policy’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) so that you’re aware of what you’re covered for, along with and exclusions or restrictions.
I hope this helps,
Regards,
James
Hi
With the volcano issues in Bali, what would be the best cover to get in relation to missed flights, missed work, more accommodation? Assuming you are in Bali when it happens?
Thanks
Hi Ang,
Thanks for your question. It is always advisable to get cover before you leave. As there is no current eruption, there are no moratoriums on the cover.
There is no best cover, as cover needs vary from person to person. To compare your travel insurance options from the brands in our panel, enter your travel details into the form. Once you have done so, you will be able to view the various brands on offer, their cost and levels of cover.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
Does being licenced to ride a motorcycle include L’s?
Hi Gabriella,
Thanks for your question. Generally it means you have to have an unrestricted licence.
I hope this helps,
Richard
My wife and daughter are travelling to Bali in June for 9days, obviously they need travel insurance but they would also like cover for riding scooters are you able to give me a quote
Hi Geoff,
Thanks for your question.
If you would like to review how the insurers in our panel treat motorcycle use while traveling, please have a look at motorcycle travel insurance. Please make sure to read the eligibility criteria, features, and details of the policy, as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statement of the policy before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. If necessary, speak to the insurance brand to verify any details.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard
I have travel insurance with Priceline and was wondering if I am covered if the government puts out a travel warning for Bali where I am travelling to.
Hi Judy,
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, finder.com.au is a comparison service. I contacted Priceline and who said at this point in time, they do not have any specific instructions for people travelling to Bali. If you are after specific information in regards to travel warnings, please refer to the General Exclusion section in the PDS. I would be worth pointing out that travel warnings do change, so keep an eye on this be taking advantage of services such as Smartraveller.
I hope this was helpful,
Richard