Due to weaknesses in the Indonesian health system, expats in Indonesia are advised to have private health insurance that allows them to be covered privately, or even abroad if necessary. International health insurance is preferable to local health insurance.

An international health insurance gives you the opportunity to seek treatment in the medical facility of your choice or with the doctor you choose, whether in Indonesia or abroad. Choosing an international insurance with a coverage area beyond Indonesia is the best option for people preferring to seek treatment abroad or in their country of origin in case of a specific medical problem.

Moreover, if after Indonesia you decide to live in another country your expat health insurance can follow you, unlike with an Indonesian health insurance, which is only valid locally.

It is important that your expat health insurance in Indonesia includes repatriation/medical evacuation insurance. This type of assistance covers medical transport costs in the event of an emergency in an area where there is no infrastructure to treat you.

Whatever your choice of expat medical coverage, please note that your international insurance does not exempt you from paying your contributions to the Indonesian health system, if this is mandatory for you.

The best health insurance in Indonesia depends on your specific needs rather than a general criteria, so the best insurance for one expat might not be the best for you.

In order to find which one is the best health insurance in Indonesia for you, it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Indonesia, alongside other criteria.

Consultation with a private doctor: Rates may range from 345,000 to 825,000 Rp (Indonesian Rupiah), equal to around $24-$56 in US dollars (or £18-£44). This depends on the duration of the consultation, the establishment and whether it is a general practitioner or specialist.
Home visits vary from 2 million to 3.6 million Rp ($137-$247 or £107-£193).

Consultation with a private dentist: Rates are between 500,000 and 1.5 million Rp depending on the establishment ($34-$103 or £26-£80).

Rates in international establishments are between 1.7 and 2.8 million Rp ($116-$192 or £90-£150).

The laying of a porcelain crown costs 3.7 million Rp ($254 or £198) on average.

Hospital fees in a private room in a private hospital: Rates are between 750,000 and 1.3 million Rp ($51-$89 or £40-£70) depending on the establishment and whether the room is intensive care. Be aware, this does not include treatments, tests and nursing care. Hospital costs can be much higher depending on the medical condition being treated and the hospital chosen.

How much does health insurance cost in Indonesia?

Such as with any type of health insurance, the price of medical insurance for expats in Indonesia varies greatly depending on the age, medical history, family composition of the applicant and other factors.

Vaccinations

It is recommended to have an up-to-date vaccination schedule, Vaccinations against Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid may be advised, depending on the conditions of your stay.

Malaria

Indonesia is a country at risk for malaria. Before departure, consult a doctor or your nearest travel vaccination health advice service centre.
Emergency numbers

Ambulance: 118 or 119

Global Doctor: (21) 723 11 21/24

Police: 110

Firefighters: 113

Useful links

Ministry of Health of Indonesia

An international health insurance for Cambodia is often a better option for expats than a local health plan. It allows you to be covered in the medical centre of your choice and/or with the doctor of your choice within Cambodia and in multiple other countries (within your zone of cover). Furthermore, if you leave Cambodia and choose to move to a different country you have the choice of taking your health insurance with you.

It is equally important to check with your insurance company or with your employer that your policy includes evacuation and/or repatriation, and the conditions of the cover. Some companies include only an evacuation to the nearest centre of medical excellence equipped to deal with your condition, whilst other companies can repatriate you back to your country of origin.

The best health insurance in Cambodia for one expat might not be the best for you as everyone has different needs and expectations.

In order to find which one is the best health insurance in Cambodia for you, it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Cambodia, alongside other parameters.

The costs indicated below relate only to the private sector.

Consultation with a GP or specialist: the cost can vary greatly. Doctors can charge between $5 and $100 (£4 -£78) or even more depending their surgery. As a general rule, consultation costs tend to be lower in clinics, however are often accompanied by many tests (x-rays, scans etc.)

Please see below for a general idea of costs in doctors’ surgeries in Phnom Penh as recommended by the French Embassy, a consultation with a GP or specialist would cost $35 (£27.5). In the Khema Clinic, the cost of a consultation would be $25 (£20). At the CT Polyclinic in Sihanoukville the cost would be $50 (£39). At the International SOS clinic, a GP consultation would be around $61 to $88 (£48 – £69), depending on the treating doctor.

Consultation with a dentist: at the European dental clinic in Phnom Penh, the cost of a dental consultation is $25 (£20). A porcelain crown on a metallic base would cost around $470 (£370) and an entirely porcelain crown would cost $650 (£512). At the International Dental Clinic in Phnom Penh, a consultation costs between $15 and $25 (£12/£20), the cost of a crown is around $150 to $350 (£118-£275).

Cost of an overnight hospital stay in an individual room: In a private Cambodian hospital an this would cost in the region of $120 – $150 (£94 – £118). International hospitals will be more expensive, for example the International SOS medical clinic, an overnight stay in a three-bed room will cost in the region of $650 (£527). (Please note that these costs do not include diagnostic or treatment costs)

Vaccinations

No vaccinations of required for entry into Cambodia, however it is recommended to confirm that your primary courses and boosters are up to date. More information on the NHS-Fit-for-Travel website. 

Emergency numbers

Ambulance : 119

Police : 117

Fire Brigade : 118

Useful links

National Social Security Fund of Cambodia

It is advisable for expatriates in Vietnam to take out international health insurance allowing them to be covered outside of Vietnam and in their countries of origin. Indeed, many expats and prosperous Vietnamese prefer to travel to Bangkok or Singapore for some specialised treatments.

Also, if after Vietnam you settle in another country, your expatriate health insurance may be able follow you.

It is always important that your international health insurance is in line with local legislation. If you are employed in Vietnam (with a contract of three months or more) taking out international health insurance for Vietnam does not exempt you from being affiliated to the local system: in this case, your international health insurance will be an additional health cover.

The best health insurance in Vietnam for one expat might not be the best for you as everyone has different needs and criteria.

In order to find which one is the it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Vietnam, alongside other parameters.

Consultation with a private GP: charges are generally between 900,000 and 1.6million VND (£27/35€ to £49/63€ *), depending on the doctor consulted. The charges in international clinics are higher. For example, in the SOS Clinic in Hanoi, consultation with a Vietnamese doctor costs 2,000,000 VND (£61/79€) and consultation with an expatriate doctor costs 2,200,000 VND (£68/87€).

Consultation with a private specialist: charges are typically between 1million and 1.7million VND (£30/39€ – £52/67€), according to the doctor consulted and their specialty. The charges in international clinics are higher. For example, in the SOS Clinic in Hanoi, consultation costs 2.9million VND (£85/114€).

Consultation with a private dentist: usually a routine consultation is free; otherwise the fare is around 10€. The placement of a dental crown varies between 800,000 and 7,000,000 VND (£24/31€ – £215/277€), depending on the type of crown and dental cabinet.

Hospital expenses at a private hospital: hospital costs vary considerably depending on the medical condition being treated and the chosen hospital. For an idea of costs, a 24 hour stay in the SOS International Hospital for an adult with gastroenteritis, who is not already registered at this hospital, will be around 20-24million VND (£616/791€ – £740/ 949€) .

*Exchange rate April 2016

What is the cost of private health insurance in Vietnam?

Such as with any type of health insurance, the price of medical insurance for expats in Vietnam varies greatly depending on the age, medical history, family composition of the applicant and other factors.

Access to English-speaking healthcare staff

The US Embassy in Vietnam has a list of hospitals with English-speaking staff.

Vaccinations

It is recommended to be up-to-date on against diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Other vaccinations also recommended are: cholera, Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid are recommended based on the terms of stay. A certification of yellow fever vaccination is required only for travellers coming from a country where there is a risk of transmission. More information on the NHS Fit-for-Travel website.

Malaria

Malaria is present throughout the year in the whole country, excluding urban centres, the Red River Delta (Northern Delta) and central coastal plains. Please see the NHS Fit-for-Travel website for information on what precautions to take against malaria.

Water

It is advisable not to drink tap water because it is rich in heavy metals (lead, mercury, cyanide etc). Tap water can be used for washing, brushing teeth, washing dishes and food. It is preferable to use bottle water for cooking food.

Emergency contacts

Police: 113 Fire brigade: 114 Ambulance: 115 Vietnam International Ambulance: (04) 574 11 11 Franco-Vietnamese Hospital: (08) 411 33 33 (Ho Chi Minh) Vietnam International Hospital: (04) 574 07 40

Pharmacies

There are numerous pharmacies in city centres. Beware of fake medication.

An international health insurance for Russia is often a better option for expats than a local health plan. It allows you to be treated in the hospital and with the doctor of your choice, not only in Russia but also abroad. If you prefer to be treated in your home country or in another country, within your zone of cover, your medical costs will be reimbursed by your insurance company (within the limits of your policy). Moreover, if you leave Russia and move elsewhere your international insurance may be able to follow you.

It is always important that your medical insurance complies with local legislation. If you are a permanent or a temporary resident in Russia, an international insurance will not replace your obligation to subscribe to the local system. The international cover will act in addition to the State provided cover.

The best health insurance in Mexico for one expat might not be the best for you as everyone has different needs and criteria.

 In order to find which one is the it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Mexico, alongside other parameters.

The cost of a consultation with a GP or a specialist is generally around £86 ($108). In the international private clinics this fee may increase to around £122 ($154).

The cost of a consultation with a dentist is around £58 ($73). A crown can cost anything between £287 and £1,006 ($362 – $1,270).

In regards to an overnight stay in a private hospital, charges are usually around £431 ($545) for an individual private room.

Vaccinations
Be sure to have your immunisation schedule up-to-date (diphtheria/tetanus/polio). However it is also recommended to be vaccinated for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, and rabies by the NHS Fit-for-Travel website.

Emergency numbers
01: Fire brigade
02: Police
03: Ambulance
04: Gas leak

Medicines
Be aware, counterfeit medication is a big problem in much of Russia. According to the Franco-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, over 70% of medicines sold in Russia today are either counterfeit or of low quality.

Useful links
UK Embassy – Moscow

An international health insurance for Thailand is generally a better option for expats than a local health plan. It allows you to be treated in the hospital and with the doctor of your choice, not only in Thailand but within your whole zone of cover.

If you would prefer to be treated in your country of nationality or a different country, your medical costs would be reimbursed (within the limits of the zone of cover of your chosen policy). Moreover, when you leave Thailand and decide to move to another country your expatriate health insurance may be able to follow you.

As mentioned above, it is recommended to take out insurance covering at least hospitalisation and evacuation.

If you are a permanent resident in Thailand, subscribing to an international health insurance does not exempt you from signing up to the local health care system; in this case your international health insurance would top-up your state healthcare.

Please note that expat health insurance plans are more expensive than local insurance plans. For people over 60 years, private health insurance becomes extremely expensive and international insurers don’t accept new clients over 70 years old (for some insurers, the age limit for the application is 65 years old). 

The best health insurance in Thailand for one expat might not be the best for you as everyone has different needs and expectations.

In order to find which one is the best health insurance in Thailand for you, it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Thailand, alongside other parameters. 

A consultation with a private GP or specialist will generally cost between 500 and 3,000 bahts (£12 – £72*). The price varies in relation to your condition and also the pricing of the medical centre in which you are seen.

The price of a dental crown is around 15,000 and 25,000 bahts (£360 – £600).

The cost of an overnight stay varies depending upon the type of room and the medical centre you have chosen. For a private room including basic services (nurse, meals etc) you would be billed between 3,000 and 20,000 bahts (£72 – £480). For luxury rooms, often known as “royal”, “deluxe” and “VIP” rooms, the cost would be between 20,000 and 70,000 bahts (£480- £1,675).

It is important to note that many hospitals will ask for a deposit upon your admission if you don’t have medical insurance. This deposit can be between 20,000 and 300,000 bahts (£480- £7,200) depending on your condition, the medical centre and the type of room you have chosen.

*December 2018 exchange rate

Vaccinations

No compulsory vaccinations are required in order to be allowed entry to the country. However, it is recommended to make sure that your vaccinations for diphtheria, tetanus and polio are up-to-date. Depending on the type and length of your stay, these vaccinations are recommended: Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis B, typhoid.

Emergency numbers

Police: 191 Fire Brigade: 199 Medical Emergencies: 1669

English speaking doctors

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office state that most private hospitals in Thailand have an International Department where English speaking staff will be available to liaise with patients and their relatives.

Taking your medication with you

advises to contact your GP/healthcare professional before travelling to Thailand as some medications which are legal in the UK may not be approved for use in Thailand.

An international health insurance for Hong Kong is often a better option for expats than a local health plan. It offers the freedom in your choice of doctors or medical centre, not only within Hong Kong but in many other countries (within your zone of cover). Moreover, if you leave Hong Kong and move elsewhere your international insurance may be able to follow you.

Unlike a local insurance policy, an international health insurance doesn’t exclude the medical conditions developed after your contract started.

The best health insurance in Hong Kong for one expat might not be the best for you as everyone has different needs and expectations.

In order to find which one is the best health insurance in Hong Kong for you, it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Portugal, alongside other parameters. 

Consultation with a private GP: the majority of doctors charge around 250 HKD (£25 / $32). However, certain doctors charge up to 1000 HKD (£100 / $128). Generally, doctors who trained abroad or who speak multiple languages charge higher fees.

Consultation with a private specialist: the fees are often between 400 HKD and 1,200 HKD (£40 – £120/ $50 – $150).

Consultation with a private dentist: the fees are often between 500 HKD and 1,000 HKD (£50 – £100/ $64 – $128). Having a crown fitted would cost between 7,000 HKD and 17,000 HKD (£707 – £1,424 / $900 – $2,175).

Hospital charges: as mentioned above, private hospital charges in Hong Kong are among the most expensive in the world. However, many hospitals request a deposit before admission is granted. In some hospitals this deposit is higher if you are not a Hong Kong resident. The deposit for non-residents is often between 30,000 HKD and 40,000 HKD (£3,030 – £4,040 / $3,840 – $5,120)

Please find below the general pricings for one night in hospital (this does not include consultations, medicines, operations or other treatments):

• Standard room with multiple occupants: from 480 HKD0 to 1,650 HKD (£48 – £165 / $61 – $211)
• Semi private room: from 900 HKD to 2,430 HKD (£90 – £245 / $115 – $310)
• Individual room: from 1,600 HKD to 6,500 HKD (£160 – £656 / $204 – $832)
• Suite: from 5,000 HKD to 21,000 HKD (£504 – £2,120 / $640 – $2,690)

In the public sector the fees vary depending on whether or not you hold a local identity card, proving whether or not you are eligible for state subsidies. For example, for one night in the hospital, the fee for an identity card holder will be 100 HKD (£10 / $13) per day with 50 HKD (£5 / $6.5) to pay on admission. For a non-card holder, the fee for one night at the hospitals increases to 4,680 HKD (£472 / $600). For A&E, the fees starts around 100 HKD (£10 / $13) for a card holder and 990 HKD (£100 / $130) for a non-card holder.

*Exchange rate December 2018

Vaccinations You are not required to have any specific vaccinations to enter Hong Kong. However, it is recommended to ensure that your immunisation schedule is up to date (diphtheria, tetanus and polio). The Hepatitis A booster jab is advised by the NHS Fit-for-Travel website, as well as Hepatitis B being recommended.

Emergencies (police, fire brigade, ambulance) 999

Chinese medicine In Hong Kong, where tradition and modernity coexist, herbal remedies and acupuncture are not considered as alternative medicine but are recognised and regulated by the State. In total, more than a fifth of medical consultations are carried out by Chinese medicine practitioners. Traditional herbal remedies, such as ephedra, are available in Hong Kong pharmacies alongside Western medicine, even though they are banned in other parts of the world.

Useful links

Gov.uk useful information on Hong Kong 

Hong Kong Department of Health (private sector)

Hong Kong Hospital Authority (public sector)

The Dental Council of Hong Kong

An international health insurance for Singapore is often a better option for expats than a local health plan. It offers freedom in your choice of doctors or medical centre, not only within Singapore but in many other countries (within your zone of cover). Therefore, if you prefer to be treated in your home country or in another country, within your zone of cover, your medical costs will be reimbursed by your insurance company. Moreover, if you leave Singapore and move elsewhere your international insurance may be able to follow you.

If you are a permanent resident in Singapore, a private medical insurance will not replace your obligation to subscribe to the local system. The international cover will cover you on top of the State provided cover.

If you do not have permanent resident status, you are not covered under the ‘3M’ system and you will have to pay your medical expenses directly. Therefore, subscribing to a private health insurance is strongly recommended.

Expats in Singapore tend to agree on the fact that health insurance is a necessary expense because the cost of care is very high if you are not covered by the local Singaporean healthcare system. If a serious medical event occurs, an unexpected bill can be very expensive. It is therefore advisable to have insurance which at least covers hospitalisation and cancer treatment.

The best health insurance in Singapore for one expat might not be the best for you as everyone has different needs and criteria.

In order to find which one is the it is important to consider several aspects such as your medical history, your age, your specific needs in terms of medical cover, your situation in Singapore, alongside other parameters.

Consultation with a GP: costs range from 40 – 100 SGD (£23 – £58 / $29 – $73*).

Consultation with a dentist: for an inspection, consultation is free in many dental centres. Otherwise, it varies from 20 – 30SGD (£11.5 – £17 /$15- $22 ). For a crown, it costs approximately 650 – 760 SGD (£375 – £439 / $475 – $555 ), including consultation and investigation fees) in the public sector or 650 – 1,500SGD (£375 – £865 /$475 – $1,100), excluding consultations and investigation fees) in the private sector.

Example of costs for hospital care: an appendectomy costs between 1,200 and 9,600 SGD (£692 – £5,500 / $876 – $7,000) in a public hospital, depending on the room type selected. In the private sector, the same operation varies from 17,600 to 20,500 SGD (£10,100 – £11,800 / $12,900 – $15,000).

*Exchange rate from December 2018 

Vaccinations

Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date, according to your country schedule. Depending on the type of stay, these vaccinations are recommended: Japanese encephalitis, hepatitis B, typhoid. A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required only for travellers coming from a country where there is a risk of transmission of yellow fever.

Emergency Numbers

Police: 999
Fire / Ambulance: 995

Useful links

Singapore ministry of health
Central provident fund board