Don't go to Indonesia without a perfect travel insurance. A travel-insurance policy that covers at least your medical problems is essential. Theft and loss is something one can overcome. Most important: your policy should cover speedy medical evacuation from anywhere in Indonesia.

Read the fine prints before making a choice for a travel insurance. An example: not having a motorbike license is often a reason for not being reimbursed. And most tourists in Indonesia, drive without a license.

Understand before you travel to Indonesia

Those who are involved in an accident will find themselves in a big problem. The problem is always leading back to the question "who is responsible for this person?", or in other words "who will pay the bill?". As you can't expect a poor man to pay, even if the accident was his mistake, you will need to take care of yourself. You need a travel insurance.

A fictional case description. You are traveling alone by motorbike from Malang to Batu in East Java, as you would like to visit some natural hot springs. The traffic light at the crossing shows green and you continue straight on. As the car from your left didn't stop - as those who are turning left are often allowed to ignore the traffic light - you got hit. Although your injuries aren't that severe, you definitely will need medical treatment to check for internal bleeding and to clean your wounds.
Who will bring you to the hospital as you seem unable to walk. Your head spins and your body hurts all over. Who will call the ambulance? Most probably the police will be called first and then the police will call the ambulance. If anyone else is taking action and brings you either to a private or state owned hospital, he will be held in the hospital till it is clear who will pay the bills. You can imagine why one is reluctant to take you to the hospital. What seems a small accident can end up with high costs.

In fact, Indonesians are very social and will directly turn around to help you when you are in need. But, when it comes to hospitals and processing the administration, time is needed.

Hospitalization in Java and Bali and medical evacuation

Indonesia has - also some pretty good - state owned public hospitals and private hospitals. In general, their work flow is the same. Someone who needs medical attention comes in and only the absolute very necessary will be carried out, till the one who brought the injured in, registered himself and the one who needs medical treatment. In short, only when it is clear who will pay the bill, the injured will be "processed".

Java's and Bali's medical knowledge is developing very fast. But, it is still running behind compared to western standards. Also the necessary equipment is not yet as modern as in western parts of the world. Therefore it is most important to make sure that your travel insurance covers medical evacuation in case of more severe injuries.

Pick your travel insurance

Many insurance companies sell travel insurances online. There is a wide variety of policies. Important is that you can extend and claim online at anytime. Check the small prints carefully before you choose your travel insurance.

• What is the max amount you can get?
• Is medical evacuation included?
• Is the insurance company reachable 24 hours a day and 7 days a week
• Do you have to pay in advance or can the hospital directly get in contact with your insurance company? (staff in the hospital should speak English)
• Check the inclusions, think about hiking on volcanoes and surfing
• Check if you can get reimbursement for third party damages

Cheap versus good travel insurance

If the travel insurance should be as cheap as possible, don't make any compensations for the absolute necessary. The absolute necessary are mentioned under "Pick your travel insurance". To keep it as cheap as possible, check whether you can lower the price if you are with more travelers, or if you take the insurance for a longer period. You can also decide not to cover for theft or flight cancellations, as these are not life threatening.

Some travel insurance companies

There are many travel insurance companies to be found online.  Herewith a few big ones, but please carry out your own web research: WorldNomads, AXA, Allianz, AIG, GMS....

Smartine Indonesia Travel and travel insurance

If your travel with Smartine Indonesia Travel you should purchase your own travel insurance. Not because Smartine Indonesia Travel doesn't want to insure their guests, but simply because Smartine Indonesia Travel can't buy an insurance in Indonesia per tour and per traveler that will cover all necessities and costs in case of an emergency as it isn't offered by any company. Those insurances that are offered have a very low max amount, and many adventurous trips aren't included.

We share this information because we care...

Smartine Indonesia Travel strongly recommends the traveler to obtain insurance such that in the event of any possible risk, it will provide sufficient cover for the client and if applicable, any dependents that he/she is traveling with. It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure that the insurance coverage includes, but is not limited to, medical and health cover for an injury or sudden illness, 24 hour emergency service and assistance (including repatriation if you are too ill to continue with the tour), cancellation and curtailment, lost and stolen possessions cover, personal liability cover as well as cover for all the activities the traveler will be participating in. The traveler must fully understand that some insurance policies will exclude certain adventure activities and will have to borne any risk that may arise as a result. All claims must be directed towards the traveler's insurers.