Is travel insurance worth it for a Bali trip?

Is travel insurance worth it for a Bali trip? In a word: yes. Bali is wonderfully easy to visit, but a scooter scrape or a bout of food poisoning can turn into a serious bill fast. Here is how to think about cover without overpaying.

The risks worth insuring

Two stand out. First, medical: clinics in the tourist areas are good but charge upfront, and a hospital transfer to Singapore for anything serious is eye-wateringly expensive. Second, scooters - the single most common cause of traveller injuries on the island.

The scooter clause

Read the fine print. Many policies only cover motorbike accidents if you hold a valid motorcycle licence and wear a helmet. If you plan to ride, buy a policy that explicitly covers it, and ride within the rules.

How much should it cost?

For a two-week trip, expect to pay a modest flat fee for solid medical-first cover. Backpacker and long-stay policies are good value if you are island-hopping across Southeast Asia.

Buy before you fly, and keep your policy number and the insurer emergency line saved offline on your phone.

A little cover turns the worst-case scenario from a financial disaster into a phone call. For Bali, it is money well spent.