The field of medicine in Indonesia is not very progressive, but in recent years, new promising programs have been introduced that contribute to the development of the local healthcare system.

Nevertheless, foreign tourists are increasingly visiting the country for treatment or examinations. Today, medical tourism is most developed in the following Indonesian cities:

• Surabaya;

• Solo;

• Sidoarjo;

• Yogyakarta;

• Jakarta;

• Malang;

• Pasuruan.

There are many public and private clinics in Indonesia. In addition, there are more than 9,700 Puskesmas in the country, which is under the control of the Ministry of Health and is responsible for providing medical care to citizens in various districts. However, the most popular among foreigners are still private institutions that provide better medical care.

Below, we offer useful information on how to travel to Indonesia for treatment or examination and what requirements apply to foreign tourists.

What needs to be done to come to the country for medical care

The first thing to do is to find a suitable clinic for medical care. It is worth remembering that the best level of medical care is provided in private hospitals or centers. The largest number of healthcare facilities that provide quality services are concentrated in the city of Jakarta.

Among the well-known hospitals in the country with a good reputation and decent conditions are:

• Siloam Hospital MRCCC Semanggi;

• Siloam Hospitals Kebon Jeruk;

• Mayapada Hospital Surabaya;

• RSUP Sanglah;

• Rumah Sakit Al-Irsyad Surabaya.

Having decided on a hospital, register on the institution's website and fill out the form. Find the type of treatment or procedure you need. Talk to a doctor and discuss all the terms of the provision of medical services, including the date of the appointment.

Next, you need to take care of documents for permission to visit Indonesia. To receive treatment or undergo an examination in the country, it is better to apply for a medical visa. It is strongly recommended that you check the latest entry requirements with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your trip. Conditions may change at short notice. Also, follow the advice of local authorities.

In addition to entering the country, foreign tourists must present a certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19. More travel information can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/indonesia/health. You can find out about the restrictions at the following link: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/indonesia#travel.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, also check the latest health advice from the National Network and Center for Travelers' Health (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. The Indonesia page has information about vaccine recommendations, health risks or outbreaks, and more.

Terms

For medical care in Indonesia, we recommend obtaining international medical insurance, which will cover many costs, open access to a wide selection of services and procedures, and protect against possible risks. Treatment here is paid. Also, not all institutions, especially state ones, have a level of service that meets international standards. Therefore, insurance is a necessary condition for foreign tourists who decide to receive medical care in the country. You can get a suitable insurance plan from any insurance company.

Necessary documents

When entering the country, foreign tourists usually need to have the following documents with them:

• a valid international certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19, completed at least 14 days before entry (only paper ones with a wet seal are accepted);

• passport;

• return ticket;

• confirmation of accommodation reservation;

• visa;

• medical insurance.

It is advisable to take a medical certificate and confirmation from the Indonesian hospital where the treatment will take place.

Funds

Medical care in Indonesia is paid. In modern private hospitals, procedures and treatment may cost more. However, medicine in the country remains more accessible than in many other countries, which often attracts foreign citizens.

For example, for a consultation in a good hospital, you can pay from 24 to 56 dollars, and in public institutions even less. A ward at a private clinic will cost around $51 to $89 – excluding treatment, tests, or care.

As for plastic surgery, for example, breast augmentation costs about $3,700, nose reduction - $3,500, and septoplasty - $4,300.

Other medical procedures are also offered. In some private institutions, they conduct:

• knee joint replacement - approximately $9,000;

• dialysis - $225;

• hip joint replacement - $9,000;

• cataract removal - about 500 dollars.

Compared with other countries, dental services are quite affordable. Fillings can cost $40-$65, teeth whitening $283, and dental implants $890-$1,780.