Each year, thousands of Australians travel to Bali to indulge in all the island has to offer. From zooming along the coastline on a scooter to enjoying local cuisine, Bali’s vast array of activities means there’s plenty for every traveller to enjoy.
However, it also opens up the opportunity for injury or illness. Even on a three-day trip to Bali, there’s no guarantee that your plans won’t go astray.
You should start thinking about travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your flights to Bali. You can even fly there for less from Australia by redeeming Qantas Points or Velocity Points.
So if you’ve got a trip coming up, we’ve put together this guide on why you should consider taking out travel insurance for Bali.
Do I need travel insurance for Bali?
When travelling to Bali, travel insurance is an absolute must. While it’s not a requirement by the Indonesian government in order to enter the country, your Bali travel insurance can cover you for a range of incidents during your stay.
Food poisoning
‘Bali Belly’ is a common experience among travellers to Bali. The bacteria in water and food can cause stomach problems, which may affect your trip. Food poisoning can often be self-treated, but medical intervention may be required in extreme cases. If you’re an adventurous eater, taking out travel insurance for your Bali trip can ensure you don’t miss out on the great food.
Scooters and motorcycles
Hiring a scooter or motorcycle is an effective way to navigate the busy streets of Bali. It’s also a popular activity for travellers who want a taste of local life. However, each year thousands of Australians are involved in scooter and motorcycle accidents in Bali. Travel insurance may cover you in the event of injuries or if you need medical attention.
Some travel insurers may void your coverage if you don’t follow local rules, or wear a helmet – irrespective of whether it’s a requirement by law. Familiarising yourself with Bali’s road rules will have you riding smoothly.
Theft
Even if you adhere to the highest level of personal safety, theft in Bali can still occur. Pickpocketing, scams and bag snatching is common, especially in busy tourist areas. Some level of travel insurance will cover theft or loss of your personal items, often up to a certain amount. And if you’re visiting any of Bali’s famous monkey temples, hold onto your belongings. The monkeys are known to grab bags, sunglasses and even mobile phones – and there’s no guarantee that your Bali travel insurance will cover it!
Surfing and water sports
Bali’s beaches are the perfect backdrop to enjoy jetskiing, snorkelling and parasailing. The island also offers some of the best waves for surfing. However, Bali’s gorgeous coast is also an ideal environment for accidents to occur. Each year, countless travellers dive into Bali’s range of water activities, and most emerge unscathed (and with some excellent photos). But for a select few, medical treatment may be required for injuries sustained from water sports.
Most travel insurance policies cover water sports. However, some high-risk activities, such as cliff jumping, may not be covered. If you intend to take advantage of Bali’s balmy blue waters, plan ahead by organising your travel insurance before you leave Australia.
Adventure activities
There’s no shortage of adventure activities on the small island. Rock climbing, sky diving and quad biking are unique ways to discover Bali from a different angle. However, some travel insurers deem these activities as particularly high risk, and don’t offer coverage under any tier. If you intend to get your adrenaline pumping in Bali, check that your travel insurance covers your activities.
Natural disasters
Indonesia is prone to natural disasters that can impact your trip to Bali. The weather is unpredictable and earthquakes, floods, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions – while rare – can occur at any time. Natural disasters can put your health and safety at risk and delay your travel plans. Travel insurance may cover you for unexpected costs related to natural disasters, such as medical treatment or emergency accommodation.
Flight delays and cancellations
Travelling to Bali during a time of uncertainty can result in delays or even cancellation of your flights. Depending on the reason and length of your delay, most travel insurers will compensate you for expenses incurred. This can include food, accommodation, or even the cost of booking another flight. Last-minute costs can add up quickly and it’s often cheaper (and easier!) to book travel insurance for your Bali trip so you’ll have peace of mind.
How do I book travel insurance for Bali?
There are plenty of travel insurance providers in Australia that offer varying levels of coverage. But did you know that many credit cards offer travel insurance? This is often complimentary, but there may be fees depending on the cover.
Cards such as the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card, the Westpac Altitude Qantas Black and the St.George Amplify Signature Visa offer differing levels of travel insurance.
Browse our Credit Card Insurance Summary to view all credit cards in Australia that offer travel insurance. If you’re looking to take out a card that offers travel insurance for your upcoming Bali trip, this is a great place to start.
Plan your Bali holiday
Booking travel insurance for your Bali trip can give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your dream holiday unfettered. And why not fly there in style on points? If you’re new to the point-hacking game, have a read of our beginner’s guide on how to book a reward seat with Qantas Points.
So start planning your Bali getaway today, and don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to Bali accommodation for our top tips on where to stay.
Featured photo: Jeremy Bishop, Unsplash
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