When you plan a trip to the Gili Islands, travel insurance might not be the first thing you think about — but it’s one of the smartest things to have. These small tropical islands offer peace, sunshine, and beautiful beaches, yet unexpected situations can happen anywhere. Having good travel insurance protects you from medical costs, trip cancellations, or other travel problems that can quickly become expensive far from home.
Is Travel Insurance Required for Indonesia?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for entering Indonesia, but it is highly recommended. Medical facilities on the Gili Islands are basic, and in case of serious illness or injury, you may need to be transported to a hospital on Lombok or Bali. Without insurance, these services must be paid upfront and can be costly. Having a policy ensures you receive help when you need it most, without worrying about expenses.
What Should Your Travel Insurance Include?
When buying insurance for Indonesia, make sure your policy covers:
- Medical and hospital expenses – for accidents, tropical illnesses, or food poisoning.
- Emergency evacuation and repatriation – if you need transport to a larger hospital or back home.
- Trip cancellation or interruption – to recover costs if your travel is disrupted by weather or illness.
- Lost or delayed baggage – useful when transferring between boats or islands.
- Water and adventure activities – such as snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
It’s also important to check whether your insurance includes 24-hour assistance, COVID-19 coverage, and pre-existing condition protection if relevant.
How Much Coverage Do You Need?
As a general guideline, travelers are advised to have at least USD 50,000 for medical coverage and USD 100,000 for emergency evacuation. This should be enough for most medical situations, including transfers to hospitals on Lombok or Bali.
How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost?
Travel insurance for Indonesia is usually affordable. The cost depends on your age, trip duration, and coverage level. For short holidays, plans often start at just a few dollars per day. It’s best to purchase insurance before you start your trip, because you can’t claim for events that happened before the policy began.
Common Risks on the Gili Islands
Even though the Gili Islands are calm and generally safe, a few risks are worth noting:
- Limited medical care – only small clinics are available on each island.
- Minor injuries – coral cuts or scrapes while swimming or snorkeling.
- Food-related illness – stomach infections (“Bali belly”) caused by bacteria in local food or water.
- Lost or stolen items – especially phones or bags left unattended on the beach.
- Ferry delays or cancellations – during bad weather, especially in the rainy season.
These are small inconveniences compared to the benefits of visiting the Gilis, but having travel insurance ensures that any problem stays just a minor issue.
Tips for Choosing and Using Travel Insurance
- Compare several policies and read the details carefully.
- Make sure it covers all your planned activities.
- Keep digital and printed copies of your insurance documents.
- Save the emergency contact number of your provider.
- Keep all receipts and reports if you need to make a claim.
- Notify your insurer as soon as something happens.
Travel insurance may not be the most exciting part of planning your Gili Islands holiday, but it’s one of the most important. It protects you from unexpected expenses and gives you peace of mind while exploring Indonesia’s tropical paradise. Before you book your fast boat or choose your beachfront villa, make sure you also arrange reliable travel insurance — it’s a small step that can make a big difference if something doesn’t go as planned.
