Travel Insurance for Bali: What Kiwis Need to Know

MFAT's SafeTravel advice for Indonesia says New Zealanders travelling or living there should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes provision for medical evacuation by air and coverage for high-risk adventure activities (SafeTravel (MFAT): Indonesia travel advice). Among the risks it lists are earthquakes and other seismic activity, crime, and traffic accidents, especially involving motorbikes and scooters.

SafeTravel's general advice also warns that many policies will not cover travel to countries or regions it advises against visiting (SafeTravel (MFAT): Travel insurance), so check the current advice level for the specific area you are going to.

SafeTravel lists motorbike and scooter accidents among the risks in Indonesia. Policies that cover riding often set conditions, which can include holding a licence valid for that class of vehicle, wearing a helmet, and not riding after drinking alcohol. Some policies need an add-on or exclude it. Read the motorcycle or moped wording carefully before you hire one.

• Medical cover and medical evacuation by air, as SafeTravel recommends for Indonesia.
• Scooter and motorbike conditions (licence, helmet, engine size, rider or passenger).
• Activities such as surfing, diving, snorkelling and volcano treks.
• Exclusions for claims connected with alcohol or drugs.
• Cancellation and delay cover if flights are disrupted, for example by volcanic ash — and whether the event was already known when you bought the policy.
• Theft cover and the rules on unattended belongings.

• Register your travel with SafeTravel so it can send you updates.
• See your doctor about vaccinations and health risks before you leave.
• Save the insurer's emergency assistance number.
• Keep copies of your passport and policy documents separate from the originals.

See also: common exclusions and how much medical cover you need.