Choosing Health Insurance Before Moving to Indonesia: 3 Options for Expats

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Before you can fully enjoy life in Indonesia, there are a few practical matters to take care of.

Finding a place to live, arranging your visa, and opening a local bank account are often high on the list.

But one task that shouldn’t be overlooked is choosing the right health insurance.

Whether you’re relocating for work, starting a business, or moving with your family, having the right medical coverage can make a significant difference if you need healthcare after arriving.

This guide explains the two main health insurance options available for expatriates in Indonesia and how to decide which one best suits your needs.

Why Health Insurance Matters Before Moving to Indonesia

Healthcare costs in Indonesia are generally more affordable than in many Western countries, but treatment at private hospitals can still be expensive, especially if you require surgery, specialist care, or emergency treatment.

Having health insurance before you move can help you:

• Access quality healthcare without worrying about unexpected costs.
• Receive treatment at private or international hospitals.
• Get financial protection during medical emergencies.
• Enjoy greater peace of mind while settling into a new country.

If you’re relocating with your family, comprehensive health coverage becomes even more important, particularly if you have young children or ongoing medical needs.

Related article: What Expats Should Know About Indonesian Healthcare – Tips, Insurance & Hospitals

Option 1: International Health Insurance That Covers Indonesia

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For many expatriates, international health insurance is the preferred choice.

These plans are designed for people living or working abroad and typically provide access to private hospitals, multilingual customer support, and higher coverage limits than local insurance.

This option is especially suitable if you:

• Frequently travel between countries.
• Prefer treatment at international-standard hospitals.
• Want access to English-speaking medical services.
• Need coverage that extends beyond Indonesia.

Related article: Health Insurance in Indonesia for Expats: The Complete Guide

Key Benefits of International Health Insurance

Although coverage varies by provider, most international health insurance plans include benefits such as:

• Doctor consultations
• Hospitalization
• Surgeries
• Diagnostic tests
• Prescription medication
• Cancer treatment
• Emergency medical care

Depending on the plan, you may also be able to add benefits such as:

• Outpatient treatment
• Dental and vision care
• Maternity coverage
• Medical evacuation
• Home nursing
• Repatriation assistance

Many providers also offer worldwide coverage, making these plans ideal for expatriates who regularly travel for business or leisure.

Popular International Health Insurance Providers

Several global insurers offer plans that cover expatriates living in Indonesia.

Allianz Care

Allianz Care offers International Health Insurance plans for expatriates in Indonesia.

Its comprehensive plans can include private hospital accommodation, specialist treatment, rehabilitation, cancer care, and optional maternity coverage.

Some plans provide annual coverage of up to US$5 million, making them suitable for those seeking extensive medical protection.

Cigna Global

Cigna Global provides flexible health insurance plans that can be tailored to individual needs.

Policyholders can choose optional modules such as outpatient care, dental and vision coverage, medical evacuation, and wellness benefits.

Its Silver Plan offers annual benefits of up to US$1 million, along with access to an extensive global healthcare network.

Now Health International

Now Health International is another popular choice among expatriates.

Its WorldCare plans include inpatient and outpatient treatment, routine dental care, and maternity benefits.

Depending on the selected plan, annual coverage can reach US$3 million.

Option 2: Buy Private Health Insurance from an Indonesian Insurer

If you plan to live in Indonesia for several years, another option is purchasing health insurance from a local Indonesian insurance company.

Unlike international health insurance plans that are often priced in US dollars, local private health insurance is generally issued in Indonesian rupiah (IDR).

This can make premiums easier to manage if your salary or daily expenses are also in rupiah.

Many local insurers work with extensive networks of private hospitals throughout Indonesia, making them an attractive option for long-term residents who primarily expect to receive treatment within the country.

Advantages of Local Private Health Insurance

Some of the key benefits include:

• Premiums are typically paid in Indonesian rupiah.
• Access to networks of private hospitals across Indonesia.
• Local claims and customer service.
• Premiums may be more affordable than international plans.
• Suitable for expatriates planning a long-term stay.

Things to Consider

Before purchasing a local policy, keep in mind that:

• Overseas medical coverage may be limited or unavailable.
• Coverage limits differ between insurers.
• Medical evacuation is not always included.
• English-language customer support may vary depending on the company.

Examples of Indonesian Health Insurance Providers

Some Indonesian insurers that offer health insurance products include:

• PT Asuransi Jiwa IFG
• PT Asuransi Reliance Indonesia
• PT Central Asia Financial
• PT AXA Financial Indonesia
• PT Heksa Solution Insurance
• PT Asuransi Jiwa Sequis Financial
• PT Lippo Life Insurance
• PT Asuransi Jiwa Sequis Life
• PT Asuransi Jiwa SeaInsure

Before choosing a provider, compare the available plans carefully.

Factors such as annual coverage limits, hospital networks, waiting periods, exclusions, and claim procedures can vary significantly between insurers.

Option 3: BPJS Kesehatan

Another option is BPJS Kesehatan, Indonesia’s public health insurance programme under the Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional (JKN) system.

Although BPJS was originally established for Indonesian citizens, certain foreign nationals are also eligible to join.

According to Indonesia Expat, more than 124,000 foreign nationals had enrolled in BPJS Kesehatan as of mid-2025, reflecting its growing role among long-term expatriates living in Indonesia.

Related article: BPJS for Foreigners in Indonesia | Expat Guide

Who Is Eligible?

In general, BPJS Kesehatan is available to foreign nationals who:

• Hold a valid KITAS or KITAP.
• Work legally in Indonesia.
• Have been employed for at least six months.
• Are registered by their employer.

Short-term visitors, tourists, and many individuals without formal employment are generally not eligible.

If you’re unsure about your status, it’s best to confirm your eligibility before relying on BPJS as your primary health insurance.

What Does BPJS Kesehatan Cover?

Eligible participants receive healthcare benefits similar to those available to Indonesian citizens.

Coverage typically includes:

• Primary healthcare services
• Specialist referrals
• Hospital treatment
• Diagnostic services
• Prescription medication through partner pharmacies
• Preventive healthcare
• Curative and rehabilitative treatment
• Ambulance services in certain situations

This makes BPJS an affordable option for routine healthcare needs during a long-term stay in Indonesia.

What Are the Limitations?

While BPJS provides broad healthcare coverage, there are some important limitations to consider.

For example:

• Patients generally need to follow a referral system before seeing specialists.
• Access to private international hospitals may be limited.
• Some advanced procedures may not be fully covered.
• Waiting times can vary depending on the healthcare facility.
• English-language support may be limited compared with international insurance providers.

Because of these limitations, many expatriates choose to supplement BPJS with private international health insurance for greater flexibility.

Which Option Is Right for You?

The best health insurance depends on your circumstances.

International health insurance is often the best choice if you want comprehensive protection, travel frequently, or expect to use international-standard private hospitals.

Local private health insurance can be a practical alternative if you’re planning to stay in Indonesia for several years, earn income in rupiah, and mainly need healthcare within Indonesia.

If you’re employed in Indonesia and meet the legal requirements, BPJS Kesehatan offers an affordable way to access the country’s public healthcare system.

Some expatriates combine BPJS with private insurance to enjoy both lower everyday healthcare costs and broader protection for more complex medical needs.

Related article: JKN vs Private Insurance Indonesia: Which One Suits You Best?

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Once you’ve arranged your health insurance, the next step is finding the right place to live.

If you’re looking for an apartment for rent in South Jakarta or a house for rent in North Jakarta, explore the latest listings on Rumah123 to find a home that matches your lifestyle and makes your move to Indonesia even easier.