If you're dreaming of snapping a selfie with a monkey, Ubud is the place to be. For a taste of local life, Penida island is where you want to head. Surfers love Gili Trawangan, and if you're looking for a paradise escape, the powdery sand beaches of Moyo Island are pure bliss. Indonesia's 'Island of the Gods' has earned its name for a reason!
Most British travellers enjoy their Bali adventure without a hitch. But, it's always wise to be prepared for the unexpected. That's why considering travel insurance is important. With the right policy in place, you can have the peace of mind you're covered if something doesn't go to plan.
If you're ready, click 'get a quote' to start comparing policies. If you're not quite there yet and want to learn more about Bali first, no worries. We've got all the information you need. Keep reading for tips on making the most of your trip, including what travel insurance you may want to have in place.
Depending on your needs, you can choose between the following policy types:
Heads up: If you're getting an annual policy, you can select worldwide travel insurance. For a single-trip policy, you can specify that you'll be heading to Bali.
"Bali is known for being a very safe part of Indonesia, with violent crime being rare thanks to the country's strict laws. But, scams and pickpocketing can happen.
To protect yourself, consider getting travel insurance to cover any potential loss from theft. Staying alert and using secure bags can help you avoid being targeted—and potentially save you from needing to make a claim on your insurance."
If you need emergency medical treatment, it's important to know that healthcare can be expensive in Bali. This is where travel insurance comes in. It can cover unexpected medical bills and give you one less thing to worry about.
In some cases, you might need to return to the UK for medical treatment. This could be costly, especially since there's no direct flights back to the UK. Having travel insurance can help cover the expense of getting you home.
If your luggage or personal possessions are damaged, stolen or accidentally lost. Pickpocketing can happen in Bali, so having insurance can give you peace of mind you're covered in this situation.
Travel disruption can happen for reasons beyond your control, like bad weather or mechanical issues. Some policies can cover unexpected costs because of these issues.
If you need to cancel your trip before you go or cut it short because of an unexpected reason, your insurance could cover the cost. Phew.
If the government advises against travel to a certain area, but you go anyway. For example, if the FCDO advises against travel due to volcanic activity and you still travel, you won't be covered.
Medical care in Bali can be expensive. If you don't declare your pre-existing conditions to your insurer, you won't be covered if you need treatment.
Some sports and activities you plan to do might not be covered by standard travel insurance. For example, if you plan to go paragliding, you'll need an activity policy add-on.
If injury, illness or death happens as a result of these substances, your policy may be invalidated.
If you change your mind and decide you no longer want to go to Bali, you won't be covered for any expenses lost.
Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) isn't valid in Bali. So, it's important to consider getting covered with travel insurance.
While healthcare in some cities can meet UK standards, it can be expensive. In more remote areas, the quality of care can be significantly lower. Some facilities may not be able to handle serious illness or injuries, either.
In case of an emergency, the number to dial is 118 for emergency services. It's a good idea to keep this number handy in case you need it. If you do end up in hospital, contact your insurer as soon as you can. This is because most healthcare facilities require proof of payment before providing treatment.
You should also think about medical evacuation or repatriation. This can cost thousands of pounds if needed, especially in remote areas of Bali. But, having travel insurance can protect you from potentially overwhelming expenses. What a relief!
Top Tip: The FCDO has a directory of medical facilities you can use to find English-speaking staff in Indonesia.
When planning your trip to Bali, it's important to remember not all sports are covered by standard travel insurance. So, to avoid any surprises, it's a good idea to review the details of your policy before buying.
If you find that something you plan to do isn't covered, don't worry! You can get a policy add-on for an extra fee. These offer enhanced coverage for activities insurers consider risky. Here's a few you might want to consider for your Bali adventure:
Bali is a golfer's playground and has plenty of top-of-the-range courses, including Bali National Golf Club.
Standard travel insurance can cover a round or two of golf. But, if you’re planning a golfing getaway—it's worth considering a golf policy add-on. It can offer tailored cover for golf-centred holidays, like loss, theft or delay of your clubs, or the cost of hiring replacement clubs. Some policies might even cover a celebratory round of drinks if you score a hole-in-one!
Activity travel insurance is what you'll need to look into for activities and sports insurers consider high-risk.
When it comes to standard travel insurance, you'll usually find certain 'one-off' excursions are covered under your policy. So, if you're planning a day at Waterbom to enjoy the water slides, for example, you're likely all set. But, for more adventurous activities like jet skiing or banana boating, there's a chance you'll need to look into an activity add-on.
Thinking about renting a scooter to explore Bali? They're a popular way to get around, but they're not always covered by standard travel insurance, either. It's worth confirming with your insurer to make sure you're protected. Getting injured on a scooter without the right cover can leave you with a hefty medical bill!
The same goes for activities like hiking. Bali is part of the 'ring of fire' which is a network of over 950 volcanoes extending from Indonesia to Chile. So, because of the risk of volcanic activity, you'll need to consider this add-on.
Helpful hint: What's included and not included under a standard policy can vary from insurer to insurer. So, if you're in doubt about what you'll need cover for, contact them. They'll be happy to help!
Yes, you'll need a visa to enter Bali. But, don't fret - the process for getting one is pretty simple. Hooray! Let's break it down: As a UK citizen, you'll need to make sure that you have the following:
A VOA costs 500,000 Indonesian rupiah, which works out to around £25. You'll also need to pay a tourist levy of 150,000 Indonesian rupiah when you arrive, which is around £8.
If you want to work in Bali, the entry requirements are a little different. You can find everything you need to know on GOV.UK.
There's a few ways that you can apply for your VOA:
If you don't want to go home once your visa is up, you have the option to extend it for another 30 days. But, you'll only be able to do this once. You'll also need to make sure that you extend your visa before it runs out. Otherwise, you'll be fined 1 million Indonesian rupiah for each day you don't have a visa.
Heads up: Be aware of visa scams! Many travellers have paid for a VOA to fake agents, and then fined or deported because their visas are fake. Always make sure you get it online or from a reputable desk at your airport or port.
Whether you're exploring the rice terraces of Ubud or relaxing on the sandy beaches of Seminyak, follow our tips for an unforgettable Bali adventure:
Bali is 7 hours ahead of the United Kingdom. Let family and friends at home know this, so you can stay in touch with them more easily.
Just like other places in Southeast Asia, tap water isn’t safe to drink in Bali. Not even for the locals! The good news is that bottled water is readily available throughout the island. Many travellers buy it in bulk to store in their accommodations. Always drink bottled water, avoid ice in your drinks, and use bottled water for brushing your teeth.
You might also want to consider bringing a refillable water bottle—many establishments offer filtered water coolers where you can refill it for free.
There are 2 seasons in Bali:
With ideal snorkelling conditions, minimal wind and plenty of sunshine, the dry season is the most popular time to visit. But, the wet season also has its perks! Besides fewer crowds—prices for flights, hotels and excursions all tend to be cheaper.
Bali's dress code is casual, so pack your summer clothes. Beachwear is fine for the pool and beach, but you'll need to cover up when visiting restaurants and shops. If you're visiting religious sites, make sure to cover your shoulders and upper legs. If you forget, you can usually buy a sarong for a small fee.
If you're staying in a private residence like an Airbnb, you'll need to register with the local police. This typically involves providing a photocopy of your passport and the address where you're staying. So, bring your passport with you in case it's needed. Failure to register could result in a fine of 5 million Indonesian rupiah, which is about £247.
If you stay in a hotel, registration is normally done automatically.
Along with visa scams, Bali has its share of credit card fraud. Always keep an eye on your card during transactions, and avoid using unlicensed money changers. Look for the Bank of Indonesia logo and a QR code to verify legitimacy.
Scams at nail salons, spas and tattoo shops are also on the rise. So, agree on prices in advance and stick to reputable businesses. You can discover more safety and security guidance on GOV.UK.
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