A holiday to Indonesia can pose many financial risks, from delayed flights and lost luggage through to serious overseas medical emergencies. Whenever you’re heading off for an overseas trip, ensuring that you have the right level of travel insurance cover in place is essential for your peace of mind.
Indonesia as a whole is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination for Australian travellers, while Bali has long been a favoured getaway spot for tourists from down under. However, despite its magnificent natural beauty and fascinating culture, Indonesia does present a range of risks that could end up leaving travellers significantly out of pocket if they don’t have the financial protection offered by travel insurance.
Updates for the Lombok earthquake on 5 August, 2018
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Getting the most out of Travel Insurance for Indonesia
On the evening of 5 August 2018, a strong 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit the island of Lombok, Indonesia, killing dozens of people. The quake and its aftershocks were felt on Bali too, where buildings were also damaged.
Travel insurance companies were quick to issue statements about how the earthquake will affect existing and future policies.
| Provider | Update | Am I covered? |
|---|
| 1Cover | 6 August | 1Cover doesn't mention whether new policies cover future earthquakes. However, it has issued this statement for those who have already gotten a policy: "...if your pre-booked travel arrangements are cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a result of the Lombok earthquake and you have not yet departed, you may have provision to claim for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey (whichever is the lesser)." |
| Cover-More (AU) | 5 August | No coverage for earthquake-related claims in Lombok, Indonesia, if you purchased your policy after this date. |
| Downunder Insurance | 6 August | Downunder Insurance doesn't mention whether new policies cover future earthquakes. However, it has issued this statement for those who have already gotten a policy: "...If you've already gotten a policy, if your pre-booked travel arrangements are cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a result of the Lombok earthquake and you have not yet departed, you may have provision to claim for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey (whichever is the lesser)." |
| Fast Cover (Allianz) | 5 August (9:45pm) | If you purchased your Fast Cover policy after this time and date and it was underwritten by Allianz you are not covered for any losses connected to the Lombok earthquake and Fast Cover (Allianz) will not pay any related claims. |
| Fast Cover (Hollard) | 5 August (9:45pm) | If you have coverage from Fast Cover and it was underwritten by Hollard, there is no cover for the following benefits if unless your travel has been directly affected by the earthquake: Benefit 5 - Trip Cancellation Expenses; Benefit 6 - Trip Disruption Expenses; Benefit 16 - Travel Delay Expenses and Benefit 17 - Alternative Transport Expenses. If you purchased your Fast Cover policy after this time and date and it was underwritten by Hollard, your policy does not cover earthquake-related claims for trips to Lombok. |
| iTrek | 6 August | iTrek doesn't mention whether new policies cover future earthquakes. However, it has issued this statement for those who have already gotten a policy: "...If you've already gotten a policy, if your pre-booked travel arrangements are cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a result of the Lombok earthquake and you have not yet departed, you may have provision to claim for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey (whichever is the lesser)." |
| Simply Travel Insurance | August 6th | Simply Travel Insurance doesn't mention whether new policies cover future earthquakes. However, it has issued this statement: "...if your pre-booked travel arrangements are cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a result of the Lombok earthquake and you have not yet departed, you may have provision to claim for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey (whichever is the lesser)." |
| Ski Insurance | August 6th | Ski Insurance doesn't mention whether new policies cover future earthquakes. However, it has issued this statement: "If your pre-booked travel arrangements are cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a result of the Lombok earthquake and you have not yet departed, you may have provision to claim for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey (whichever is the lesser)." |
| Southern Cross Travel Insurance | August 6th (9am) | If you purchased your policy after this time and date, there if no longer coverage for earthquake related claims in Lombok, Indonesia. If you purchased your policy before this time and date, you're still covered. The following statement has been issued: "If your travel plans have been affected by this event, you can submit a claim for either the cost of any additional payments to alter your travel plans or for the loss of your pre-paid travel plans, such as flights, accommodation and tours." |
| Woolworths Travel Insurance | 5 August (9:45pm) | If you have coverage from Woolworths Travel Insurance and purchased your policy before this time and date, you're covered for the following benefits: Section 1: Overseas emergency medical assistane (all policy types); Section 2: Overseas emergency medical and hospital expenses (all policy types); Section 4: Additional expenses (Comprehensive ad Annual Multi-Trip policies only), and only if directly affected by the earthquake. There is no cover for trip cancellation under any policy type. If you purchased your cover after this time and date, there is no cover for any claims arising from earthquakes in Lombok. |
| Zoom Insurance | 6 August | Zoom Insurance doesn't mention whether new policies cover future earthquakes. However, if has issued this statement for those who have already gotten a policy and are already travelling: "...If you have started your journey and your transport is delayed or cancelled or your accommodation is affected due to the Lombok earthquake there may be provision to claim for reasonable additional travel, accommodation and meal expenses." It has also issued the following for those who haven't departed yet: "...If your pre-booked travel arrangements are cancelled, delayed or rescheduled as a direct result of the earthquake and you have not yet departed, you may be able to claim for cancellation or rearrangement of your journey (whichever is the lesser)." |
Do I really need travel insurance for Indonesia?
From its beautiful beaches and soaring mountains to its ancient temples and friendly locals, Indonesia offers an enchanting and memorable experience to travellers. Unfortunately, many of those experiences also come with an element of risk attached. Without insurance, you could be left displaced in a financial mess.
Case Study A
Megan's Fracture
Megan had planned a last minute, eight day trip to Indonesia in early 2015. With the short travelling distance and lack of time to prepare, Megan almost forgot to buy sufficient travel insurance for Indonesia. Luckily Megan's sister Anna reminded her to buy a comprehensive cover inclusive of outdoor activity cover last minute at the airport, knowing that they would be outdoors for the majority of their trip. It was on the 3rd day of the their trip and upon a sunrise hike on Mount Bromo where Megan fractured her ankle as their tour descended back down the mountain. Megan was charged with a large hospital fee for the check up, surgery, stay for the week and medication. Anna provided the hospital with their insurance details, who were able to provide a guarantee of $8,000 payment to the hospital.
Had they not been able to pay, Megan would have been in both financial and physical distress for the rest of her trip.
Case Study B
Carly's Cancellation
Carly had planned a two-week getaway to Indonesia in early 2015. But after months of anticipation, Carly was dismayed when political problems in Indonesia led to a climate of civil unrest and violent protests in certain hotspots around her dream travel destination. With the Government recommending against travel to Indonesia, Carly knew she had little choice but to cancel her trip.
Luckily, her travel insurance policy for Indonesia had cancellation protection, and provided full cover for the cost of cancellation fees and lost deposits she incurred due to civil unrest, allowing Carly to recoup a good portion of her expenses she had forked out for her holiday — around $3,000 in total.
Back to topTravel insurance – what is covered?
- Cancellation of flights/accommodation. Flights can often be cancelled due to circumstances outside of your control or a whole trip may need to be cut short due to an unfortunate death back home. Having travel insurance that can alleviate the financial cost of such situations is essential.
- Overseas medical expenses. Travel Insurance for Indonesia cover's potential medical treatment requirements or hospital fees that could come up from activities you partake in e.g. surfing.
- Evacuation. If Indonesian medical authorities deem it necessary to evacuate you back home, then travel insurance can help cover this.
- Loss of luggage and personal belonging. Attempting to get documentation from an airline is hard enough, let alone in another language. Allow travel insurance to cover the financial implications should they arise.
- Cost of delays. E.g. insure yourself the cost of having to buy food at Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in the case of an 8 hour delay.
- Rental vehicle damages. Renting motorcycles and other vehicles will expose you to many risks.
- Theft. A common occurrence in Indonesia, it is vital that you cover yourself for this.
- Terrorism and civil unrest. While some insurers will have clauses that nullify claims due to these circumstances, some providers will provide trip cancellation protection if a sudden instability in Indonesia causes plans to be halted.
Back to topHow much does travel insurance to Indonesia cost?
The average cost of travel insurance to Indonesia $69.06 to $323.14 depending on your age group.
Prices based on a trip to Indonesia for 2 weeks. Prices last obtained on November 2015.
What does each priced policy
| Policy Features | Cheapest costing policy | Average costing policy | Most expensive costing policy |
|---|
| Overseas Emergency Assistance | | | |
| Overseas Emergency Medical & Hospital Expenses | | | |
| Emergency Dental Expenses [per person] | | | |
| Accidental Death | | | |
| Permanent Disability | | | |
| Hospital Cash Allowance | | | |
| Loss of Income | | | |
| Cancellation Fees and Lost Deposits | | | |
| Additional Expenses | | | |
| Travel Delay Expenses | | | |
| Alternative Transport Expenses | | | |
| Return Airfare | | | |
| Domestic Services | | | |
| Domestic Pets | | | |
| Luggage and Personal Effects | | | |
| Luggage and Personal Effects Delay Expenses | | | |
| Travel Documents, Transaction Cards and Travellers Cheques | | | |
| Theft of Cash | | | |
| Rental Vehicle Excess | | | |
| Personal Liability | | | |
Note: Information is accurate as of September 2019Back to top
Am I covered for riding a moped or motorcycle?
Motorcycle and scooter travel are both very popular ways to get around in Indonesia, so check your insurance policy to see whether you are covered to ride a motorbike. While travel insurance for Indonesia does differ between insurers, as a general rule you will have to satisfy the following requirements in order to be covered when riding a motorbike or scooter:
- You must be wearing a helmet
- You must hold a valid Indonesian licence
- If riding a motorcycle rated 125cc or higher, you must hold a current and valid licence to ride an equivalent powered bike in Australia.
Read more on our guide to motorcycle travel insurance
Back to topDo I have to pay upfront in Indonesian hospitals?
Every year, around 20,000 Australians require emergency assistance from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade while overseas. Of those, many find themselves needing emergency medical treatment, which can be astronomically expensive without travel insurance. Depending on where you’re travelling in the world, hospitals may have different procedures regarding how you will pay for your hospital stay. For example, some travel insurance policies for Indonesia will require you to pay upfront (and then claim later) for a visit to the doctor but will automatically cover the cost of your hospital stay.
In Indonesia, the standard of medical treatment available is lower than in Australia. In most cases, you’ll need to either pay medical bills upfront or provide confirmation that you have travel insurance in place to cover medical costs – even when you need to access emergency care. It’s also worth keeping in mind that medical evacuation to Australia or Singapore is quite a common practice for Australian travellers who fall ill or are injured in Indonesia, and in some situations this can cost in excess of $90,000.
Case Study
Paul and Jenny
Paul was involved in a tuk tuk accident in Indonesia and suffered a broken arm, two fractured ribs and a punctured lung. He was taken to a local hospital to receive treatment, but before admission he was required to provide proof of travel insurance cover for medical costs. His policy with insurance provider A provided upfront cover for all his medical costs, meaning Paul could rest easy and receive the treatment he needed.
Compare that with Jenny who was travelling in the other tuk tuk involved in the accident. She suffered the exact same injuries as Paul, but as she had a travel insurance policy with insurance provider B she did not enjoy the same level of cover. Insurance provider B required her to pay for her own medical costs upfront, which amounted to several thousand dollars and were simply too much for Jenny to afford. Only after receiving an urgent loan from her parents back in Australia could Jenny afford to pay for the treatment she so desperately required.
Back to topTips for travelling to Indonesia
- Exercise a high degree of caution due to the ongoing threat of terrorist attack.
- Be aware of the harsh penalties imposed on certain crimes, for example narcotics offences.
- Stay on top of your personal security and keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times.
- Avoid all protests, demonstrations and rallies.
- Be wary of drink spiking in tourist areas.
- Watch out for scams and credit card fraud wherever you travel.
- An Indonesian holiday can provide a once-in-a-lifetime adventure and a wealth of experiences you’ll never forget, but if you don’t have travel insurance for Indonesia, it could be unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. Shop around and compare all your options to find a policy that offers the cover you need and the peace of mind you desire to let you enjoy your holiday.
Comparing policies – getting the best* value for your money
When you’re comparing travel insurance for Indonesia as part of your search for best* policy, keep these handy tips in mind:
- Get multiple quotes. Getting travel insurance quotes for Indonesia is a breeze online, so make sure to obtain multiple quotes from a range of insurers - use our quote engine. This will give you a good idea of how much cover will cost.
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- Consider your options. Planning to ride a motor cycle in Indonesia? Look for a policy with optional motor cycle cover Are you an adrenalin junkie? Look for a policy that will cover you for participation in a range of adventure activities like scuba diving.
- Don’t buy from a travel agent. Policies from travel agents can cost a whole lot more because of the potential commission your agent adds on top of the price of cover. You can save a whole lot of money – and still get the same level of cover – if you buy your policy online direct from the insurer.
- Read the fine print. This is a tip you should follow when buying any type of insurance. Product disclosure statements contain lots of important info about your policy. Read each PDS closely so you can be fully aware of the features of your policy e.g. You may have a spouse who needs cover too.
- Don’t forget the exclusions. Don’t skim over the general exclusions section of the PDS, as the last thing you want is an unpleasant surprise when you lodge a claim and it is rejected. From rejecting claims because you are under the influence of alcohol as you get into an accident in Jakarta, through to refusing lost or stolen baggage claims when you leave your bags unattended at Kuta Beach in Bali, there are plenty of common exclusions you should be aware of.
- It’s not about the money. Sure, cost is always an important consideration when shopping for travel insurance, but you’ll need to consider the cost of premiums in relation to the cover on offer. This is the best* way to ensure that you get value for money.
- Read our guide to cheaper travel insurance. Get an in depth understanding of adequately covering yourself for less.
How do I make a claim?
Although the exact claiming procedure may differ between insurers, there are certain steps you will generally need to follow if something goes awry while you’re in a non english speaking country like Indonesia. These include:
- If you need emergency assistance. Call your insurer’s emergency assistance line. These are usually staffed 24/7 and can help provide assistance with things like finding a doctor, medical referrals and transport, emergency travel advice, legal help and even an Indonesian translator.
- If you’re the victim of theft. Report the matter to the local Indonesian police immediately and obtain a written copy of the report.
- If an airline or other travel provider loses your baggage. Report this to the travel insurance provider and get confirmation of this in writing.
- Make sure you have receipts for any relevant items. For example, you may need receipts when you incur additional accommodation and meal expenses due to a travel delay, or you may need to purchase emergency toiletries and clothing when an airline misplaces your luggage.
- Make sure you have receipts and proof of ownership for high-value items like laptops and cameras. This will be a big help come claims time.
- Each insurer will provide you with specific instructions. Many provide online claims services to make the process as quick and easy as possible, while others will require you to fill out a claim form and submit it along with any supporting documentation. While it’s possible to claim overseas, as a general rule you will need to lodge your claim with your insurer as soon as possible after returning to Australia but within roughly 30 days.
Who do I contact in an emergency?
If you find yourself in an emergency in Indonesia, some of helpful contacts include:
- You travel insurer. You insurance provider will have an 24/7 helpline for claims and medical emergencies.
- National emergency hotline. You can reach this service by dialing 118.
- Australian Embassies and Consulates. You can find the contact details of Australian Embassies and Consulates in Indonesia below.
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*The use of terms 'Best' and 'Top' are not product ratings and are subject to our disclaimer. You should consider seeking independent financial advice and consider your own personal financial circumstances when comparing travel insurance policies.
*Price based on quote for basic policy for a 2 day trip for 18 year old traveller. Please note that prices are subject to change. Price last checked as correct on October 2015.
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