There are quite a few decent small private clinics in Bali, as well as public hospitals. Public hospitals are comparable to our local outpatient clinics. They offer a wider range of medical services: for example, you can get an ultrasound scan, an X-ray, various operations, and be admitted for inpatient care.
The main advantages of public hospitals are the availability of diagnostic equipment, affordable prices (especially important if you don’t have insurance), they accept BPJS, and they’re not focused on squeezing as much money out of you as possible, even if you’re a foreigner.
On the downside, the service and attitude can match that—though not always. Often you’ll find worn-out walls, queues and endless waiting, and it can be impossible to reach the hospital (you won’t be able to message on WhatsApp and book a time).
Sometimes there’s a dismissive attitude from administrative staff, and doctors may simply leave before consulting hours end or not show up at all. There may also be a language barrier, but not always. Still, there will usually be someone who speaks English and can help you.
Private hospitals are usually small, but clean and well-maintained clinics where you can see a doctor for a consultation or get a blood test. There’s no X-ray, and they won’t do an ultrasound scan either. On the plus side, they are almost always open 24/7.
In an emergency, they can definitely patch you up. These clinics almost always work with insurance, and many offer discounts for KITAS holders. They will also almost always try to sell you medicines at 3–4 times the pharmacy price, so we recommend buying medication from pharmacies in Bali.
Prices can vary a lot from one clinic to another—anything goes. So before choosing a clinic, message them in advance on WhatsApp and ask about prices for the services you need. In Bali it’s not common to publish price lists openly. In general, getting clear information on what costs how much can be quite difficult here. But on WhatsApp, in 99% of cases you’ll get a very quick reply at any time of day or night—you’re a potential customer, after all.
In your message, specify exactly what service you need (for example, a complete blood count — Complete Blood Count). If you have insurance, don’t forget to confirm whether the clinic works with your insurer and whether they offer discounts for KITAS holders. If you need a blood test, check whether the quoted price includes the blood draw (even in our private clinics it’s almost always charged separately) and any administrative fees—which often exist.
They’re small (around 30–50k), but they do apply. Also ask whether you need to see a doctor in order to do the tests. In some clinics you won’t be allowed to do tests without a doctor’s referral, and you’ll arrive and waste your time.
After you’ve booked the clinic, still confirm the price again right before the procedure. You never know—maybe a different administrator replied on the phone, or the prices were updated overnight; that happens in Bali too. This way you’ll protect yourself from unpleasant surprises, and your visit to the clinic will leave only a good impression.
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