What To Do If You Get Sick In Bali

Bali is paradise — palm trees, fresh coconuts, vibrant culture, and endless beaches. But even in paradise, you might find yourself not feeling 100%. Whether it’s “Bali Belly,” heat exhaustion, or something unexpected, getting sick in Bali can feel pretty scary — especially if you don’t know the healthcare system or speak the language.

The good news? You’re not alone — and getting help in Bali is easier than you think.

This ultimate guide is here to walk you through everything. From how to find an English-speaking doctor in Bali, to what to do in an emergency, to using travel insurance and finding a pharmacy at 10 pm — we’ve got you covered.

Understanding Bali’s Healthcare System

Bali’s healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. As a traveler, the difference really matters.

Private vs. Public

• Public hospitals are available for locals and tourists, but they can be crowded, under-resourced, and often lack English-speaking staff.
• Private hospitals and clinics are much more tourist-friendly. They offer modern facilities, shorter wait times, and staff who speak English. Yes, they cost more — but if you have travel insurance, most or all of it will be reimbursed.
  

Some of the best private hospitals in Bali:

• BIMC Hospital (Kuta and Nusa Dua)
• Siloam Hospitals (Denpasar)
• Kasih Ibu Hospitals (multiple locations)
• Sanglah Hospital International Wing (Denpasar)

Emergency Medical Care in Bali

If something feels serious — don’t wait. Bali has emergency services, but they work a bit differently than what you may be used to back home.

Emergency Numbers

• 112 – General emergency line (ambulance, fire, police)
• 118 – Direct ambulance service
• 110 – Police
• 113 – Fire
• 115 – SAR (search and rescue)
  

How to Call an Ambulance in Bali

• Call 112 or 118
• Describe the issue and give your exact location (drop a pin using Google Maps)
• Say: “Saya butuh ambulans” (I need an ambulance)
• If you don’t speak Bahasa, ask: “Ada yang bisa bicara bahasa Inggris?” (Is there someone who speaks English?)
  

Important: Ambulance response times in Bali can be slow. In many cases, a taxi or private driver may get you to the hospital faster.

Hospital or Urgent Care?

• Go to the hospital if you’re experiencing serious symptoms: severe stomach pain, head injury, high fever, broken bones, or extreme dehydration.
• Go to a walk-in clinic for things like Bali Belly, ear infections, minor injuries, rashes, or general malaise.
  

Many clinics accept walk-ins, and a lot of them work with travel insurers directly.

Pharmacies & Medication: What You Need to Know

In Bali, pharmacies are called “Apotek” and you’ll find them everywhere — from beach towns to quiet inland villages.

What You Can Get at a Pharmacy

• Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
• Anti-diarrhea and rehydration solutions
• Cold and flu medication
• Antibiotic creams
• Antihistamines for bites or allergies
• First aid supplies

Many Balinese pharmacists speak basic English and can give helpful advice — but they’re not doctors. If your symptoms are serious or last more than a day or two, it’s best to get a proper medical consultation.

24/7 Pharmacies in Bali

Some of the larger pharmacies (like Kimia Farma, Guardian, or Century) offer 24-hour service, especially in Kuta, Denpasar, and Ubud. To find one:

• Search Google for “Apotek 24 jam near me”
• Ask your hotel or villa host
• Check signs outside closed pharmacies — they often post directions to the nearest open one

What to Do if You’ve Got Travel Insurance

If you bought travel insurance before your trip — excellent! It can save you hundreds of dollars on care, especially at private clinics or hospitals.

What Does Travel Insurance Usually Cover?

• Doctor consultations
• Hospital stays
• Medications
• Ambulance costs
• Medical evacuation (in rare, severe cases)

What You’ll Need for a Claim

• A doctor’s report or medical certificate
• All receipts (doctor’s fees, pharmacy, tests)
• Proof of travel (flight ticket, hotel booking)
• Your insurance policy number

Tip: Save digital copies of everything. Email them to yourself or keep them in Google Drive.

Language Barriers

Most Balinese locals speak some English — especially in touristy areas — but medical conversations can still get tricky.

Useful Phrases

• “Saya sakit.” – I am sick
• “Saya butuh dokter.” – I need a doctor
• “Saya alergi terhadap…” – I am allergic to…
• “Dimana rumah sakit?” – Where is the hospital?
• “Bisakah Anda berbicara dalam bahasa Inggris?” – Can you speak English?
  

Too tired to fumble with Google Translate?

How to Avoid Getting Sick in Bali

Let’s be honest — no one wants to be curled up in bed with Bali Belly while their friends are waterfall hopping.

Common Illnesses in Bali

• Bali Belly – traveler’s diarrhea from food/water
• Dehydration or sunstroke
• Dengue fever – mosquito-borne illness
• Heat rash or fungal skin infections
• Scooter injuries (yep, they’re common)

Is Bali’s Tap Water Safe?

No — never drink tap water in Bali. Stick to sealed bottled water for drinking, brushing your teeth, and rinsing fruit. Many restaurants and cafes use filtered water, but ask if you’re unsure.

Food Safety Tips

• Eat at popular, busy restaurants with good reviews
• Avoid raw seafood or undercooked meat unless you know it’s high-quality
• Wash or peel fruits from markets
• Carry hand sanitizer and use it often — especially after handling money or before eating

Healthcare Tips for Pregnant Travelers & Those with Pre-Existing Conditions

Pregnant? Managing a health condition? You can still enjoy Bali — but plan ahead.

Important Steps

• Bring a written summary of your health history (in English, and if possible, translated)
• Carry extra medication and a copy of your prescription
• Know the location of the nearest private hospital near your accommodation
• Avoid risky activities (scooters, long hikes, street food)
  

You can also pre-book a check-up through Air Doctor to make sure you’re good to go.

Finding an English-Speaking Doctor in Bali

This is where most travelers struggle: you’re sick, and you need someone who understands you.

That’s where Air Doctor comes in.

It connects travelers with trusted, local doctors in Bali who speak English. You can:

• Book instantly — online or via the app
• Choose a video consult or in-person visit
• Get receipts and documents for your insurance
• Access specialists if needed

Getting Help Beyond Healthcare

If you’ve been hospitalized, need help replacing lost medication, or have a more serious situation — your embassy or consulate can help.

They can:

• Recommend doctors or hospitals
• Help you communicate with local authorities
• Contact family back home
• Assist with lost or stolen prescriptions/passports
  

Save your embassy’s phone number in your contacts — better to have it and not need it!

Recap: What to Do if You Get Sick in Bali

Before you go; here’s a quick recap of what to do if you get sick in Bali.

• For emergencies, call 112 or 118
• Visit private hospitals or clinics for faster, reliable care
• Use pharmacies (Apotek) for common meds and advice
• Have your insurance documents and receipts ready
• Use Air Doctor to book a doctor who speaks English
• Stay hydrated, avoid tap water, and eat smart
• Plan ahead if you’re pregnant or managing a condition

Contact your embassy if the situation escalates

About the Air Doctor App

With the Air Doctor app in your pocket, you can access medical care and receive expert medical guidance in Bali (and anywhere else you travel).

Air Doctor offers a wide range of benefits, including:

• A global network of over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists
• Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations
• Active in 90 countries
• 24/7 multi-lingual support
• Transparent pricing and reviews
• Most common medical specialties, including cardiologists

FAQs