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Public hospitals and private clinics in Indonesia

You'll find that Indonesia's healthcare system is split between the public facilities and private clinics and hospitals. Public hospitals play a key role in providing basic health care across the country, especially under the national health insurance scheme (more on that below). Unfortunately, they can be crowded and may not have the best of standards – the equipment and waiting times can vary widely depending on the region.

Because of this, a lot of expats prefer private clinics and hospitals, especially in major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, and Denpasar. Leading private facilities will offer higher standards of care, use much more modern equipment, and have 24/7 access to English-speaking doctors – even for routine care and non-emergency treatment.

It's worth pointing out that the quality of care in private facilities can also vary, and costs are going to be a lot more than what you'd pay in the public system. Again, most advanced private hospitals are concentrated in urban centers. There's a real disparity in health access between Indonesia's cities and rural areas.

For complex or highly specialized treatment, some expats (and an increasing number of Indonesian citizens) will even seek medical care in neighboring countries such as Singapore or Malaysia, depending on the condition, availability of specialists, and their insurance coverage.

With all of this in mind, if you're planning to relocate to Indonesia and live outside the major urban areas, you should identify the nearest appropriate medical facilities in advance and factor this into any decision you make about living there.

How to find a doctor in Indonesia

Because Indonesia has a mix of public and private healthcare, the ways you can find a doctor vary. Having said this, it is relatively straightforward.

If you're going through the public system (BPJS), then you'll want to first register at a local community health clinic (a Puskesmas), and you'll then be assigned a primary care doctor (a GP. If you need specialist care or a hospital, you'll need a referral first. The public system works, but there may well be longer wait times involved.

In private hospitals and clinics, you can make a direct booking to see a doctor via hospital apps and websites, or even on WhatsApp. Many Indonesians will actually skip a GP and just go straight to seeing a specialist. When you book, you can usually get next-day appointments or even same-day, depending on where you are and what time it is.

Health insurance in Indonesia

Foreigners living and working in Indonesia need to have some sort of health insurance. Employees will be enrolled in Indonesia's national health insurance system, Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN), which is administered through BPJS Kesehatan.

JKN is a contributory system, not a free healthcare program. For salaried employees, monthly payments are usually shared between employer and employee, calculated as a percentage of salary (up to a defined cap).

While JKN provides access to a broad network of healthcare providers, many expats still choose to take out some sort of additional private or international health insurance. These policies often offer access to a wider choice of private hospitals, English-speaking medical staff, coverage for treatment outside Indonesia and even a medical evacuation if it's required.

Good to know:

Medical evacuation coverage is particularly important in Indonesia, where geography and infrastructure can seriously limit access to advanced care. Evacuation arrangements depend on location, insurer and your circumstances, and may involve air ambulance services or perhaps even transport to another country.

Medication and pharmacies in Indonesia

Pharmacies (apotek) can be found everywhere in Indonesia, especially in cities and larger towns. Many common medications (including antibiotics, pain relief, and treatments for chronic conditions) are available, usually for a really low price! Any reasonably sized town (and even many smaller villages) will have at least one apotek – often a dozen. Bear in mind that when you visit an apotek, the medical knowledge and understanding of the staff who work at each one can vary a lot. At the end of the day, the staff is most likely not qualified doctors, although doctors do sometimes practice at certain apoteks during certain hours.

You may also find that some medications that you'd usually need a prescription for in other countries can be bought over the counter in Indonesia, while others (especially certain controlled drugs or specific branded medicines) may be restricted or completely unavailable. Expats who rely on regular prescription medication should check the availability in advance and carry an adequate supply when first arriving, along with a doctor's prescription.

In major cities, pharmacists and medical staff are more likely to speak English, while language barriers will probably be more common in smaller towns.

Chronic conditions and long-term care in Indonesia

Chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension can usually be managed in Indonesia, especially in private hospitals and specialist clinics in major urban centers. Having access to specialists, diagnostic services, and the regular follow-up care that's needed is always going to be more reliable in cities such as Jakarta and Bali.

Outside of the larger cities, continuity of care and access to certain treatments may be very limited. For more complex or highly specialized long-term treatment, some expats opt for periodic care in neighboring countries, depending on their medical needs and insurance coverage.

If you do have a chronic condition, then it's worth sorting out comprehensive health insurance, finding suitable healthcare providers early, and making sure that you have ongoing access to necessary medication and monitoring.

Dental care in Indonesia

Dental care is widely available in Indonesia, particularly in urban areas, and is usually very affordable compared to many Western countries. Private dental clinics in major cities offer very good standards of care, including routine check-ups, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, and emergency treatment.

Dental services are typically not fully covered under the national health insurance scheme, and many expats rely on private or international insurance for their teeth. Just like other healthcare services, the quality can really vary, so asking around for recommendations is sensible.

Health risks in Indonesia

Being on the equator, in the tropics, Indonesia comes with some health risks baked in. You can reduce a lot of these risks through simple measures like good hygiene, especially when it comes to food and water! You should only drink bottled water, or at least water that's been properly treated. Also, make sure all your food is thoroughly cooked, especially when you're eating street food.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, malaria (in some regions), and Zika are unfortunately present. Sensible measures include using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers, and reducing any stagnant, standing water around your home (this is where the mosquitoes breed and hang around).

Meanwhile, rabies does remain a concern in parts of the country, thanks to stray dogs and increased contact with monkeys or other wildlife in touristy areas. You should avoid contact with animals and seek medical attention immediately if you're bitten or even scratched.

During the dry season (from May to November), forest fires in parts of Indonesia can actually cause haze and air pollution. So if you have any respiratory conditions, you should be aware of this and pay attention to any air quality alerts.

Travelers and residents should also make sure that routine vaccinations are up to date and follow medical advice in their region of residence. Indonesia is a huge country, so each individual island is effectively its own country, with its own wildlife and risks.

Infectious disease considerations in Indonesia

Public health conditions and entry health requirements can also change over time. Residents and travelers should stay informed through official Indonesian government channels and international health authorities. We suggest that you:

• Keep routine vaccinations up to date.
• Follow local public health guidance.
• Check current entry requirements and health advisories before traveling.

This approach means you're prepared without relying on outdated or rapidly changing information.

Health centers in Indonesia

As we've already outlined, Indonesia's best-equipped medical facilities are found in the major cities. Jakarta, in particular, offers a wide range of private hospitals and specialist services.

The Pondok Indah Hospital Group comes highly rated thanks to its international accreditation, many recognized specialist capabilities, digital innovation, and a reputation for quality care. The RSPI and Purah Indah branches are particularly well regarded.

Meanwhile, Siloam Hospital Groups also perform and rank consistently well, with a broad range of clinical services, international accreditation, continuous innovation (including robotic surgery), strong specialist teams, and consistent quality improvements across its hospitals. Kebon Jeruk is a branch that is particularly well regarded.

In South Jakarta, you'll also find Medistra Hospital – a private healthcare institution recognized for integrating advanced medical technology with highly skilled professionals. Established in 1991, it's one of Jakarta's leading hospitals, serving both local and international patients with comprehensive, high-quality care across multiple specialties.

International medical assistance providers and expat-focused healthcare services can help identify suitable facilities and doctors. Telemedicine services are also available today, allowing you to consult doctors based in Indonesia or abroad, all through your phone.

As always, because the healthcare quality varies, expats should ask for recommendations and verify any facilities before treatment whenever possible.

What to do in case of a medical emergency in Indonesia?

If you have a medical emergency in Indonesia, the following emergency numbers are used:

• Ambulance / medical emergency: 118 or 119
• Police: 110
• General emergency services: 112 (where available)

Thanks to the awful traffic congestion in large cities, reaching the nearest private hospital or clinic directly may sometimes be faster than waiting for an ambulance. If you do need to go to the hospital, then you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Indonesia is located in a seismically active region, so you can expect a lot of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, and tsunamis in certain areas. Wherever you live, you should familiarise yourself with local emergency procedures and follow guidance from Indonesian authorities.

While Indonesia has experienced security incidents in the past, things are currently fairly calm at the time of writing, and the overall situation tends to vary by region and over time. Expats and travelers should stay informed through official government travel advisories and local news sources.

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