If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia, don’t overlook an important part of your trip: health and travel protection.
Here’s a clear breakdown of the travel insurance rules, entry requirements, and how the SatuSehat Health Pass (SSHP) and Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) fit into your travel checklist.
Is Travel Insurance Required for Indonesia?
For most tourists, travel insurance is not legally required to enter Indonesia. However, the Indonesian government highly recommends that all visitors be covered by both travel and health insurance during their stay.
Some travelers, particularly those applying for long-stay or social-cultural visas, may be required to present proof of valid insurance during their visa application or upon entry.
Why should I get travel insurance for Indonesia?
Even without a legal obligation, insurance provides essential protection.
Indonesia’s healthcare system is not free for tourists. If you get sick or injured, especially in remote areas or islands, the cost of medical care or emergency evacuation can be significant.
Private hospitals usually require upfront payment, and without insurance, this could put you in financial trouble. Even minor incidents like food poisoning, motorbike accidents, or lost luggage can result in expenses and disruption.
What Should Your Travel Insurance Cover?
Choose a plan that includes:
- Emergency medical treatment: Minimum $50,000 coverage is ideal, especially for hospital stays or surgery.
- Repatriation and evacuation: This is crucial if you need airlift to another country or back home.
- COVID-19 coverage: Some policies still offer pandemic-related care and trip disruptions.
- Trip interruption or cancellation: Protect your investment if your trip gets cut short or delayed.
- Lost or stolen luggage: Essential for peace of mind when flying with stopovers.
- Extreme sports: Add this if you're diving, hiking, surfing, or biking.
Most insurers now offer Indonesia-specific plans. Compare prices online and read the fine print. Look for 24/7 support and coverage in your destination region.
Is Health Insurance Accepted in Indonesia?
While most international insurance policies are technically accepted, many Indonesian hospitals require cash payment first.
You may need to pay upfront for treatment and then file a claim for reimbursement with your insurer.
A few major hospitals in larger cities like Jakarta or Denpasar (Bali) have partnerships with global insurance providers and may offer direct billing, but this is not guaranteed.
To avoid issues, carry printed proof of your insurance coverage and a list of emergency contact numbers.
Insurance & the SatuSehat Health Pass (SSHP)
While insurance is not legally required, the SatuSehat Health Pass (SSHP) is mandatory for all travelers entering Indonesia.
It was introduced as part of Indonesia’s post-pandemic health infrastructure. Today, it’s used to:
- Track travelers’ health data
- Confirm vaccination records
- Enable access to local healthcare
You’ll need to:
- Download the SatuSehat app (available on Android and iOS)
- Create an account with your passport
- Upload your COVID-19 vaccination certificate (if applicable)
Your SSHP may be checked:
- At airports or ports
- When entering tourist sites
- In some hotels or public spaces
This applies to tourists, business travelers, and residents.
Without the SSHP, you may face delays at entry or be refused access to certain venues.
How the e-CD, SSHP, and Insurance Work Together
Here’s what your entry checklist should look like:
- Flight booked
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Visa, if needed (many travelers qualify for visa on arrival)
- Travel insurance with medical coverage
- SatuSehat Health Pass (SSHP) account set up
- Electronic Customs Declaration (e-CD) submitted online before arrival
These steps help smooth your arrival and reduce your health risk.
Travel Tips Before You Go
HEre are some extra tips to ensure safe travel:
- Bring printed proof of your SSHP registration
- Use a VPN if your insurer’s site is blocked abroad
- Save your insurance policy PDF and contact numbers on your phone
- Store passport copies, prescriptions, and emergency contacts in the cloud
If you're traveling soon, start by submitting your Electronic Customs Declaration now. Pair it with your SSHP registration and a solid insurance plan so you can explore Indonesia with peace of mind.
