Traveling to Bali with children means preparing for medical realities you'd prefer never encounter. Bali's healthcare is excellent—better than many Western travelers expect—but medical emergencies abroad are expensive and complicated. This guide addresses parent anxieties directly: how to prepare medically, understand Bali's healthcare system, choose appropriate insurance, manage common illnesses, and act confidently if something goes wrong.
The Critical Truth: Get Travel Insurance
This cannot be overstated. Medical emergencies in Bali—even relatively minor ones—cost thousands of dollars without insurance. An infected cut requiring antibiotics and clinic visit: USD $150–300. A child with dengue fever needing hospital observation: USD $2,000–8,000. Medical evacuation to Singapore or Australia for serious conditions: USD $10,000–45,000. These numbers escalate quickly.
Travel insurance is non-negotiable. Period.
Travel Insurance: What You Actually Need
Essential Coverage for Families:
Medical Treatment & Hospitalization
- Minimum coverage: USD $250,000 (essential)
- Includes: Hospital stays, emergency clinic visits, ambulance transport, diagnostic tests
- Family policies should cover all children included
Emergency Evacuation
- Minimum coverage: USD $100,000
- Critical if serious illness requires evacuation to Singapore/Australia
- Covers air ambulance and transport
- Some policies have lifetime maximums; understand yours
Trip Cancellation/Interruption
- Covers flight home if family member dies or serious emergency occurs before/during trip
- Usually USD $5,000–10,000 reimbursement
Activity Coverage
- Verify coverage for planned activities (trekking, snorkeling, water sports)
- Some policies exclude high-risk activities or require additional premiums
Dental Coverage (Emergency Only)
- Usually USD $500–1,000 limit for emergency dental treatment
- Most exclude routine care
What to Check Before Purchasing:
- Does it cover children? Verify each child is included and named on policy
- What's the excess/deductible? USD $250–500 typical; lower better for families
- Does it cover pre-existing conditions? Critical if child has asthma, allergies, or other conditions
- Are activity limitations excluded? Don't assume trekking/diving covered without verification
- What's the max medical coverage? USD $250,000 minimum; USD $1,500,000 ideal for families
- Is evacuation truly covered? Some policies have restrictions; read carefully
- 24/7 emergency hotline? Essential for assistance anytime
Recommended Insurance Providers (Research for Your Region):
International travel insurance companies with family-specific plans:
- World Nomads (gap coverage for backpackers, also covers families)
- Allianz Global (comprehensive family plans)
- IMG (travel insurance with excellent evacuation coverage)
- AXA Travel (popular in Europe/Australia)
- Your credit card company (often includes basic travel insurance)
Cost Estimate: Family travel insurance for 7–14 days typically costs USD $100–300 depending on coverage level and family size.
Pro Tip: Some travel insurance is automatically included with credit card purchases. Check with your credit card company before purchasing separate policy.
Pre-Travel Medical Checklist: 6–12 Weeks Before
Schedule a Travel Clinic Appointment
Visit a travel medicine clinic (or your pediatrician) 6–12 weeks before departure. They specialize in destination-specific guidance and are invaluable for family travel.
Discuss These Points:
- Destination-specific vaccinations needed
- Malaria prevention (usually not needed for Bali tourist areas)
- Routine vaccination updates for all family members
- Medications to bring or prescriptions to have ready
- Altitude sickness prevention if planning mountain activities
- Activity-specific advice (diving, trekking)
Vaccinations to Confirm Current
Routine Vaccinations (Standard for All Ages):
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2 doses required
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): Booster every 10 years
- Polio (IPV): Full series as child
- Varicella (Chickenpox): 2 doses required
- Hepatitis B: Series recommended
Recommended for Bali:
- Hepatitis A: Highly recommended, especially for children 1+ years. Two-dose series required; doses 6–12 months apart. If time-limited, first dose provides some protection
- Typhoid: Recommended if off-the-beaten-path travel planned or dietary risk tolerance low. Booster every 3 years
- Japanese Encephalitis: Consider for longer stays (3+ weeks) or rural exploration; optional for typical tourist itineraries. Requires 2 doses, 28 days apart
Not Typically Required:
- Yellow Fever: Only required if arriving from endemic country
- COVID-19: No longer required; stay current if available
- Malaria prophylaxis: Not required for main tourist areas (Seminyak, Ubud, Sanur, Canggu). Discuss if visiting very remote regions
Timing: Vaccinations require time to be effective. Schedule clinic 6–12 weeks before travel.
Bringing Medications: Critical Documentation
Prescription Medications
- Bring: Full supply plus extra (account for travel delays); in original labeled containers
- Documentation: Carry prescription from doctor or letter stating medication name, dosage, indication, and child's name
- Why: Indonesian customs is strict. Original packaging with labels prevents confiscation and questions at customs
- Avoid loose pills: Bringing medications in unmarked containers risks confiscation even if legal
Over-the-Counter Medications
Bring these essentials in child-appropriate doses:
- Fever/Pain Relief: Paracetamol or Ibuprofen (Children's Panadol, Nurofen for Kids)
- Antihistamines: For allergies or bug bite relief
- Diarrhea Management: Oral rehydration salts (ORS packets: Hydralyte, Dioralyte)
- Anti-diarrheal: Loperamide (for children 2+; use cautiously)
- Antacid: For stomach upset
- Cough/Cold Relief: Honey-based products (avoid for babies under 1)
Why Bring: While these are available in Bali, your specific child-friendly brands may not exist. Familiar medications you know your child tolerates are valuable.
First-Aid Essentials:
- Band-aids and antibiotic ointment (Neosporin equivalent)
- Thermometer (digital preferred; mercury restricted on flights)
- Tweezers (for splinters from beach/hiking)
- Antiseptic wipes or alcohol pads
- Pain relief cream
- Tweezers for foreign objects
Understanding Bali's Healthcare System
The Reality: Bali's healthcare is surprisingly excellent—better than many parents expect. Private hospitals serve international standards. Public healthcare exists but isn't recommended for tourists. Pharmacies are well-stocked.
Top Private Hospitals for Tourists
BIMC Hospital (Kuta & Nusa Dua)
- Locations: South Bali (Kuta), Nusa Dua
- Specialties: Emergency 24/7, pediatrics, general medicine, dental
- Language: English-speaking staff
- Why: Most accessible for southern beach-based families
- Cost: Higher end, but worth it for quality
- Contact: BIMC Kuta: +62 361 761263
Siloam Hospital (Denpasar)
- Location: Central Denpasar
- Specialties: Cardiology, neurology, pediatrics, ICU, advanced diagnostics
- Language: English-speaking
- Why: Part of Indonesia's largest healthcare network; excellent for serious conditions
- Cost: Similar to BIMC; internationally accredited
Kasih Ibu Hospital (Multiple Locations)
- Locations: Denpasar, Tabanan, Saba
- Specialties: Maternity, pediatrics, emergency care
- Language: English staff available
- Why: Family-friendly; multiple island locations
Prima Medika Hospital (Denpasar)
- Specialties: General, surgical, pediatric care
- Language: English-speaking doctors
Mobile Doctor Services (Increasingly Popular)
Several companies offer doctor-on-call services to your villa/hotel 24/7:
- Life Everyouth Bali Clinic: 24/7 doctor visits to accommodation
- Nusa Medica: Mobile clinic services
- Trihanda Care: Mobile medical services with family focus
Advantages of Mobile Doctors:
- Doctor comes to your accommodation (no need to travel with sick child)
- Available 24/7
- Often work with insurance companies
- Consultation + basic treatment at villa USD $50–150
- Prescription written for pharmacy
Pharmacy Access
Well-Stocked Pharmacy Chains Throughout Bali:
- Kimia Farma: Largest chain; locations everywhere
- Apotek Sehat: Comprehensive selection
- Guardian: Supermarket pharmacies (Pepito, Carrefour malls)
Availability: Western medications (antibiotics, fever relief, allergy meds) widely available. Prices often 30–50% cheaper than home countries. Ask pharmacy staff for recommendations; they're knowledgeable.
Prescription Requirements: Many antibiotics available without prescription (easier than home), but bringing your doctor's prescription avoids communication barriers.
Common Childhood Illnesses in Bali & Prevention
Bali Belly (Traveler's Diarrhea)
What It Is: Loose stools caused by unfamiliar bacteria/viruses from contaminated food or water. Affects 30–50% of travelers; children higher risk due to developing immune systems.
Symptoms: Stomach cramps, loose stools (sometimes watery), nausea, possible mild fever. Usually lasts 1–3 days.
Prevention (Strict with Kids):
- Bottled Water ONLY: Brush teeth with bottled water, rinse pacifiers in bottled water, mix formula with bottled water. Tap water unsafe for children's developing immune systems
- Avoid Ice: Ice often made from tap water; request drinks without ice or use ice from reputable restaurants
- Freshly Cooked Hot Food: Bacteria multiplies rapidly in tropical heat. Eat food cooked fresh and served hot. Avoid food sitting at room temperature
- Safe Raw Foods: Only eat fruit that can be peeled by you immediately before eating. Avoid salads unless from reputable restaurants where you see washing
- Hand Hygiene: Frequent hand washing or sanitizer use; especially before eating
- Avoid Street Food: Unless prepared fresh in front of you in obviously clean conditions. Most "Bali Belly" comes from street vendor contamination
- Restaurant Selection: Eat at established, reputable restaurants with good hygiene standards. Avoid places with questionable cleanliness
Treatment If It Happens:
- Hydration is CRITICAL: Dehydration in Bali's heat is dangerous. Constant water/electrolyte replacement
- Oral Rehydration Salts: Bring ORS packets; mix with bottled water
- Bland Diet: Rice, crackers, bananas, cooked vegetables only
- Medication: Anti-diarrheal agents (Loperamide) for children 2+, but ensure hydration first
- When to Seek Medical Help: If diarrhea lasts >72 hours, includes blood, accompanied by high fever, or child shows dehydration signs (dry mouth, no tears, lethargy), visit clinic immediately
Dengue Fever
What It Is: Mosquito-borne illness (Aedes mosquitoes active dawn/dusk). More common during rainy season (November–April).
Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle/joint pain ("breakbone fever"), skin rash, sometimes vomiting. Symptoms appear 3–7 days after mosquito bite.
Prevention:
- Mosquito Repellent: DEET-based (20–30% for kids 3+, lower % for younger), Picaridin (10%), or IR3535. Reapply after swimming/sweating
- Clothing: Long sleeves and pants, especially dawn/dusk
- Accommodation: Choose hotel/villa with mosquito control (screens, nets, AC units)
- Sleep Protection: Mosquito net over bed if accommodation lacks AC/screens
- Eliminate Stagnant Water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water; ensure flowerpots, buckets, drains not collecting water
- Timing: Avoid peak mosquito activity (dawn 5–7am, dusk 5–7pm) if possible
Treatment If Contracted:
- No specific antiviral; treatment is supportive (rest, fluids, acetaminophen)
- Avoid ibuprofen (increases dengue hemorrhagic fever risk)
- Platelet counts may drop; blood tests monitor severity
- Most cases outpatient; hospitalization only if severe
- Early medical evaluation critical; complications can develop
When to Seek Help: Any fever + muscle pain combination; dengue can deteriorate quickly
Heat Exhaustion & Dehydration
What It Is: Body overheating from tropical sun, high humidity, insufficient fluid intake.
Symptoms: Excessive sweating, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, headache, confusion (severe).
Prevention:
- Constant Hydration: Offer water every 30 minutes regardless of thirst (children don't recognize dehydration signals)
- Electrolyte Drinks: Coconut water, sports drinks (diluted), rehydration salts
- Sun Avoidance: Minimize direct sun 11am–3pm; plan beach visits early/late
- Clothing: Light, loose, breathable fabrics; light colors
- Shade: Always available during outdoor activities
- Rest Days: One low-activity day per week; don't schedule constant activities
- Avoid Alcohol: Worsens dehydration (parents!)
Treatment:
- Move to cool/shaded area immediately
- Drink water/electrolyte beverages
- Cool compress on forehead/neck
- If severe symptoms (confusion, extreme lethargy, no sweating), seek medical help
Mosquito Bites & Itching
Prevention: (As above with dengue) DEET repellent, long clothing, screens, nets
Treatment:
- Calamine lotion (widely available in Bali)
- Hydrocortisone cream 1%
- Avoid scratching (infection risk in tropics)
- Antihistamines if severe itching interferes with sleep
- Ice packs provide temporary relief
Gastroenteritis (Stomach Virus)
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, sometimes fever. Often viral; lasts 24–72 hours.
Prevention: Hand hygiene, food safety (same as above)
Treatment:
- Small, frequent sips of clear fluids
- Bland foods (rice, crackers, plain chicken)
- Avoid dairy, high-fat foods temporarily
- Fever management with acetaminophen
- If persistent vomiting (can't keep fluids down) or signs of dehydration, seek medical help
Common Cold/Respiratory Illness
Symptoms: Cough, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing.
Prevention: Hand hygiene, rest
Treatment: Most viral; supportive care (fluids, rest, honey-based cough relief for kids 1+)
Safety Concerns Parents Ask About
Water Safety
Tap Water: NOT safe for children. Use bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing pacifiers, mixing formula.
Bottled Water: Safe; widely available everywhere (Pepito, minimart, hotels). Inexpensive (USD $0.50–1 per large bottle).
Swimming: Beach and pool water generally safe for swimming; don't ingest ocean water. Pools chlorinated; usually safe.
Showering: Tap water for showering is acceptable; just avoid ingesting it.
Food Safety
Follow food guidelines (fresh, hot, from reputable places). Cooked food is safer than raw. Restaurant hygiene matters; choose established venues.
Traffic & Road Safety
Bali traffic is chaotic. Scooters/motorcycles are dangerous for families with kids. Use taxis, ride-sharing apps (Grab), or hire private drivers. Car seats not universally provided; bring portable booster seat if concerned.
Animal Bites & Rabies Risk
Monkeys, stray dogs, occasional snakes exist. Avoid feeding/touching animals. If bitten, wash immediately with soap/water, seek medical help immediately (rabies post-exposure prophylaxis critical if bitten).
Sun Exposure & Sunburn
Bali's UV intensity is extreme. Use SPF 50+, reapply hourly, use zinc oxide for nose/ears, protective rash guards for water activities. Sunburns happen fast.
Medical Emergency Action Plan
If Medical Emergency Occurs:
- Call Your Insurance Hotline FIRST (24/7 number on your policy)
- They will guide you to appropriate facilities
- Use recommended hospital (usually BIMC, Siloam, or Kasih Ibu depending on location)
- If Unclear Which Hospital: Use BIMC Kuta (+62 361 761263) as default; they handle international patients regularly
- Keep Documentation: Passport, insurance card, emergency contact numbers
Emergency Numbers to Save:
- Ambulance: 118 or 112
- Police: 110
- Your Insurance Emergency Line: (on your policy)
- BIMC Kuta: +62 361 761263
- Siloam Denpasar: +62 361 247111
- Local clinic/mobile doctor: Save when you arrive
Documentation to Carry
Bring in Carry-On or Easy Access:
- Original prescription bottles + doctor's letter
- Insurance policy documentation (paper + digital copies)
- Vaccination records
- Child's medical history (allergies, conditions, medications)
- Photos of children (helps if lost; useful for emergency ID)
- Pediatrician contact info from home
- Blood type information for all family members
- Copies of passports (separate from originals)
Health Screening Before Departure
2–3 Days Before Travel:
Each family member should be in good health. If child is unwell, consider postponing:
- Fever
- Severe cough
- Vomiting/diarrhea
- Uncontrolled asthma
- Significant infection
Flying while ill worsens conditions and risks infecting others.
Final Health Perspective
Bali is not a medical risk destination. Millions of families visit safely annually. Healthcare facilities rival Western countries. The key is preparation: insurance, vaccinations, common-sense prevention (water, food, mosquitoes), and knowing how to access help if needed.
Most family health issues in Bali are manageable and minor. Serious emergencies are rare. What matters is not panicking if something occurs—knowing your insurance covers you, understanding healthcare access, and having medications/documentation ready.
The peace of mind travel insurance provides transforms a stressful incident into a manageable situation. Combine that with basic prevention (water safety, food care, hydration, mosquito protection) and sensible decision-making, and your family will enjoy healthy, worry-free Bali holidays.
Your pediatrician visit 6–12 weeks before departure is the single best investment in family travel health. Make that appointment.