You are going to study in Indonesia. That’s exciting. It also implies that you should have the appropriate health cover. A basic budget can get you out of huge expenses and long queues. A smart strategy can even go further, such as providing the access to the exclusive hospitals, direct billing, and emergency evacuation to Singapore or your native country. This guide takes you through the things to consider, which providers to consider and how to make your choices confidently. I will use simple language and advice. I would also refer to credible sources to allow you to check anything valuable to you.
Why insurance is not optional for most students
The public scheme of Indonesia, BPJS Kesehatan, does cover qualified foreigners under some conditions regarding residence but it is geared towards residents that utilize the public system. Lots of students continue to use private or international plans due to speed, English-speaking support, more extensive hospital coverage, and evacuation coverage. In case you are intending to use in-country facilities in large cities (Jakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar) or make domestic travel, then it is safer to use the private cover. There are also some visas and universities that require evidence of comprehensive cover.
Key context in one minute. You are permitted to join BPJS Kesehatan in case you spend at least six months of legal stay. It is cheap and expansive, however, the level of care is mostly in the state network and can be not as fast, convenient, or international as many students would like it to be. The other option is international direct-billed private insurance and evacuation. That is the reason why you will hear students blending BPJS to cover the basics with individual insurance on bigger risks. Take into account your risk level, money, and place of actual care.
What to look for in a student/expat plan
Start with the basics, then add the extras that match your life.
- Inpatient + outpatient at private hospitals in your city. Verify the network, not just the country. Ask for a current hospital list and confirm direct billing at those sites.
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation. Regional medical transport (often to Singapore or Malaysia) can be life-saving; make sure it’s included and clear on triggers.
- Clinic access and diagnostics. You will use outpatient far more than inpatient. X-rays, labs, and specialist consults should be easy to book and claim.
- Pre-existing conditions and waiting periods. Ask in writing how your condition is treated and whether limited benefits or exclusions apply. This is a frequent point of confusion.
- English support and 24/7 assistance. Claims, approvals, and emergencies need fast response in a language you’re comfortable with.
- Travel coverage. If you’ll visit home or hop around Southeast Asia, choose a plan with clear out-of-Indonesia benefits. Some insurers publish “coverage zones”—read them.
- Visa/university compliance. Some schools provide a template or minimum benefits. Match that document point by point before you pay.
Tip: If a plan markets “cashless” or “direct billing,” confirm where it actually works. Ask for three nearby hospitals where you can show your card and pay nothing up front except any co-pay. Then call one hospital to verify. Ten minutes now prevents painful surprises later.
The short list: reputable providers serving students and expats in Indonesia
Below are ten providers frequently recommended for expats and internationally mobile students in Indonesia. Some sell student-specific plans; others sell individual expat policies that are suitable for students. Always compare the precise benefits you need.
- AXA Global Healthcare – International health plans with virtual doctor options, direct billing in many networks, and modular benefits. AXA has a dedicated Indonesia information page for expats. Ask about short-term cover if your program is under a year. AXA – Global Healthcare+1
- Cigna Global – Flexible international medical plans with tiered coverage (e.g., Silver/Gold/Platinum), outpatient add-ons, and a large global support network. They publicly describe claim-processing targets and cost-share mechanics, which helps you gauge service. Cigna Global+1
- Allianz Care – Offers international healthcare plans and Indonesia-specific guidance. Look for options that combine inpatient, outpatient, and evacuation. Check their regional plan if you only need Asia coverage versus worldwide. allianzcare.com+1
- Now Health International – Markets plans explicitly to expats, families, and students in Indonesia with emphasis on comprehensive cover and global service. Good for those who want a straightforward expat-style policy. now-health.com+1
- William Russell – Long-running expat insurer with Indonesia pages, clear explanations of international coverage zones, and transparent FAQs on what expats typically need. Useful if you want flexible global treatment options and simple documentation. William Russell+1
- Bupa – Frequently listed among top choices for expats in Indonesia by comparison brokers. Strong brand recognition and multiple tiers; verify hospital network and direct billing where you’ll live. pacificprime.com
- AIA – Also cited in expat-focused lists for Indonesia. Worth comparing if you want options that integrate with regional care pathways; check specifics for non-employees/students. pacificprime.com
- IMG Global – Popular with globally mobile individuals; often appears in expat insurer roundups. Ask for details on Southeast Asia evacuation and outpatient caps. pacificprime.com
- Allianz Indonesia (local branch options) – Local plans may be cheaper and have convenient direct-billing networks. Read limits carefully and confirm any international benefits, since some local policies focus on care within Indonesia. allianzinsurancebali.com
- Prudential Indonesia and other local insurers – Local policies can be a fit if you mainly want Indonesian private hospital access at lower cost. Double-check evacuation and outside-Indonesia coverage; many local plans keep benefits domestic. Nomada
Where these lists come from. Independent comparison sites and expat resources regularly highlight this set of companies for Indonesia. They’re not the only options, but they’re a common starting pool and widely recognized by hospitals and brokers. Use them to gather quotes and verify hospital access in your city.
Should you still consider BPJS Kesehatan?
In case you fit the residence requirements, BPJS has the potential to be a low-cost safety net when it comes to day to day care in its network. Others of the foreign residents do so to have a cheaper one and add a separate plan to cover speed and cat risk. When taking this path, place a reminder in your calendar to ensure that you keep the BPJS records up to date and you fail in this area as foreigners forget to pay the premiums upon returning to their home country which can cause a glitch in the accessibility. whatsnewindonesia.com+1
In such cases as when BPJS will not be enough: you require using private hospitals, you want to know English, you expect to travel to other regions, or you will need evacuation. Then you should select an international plan in those occasions and consider BPJS as optional or supplementary based on your visa and campus regulations. allianzcare.com.
A step-by-step way to choose (and avoid common mistakes)
Step 1 — Map your actual care path.
Write down where you’ll study, the two private hospitals you’d prefer, and how often you’ll travel. Then ask each insurer: “Do you have direct billing at Hospital A and B in my city?” If the answer is vague, move on. AXA – Global Healthcare
Step 2 — Lock your must-have benefits.
For students, the usual non-negotiables: inpatient, outpatient, emergency room, diagnostics, prescriptions, mental health support (if you’ll use it), and evacuation. Ensure a 24/7 hotline and English claims portal. Cigna Global+1
Step 3 — Get three comparable quotes.
Pick any three from AXA Global, Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Now Health, and William Russell. Ask all for the same deductible, co-pay, area of cover, and outpatient inclusion. Like-for-like quotes cut confusion. William Russell+4AXA – Global Healthcare+4Cigna Global+4
Step 4 — Read the fine print on pre-existing conditions.
Ask: “Is my condition excluded, covered with a waiting period, or covered with a premium loading?” Get the answer in writing (email or PDF). Keep that proof in your files. Nomada
Step 5 — Confirm out-of-Indonesia rules.
If you’ll take quick trips or go home during breaks, verify the coverage zone and whether emergency or routine care abroad is included. Coverage zones differ by insurer and plan tier. William Russell
Step 6 — Test the service before buying.
Call support and ask a claims “what if” question. Note response time and clarity. You’ll see the difference fast between a polished global team and a generic call center. Cigna Global
Step 7 — Keep proof for your visa/university.
Keep a copy of your policy schedule and a benefits summary that matches your visa or campus checklist. If your university publishes minimums, highlight the matching items before submission. Mondassur
Quick comparisons: When each option tends to fit
- AXA Global Healthcare – Good if you want a large international brand, virtual doctor access, and flexible modules. It’s a strong “default” for first-time expats. AXA – Global Healthcare
- Cigna Global – Strong outpatient and mental-health add-on options, clear tiering, and transparent documentation. Helpful if you want to tailor premiums with deductibles and co-pay choices. Cigna Global
- Allianz Care – Good if you value a visa-friendly, globally recognized insurer and may need regional care and evacuation baked in. Check their Indonesia-specific guidance while quoting. allianzcare.com
- Now Health International – Popular with students who want a straightforward expat plan without over-engineering. Easy to get started, easy to understand. now-health.com
- William Russell – Helpful if you want clear explanations on coverage zones and a human-centered service style. Useful for those planning frequent regional travel. William Russell
- Bupa / AIA / IMG – Consider these if your broker shows better pricing for your profile or stronger local direct-billing at the hospitals you prefer. Let the network map (and not just the brand) drive your choice. pacificprime.com
- Local insurers (e.g., Allianz Indonesia, Prudential Indonesia) – Often cheaper for care inside Indonesia with convenient direct billing. Great if you’ll rarely leave the country, but double-check evacuation and any limits on overseas treatment. allianzinsurancebali.com+1
Real-world scenarios you can plan for
You catch dengue in Bali during midterms.
You need labs, IV fluids, and possibly admission. A plan with outpatient coverage, a nearby network clinic, and direct billing makes this smooth. You shouldn’t be chasing reimbursements while dehydrated.
You need an MRI and specialist care after a sports injury.
Outpatient caps and co-pays matter here. Check how imaging and specialist consults count toward your limits. If you expect any musculoskeletal work, outpatient depth matters more than you think.
You have a chronic condition and require regular meds.
Pre-existing condition rules vary. Some plans exclude, some add waiting periods, some allow loadings. This must be clarified before you buy; it’s where many students are caught off guard.
You plan weekend trips to Singapore or Malaysia.
Coverage zones and emergency rules come into play. Some policies include emergency treatment abroad, others allow routine care outside Indonesia if you choose a wider zone. Read this carefully.
You want telemedicine in English.
Check whether the insurer includes a virtual doctor service and whether prescriptions can be issued locally. AXA, among others, advertises virtual consultations across many markets.
How to verify networks and avoid claim headaches
- Ask for the current network PDF or searchable link for your city (Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Denpasar).
- Call one listed hospital and ask: “Do you have cashless arrangements with <Insurer/TPA>? What are the steps?”
- Request pre-authorization flow in writing for inpatient stays.
- Keep digital copies of your passport, visa, and policy schedule for admissions and claims.
- Use a reputable broker if you want help comparing and chasing claims. Comparison services operating in Indonesia publish annual roundups and can simplify choices.
A note on costs (and how to control them without losing protection)
The premiums will depend on the age, deductible, inclusion of outpatient, and coverage zone (Indonesia-only/Asia/Worldwide). In case of tight price, do not withdraw evacuation and inpatient coverage. Rather than gutting outpatient, increase your deductible in a small amount and limit it, instead of eliminating it. You will still defend against large bills at the same time hold daily expenses at check. Brokers and provider pages elaborate on how the deductibles and co-pays reduce the premiums- request two variants of the same plan to compare the trade-offs.
Decision tree: pick a path in 60 seconds
A. You mainly study in one city, rarely travel, and want affordable private-hospital access.
→ Start with a local insurer (e.g., Allianz Indonesia or Prudential Indonesia) that has strong direct billing in your city. Add evacuation only if you plan remote trips.
B. You travel regionally or want the option of treatment outside Indonesia.
→ Choose an international plan with Asia or Worldwide coverage from AXA Global, Cigna Global, Allianz Care, Now Health, or William Russell. Confirm evacuation and coverage zones.
C. You meet residence rules and want a low-cost safety net.
→ Consider BPJS for routine public-system care, but pair it with international insurance for private hospitals, English support, and evacuation. Keep your BPJS payments active.
The Top 10 list
- AXA Global Healthcare – Ask for Indonesia network list + virtual doctor details. AXA – Global Healthcare
- Cigna Global – Compare Silver/Gold/Platinum tiers; clarify outpatient cap. Cigna Global
- Allianz Care – Check Indonesia-specific plan notes and visa-friendliness. allianzcare.com
- Now Health International – Confirm student suitability and evacuation triggers. now-health.com
- William Russell – Review coverage zones if you’ll travel often. William Russell
- Bupa – Use broker comparisons for pricing and network strength. pacificprime.com
- AIA – Verify student eligibility and direct-billing partners near campus. pacificprime.com
- IMG Global – Confirm Indonesia outpatient benefits and claim process. pacificprime.com
- Allianz Indonesia (local) – Ask for a list of partner hospitals and any overseas riders. allianzinsurancebali.com
- Prudential Indonesia / other local – Check evacuation and out-of-Indonesia limits before buying. Nomada
Pro Tips:
The most expensive plan is not necessary. You have to have the plan that corresponds to your life in Indonesia. A local insurer that has good direct billing might be ideal in case you remain in one city and you use the private hospitals. In case you travel or need to provide serious treatment in the foreign country, a reputable global plan with evacuation and coverage zone outside Indonesia should be selected. In the event that you are eligible to BPJS, and prefer the belt-and-braces approach, join the plan, but have a personal plan to get you the speed and the international choice. Your decision will not be a guess with the above steps. The decision will be clear and self-assured and will have factual supporting information.
Sources:
- Allianz Care – Healthcare in Indonesia and plan pages. allianzcare.com+2allianzcare.com+2
- AXA Global Healthcare – Indonesia page and plan features. AXA – Global Healthcare+1
- Cigna Global – Indonesia coverage page and plan tiers. Cigna Global+1
- Now Health International – Indonesia coverage page. now-health.com
- William Russell – Indonesia information and coverage zones. William Russell+1
- Pacific Prime – Top insurers for expats in Indonesia (useful for shortlisting). pacificprime.com
- BPJS context for foreigners – recent explainers and residency rules. whatsnewindonesia.com+1
- Local plan landscape – examples and guidance on Indonesia options. allianzinsurancebali.com+1
