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Bali has long been a popular destination for travelers, with over 10 million people visiting this idyllic Indonesian destination each year. Travel insurance protects your trip from the moment your vacation begins for common travel risks, from “Bali belly” and stolen luggage to scooter accidents and medical emergencies.
Bali is currently closed to international visitors as of February 2021. Check the CDC travel guide before you leave, and make sure your flights are refundable in case of further delays in border openings.
Look into how your insurance covers natural disasters before purchasing a policy, and always check for forecast disasters before buying a plane ticket. When Mount Rinjani on the island of Lombok erupted multiple times in 2016, the resulting ash cloud caused cancellations and disruptions to scores of flights in and out of Bali, leaving thousands of travelers with significant out-of-pocket expenses. While those people who had taken out travel insurance before the first eruption were generally covered for those expenses, travelers who took out a policy after the ash cloud formed were not eligible for any benefits.
How to compare travel insurance for Bali
With travel insurance, you’re protected from common risks faced by every traveler who visits Bali, including:
Overseas medical expenses. If you fall and break your arm on a slippery Kuta street or if you’re hospitalized with a severe case of “Bali belly,” you could face expensive medical bills. Luckily, travel insurance can cover your emergency overseas medical costs.
Medical evacuation and repatriation. If you suffer a serious illness or injury in Bali that requires you to be medically repatriated back home, the cost can be astronomical, unless you have travel insurance.
Cancellation costs. From natural disasters to the unexpected death of a relative, travel insurance covers your cancellation fees and lost deposits if you’re unable to travel due to circumstances beyond your control.
Lost or stolen luggage. If your luggage or personal items are stolen or damaged during your trip, travel insurance covers the cost of their repair or replacement.
Luggage delay. When an airline temporarily loses your luggage, travel insurance can give you the funds you need to buy emergency items like clothing and toiletries until your luggage is returned.
Multiple trips. If you’re planning an extended vacation to other parts of Indonesia or Southeast Asia, consider a policy that covers longer trip durations and multiple destinations.
Theft. Petty crime is a common risk in Indonesia, especially in tourist hotspots, so travel insurance covers the theft of cash, passports and personal items.
Water sports or outdoor adventures. Planning on surfing the Bukit peninsula, snorkeling, parasailing or jet-skiing on your Bali trip? You might need to add this activity coverage to your policy.
Personal liability. Avoid legal trouble for injuring someone or damaging their property, since personal liability coverage is included with travel insurance.
Compare travel insurance for Bali
Cost of travel insurance in Bali
Compare sample policy quotes for a 35-year-old traveler who’s spending $3,000 on a 14-day trip. However, the limits and coverage provided vary from policy to policy, which is why it’s crucial to read the details closely and determine what you’re getting for your money if you choose a cheap travel insurance policy.
You’re drunk. Bali has a reputation as a popular party destination. If you’ve polished off one too many Bintangs and then wander out into traffic without looking, your policy won’t cover your medical bills.
You don’t follow road rules. Each year over 1,500 people die in road accidents in Bali, and the majority involve motorbikes. Some insurers won’t cover any motorcycle or scooter use, even as a passenger, while others will cover drivers if you wear a helmet, have a license and don’t speed.
You don’t look after your stuff. If you leave your bag sitting on a beach while you search for a bathroom, you won’t be covered.
You engage in high-risk activities. Thrill seekers who want to sky dive, cliff jump and rock climb need a specific endorsement.
You have a pre-existing medical condition. If your back problems flare up after the flight to Denpasar, your insurer probably won’t cover you for a trip to the doctor or pharmacy.
You don’t report incidents to the authorities. Report lost luggage to your airline or stolen belongings to the police within 24 hours or you may not be covered.
You engage in protests. If political unrest develops in Bali, many insurers will provide coverage for cancellation fees and lost deposits if you need to cancel your trip, as long as you exercise all reasonable safety precautions and stay well away from any protests or civil commotion.
An act of terrorism delays your travels. Terrorism is commonly listed as a general exclusion on most travel insurance policies.
How to stay safe in Bali
The majority of travelers to Bali experience relaxing, trouble-free vacations. You can stay safe during your trip to Bali and minimize the chances of having to make a travel insurance claim:
Get vaccinated. Ask your doctor about vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria.
Don’t pet the wildlife. Rabies is another common risk in Bali, and it’s most often spread by animal bites and scratches. Don’t feed or pet monkeys or dogs anywhere in Indonesia.
Take care on the road. Balinese traffic is chaotic and congested, and the roads in rural areas can be rough. Be careful on the road, and consider rental vehicle coverage if you’ll be driving.
Be wary of thieves. Avoid card game scams, ATM withdrawals, carrying a lot of cash and bag snatchers on bikes.
Avoid illness. Avoid the dreaded “Bali belly” by only drinking bottled drinks, practicing good hygiene and skipping street food.
Be safe in the water. Don’t venture out too far even if you’re a good swimmer to avoid dangerous surf and riptides.
Check the radar. From November to April, watch our for tropical cyclones in the South Pacific.
Protect your drink. Drink spiking is a risk in Bali nightclubs, so keep your drink with you at all times.
Don’t do drugs. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s common to hear news of a foreigner getting in trouble for drugs in Bali.
Stay alert. The terrorist threat level throughout Indonesia remains high, so keep your wits about you at all times.
Bottom line
Bali is known as the Island of the Gods, and one look at its jawdropping beauty makes it clear that the name is fitting. Pick up a travel insurance policy before you leave so that you can relax on your Bali vacation knowing you’re safe from any financial consequences.
Frequently asked questions about Bali travel insurance
The right level of coverage for you depends on what you’ll be doing on your vacation, how much protection you want and how much you are willing to pay for a policy. A general rule of thumb is to get enough coverage for at least the cost of your trip. The average cost of a vacation to Bali is $1,000 to $2,000 per person for a week, depending on your budget and the cost of airfare. Look for a policy that covers the activities and risks you anticipate plus the total cost of your vacation.
While travel insurance will cover the valuable personal belongings you take on your trip, make sure you’re aware of any limits that apply to coverage. Many insurers allow you to increase the limit for individual items by paying an additional premium.
If you need to make a claim on your travel insurance policy, check with your insurer to find out what options are available. Generally you will need to:
Fill out a claim form. This will usually be available online or can be mailed to you upon request.
Provide supporting documentation. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim. Depending on the nature and complexity of your claim, this can include things like receipts for valuable items, police reports and photographs of damaged or stolen items.
It’s important to notify your insurer of an event that may give rise to a claim as soon as possible after it occurs. Cooperate fully with the insurer throughout the claims process and provide any information or documents needed to complete your claim.
Keep receipts. It’s a good idea to keep receipts or photos of any valuables you have. Having a copy of your travel insurance policy, along with your insurer’s contact details, on your trip can also help you file your claim quicker. Having a photocopy of your passport handy can also be useful if your travel documents are stolen.
Keep copies. Try to get written copies of every important document, including copies of police reports or details of flight cancellations. The more evidence you have to back up your claim, the harder it will be for your insurer to reject it.
Willam Eve is the country manager for Finder's Canada operations. He has previously held the positions of group publisher of insurance for Finder Australia and lead publisher for the Finder global team. William has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney, Australia. He loves the challenge of launching Finder into new markets while helping grow Finder’s global team.
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