We have been traveling extensively over the last decade and have had a few sniffles or needed some over the counter medicines over the years, but have never had to actually seek out medical care in a Foreign country.  Unfortunately, that changed for me in Bali, Indonesia.

The second day we were in Bali my left eye started itching badly.  I thought it was an allergic reaction, but overnight it got much worse.  (I probably picked up “Pink Eye” from my granddaughter before we left the USA.)  Anyway, I either had to either suck-it-up and look like a weird American Freak (more than usual) for a week or find a doctor.  I chose to find a doctor.

Turns out there were several 24-hour clinics in Ubud, Indonesia and some doctors that would come to your hotel room.  We do not buy separate travel medical insurance but have coverage internationally through Tricare from serving in the military.  I knew, I just needed receipts and I could file a claim when I got home.  I had never used my insurance outside of the Country, so this would be a learning experience.

I picked a clinic on the internet with good reviews and went to their website.  They had a button on the site to make an appointment.  When I clicked on the button it asked what clinic I wanted to visit.  There were clinics throughout Indonesia, I selected the Ubud Clinic and almost immediately I received a WhatsApp text asking what medical care I needed.  (I have mentioned before about using WhatsApp overseas…you really need to set up this free service if you plan any international travel.)

I explained my issue and they asked when I wanted to come in.  I asked the price, and they immediately replied that the consultation was 525,000 IDR.  Tests, supplies and medications were additional.  Reva and I left the hotel grabbed a “Grab” ride about $7 and headed off to the clinic. 

The clinic was in the center of Ubud and when we arrived, I was the only patient.  They needed my passport, which I did not have with me, but a photo sufficed.  They took me into an exam room and took my blood pressure (that was high…no surprise!) and my temperature and told me that they had called the doctor and that he was on the way.

The doctor was a young man who spoke very good English. He took a quick look at my eye and asked all of the expected questions.  No, I hadn’t stuck anything in it.  My vision was fine and my eye didn’t feel gritty…just itchy, gross and droopy. (My condition did cover most of the “Seven Dwarf’s”.)  He prescribed an eye drop with an antibiotic which they could make up in the office.  I thanked him and he said to send him a text if it didn’t improve in a day or too.  He could send me a different prescription if needed.

Before I left the office, my receipt had been emailed to me and I received a detailed report the next day.  Additionally, the office sent me another email asking how my eye was.  A very pleasant experience. My total cost including the prescription was 669,497 IDR. That converts to $39.81. Not bad! My eye was back to normal in just two days.

I had met people who had received care outside of the United States.  All of them, have had good experiences.  One woman tore her rotator cuff when she fell in Spain.  She had an MRI and treatment in a Spanish Emergency room.  The costs were provided up front and were less than $1,000.  I also met a Canadian man who traveled to Columbia for a knee replacement.  He described world class medical facilities and doctors and only paid $10,000.  Medical care is free in Canada but apparently not always available.

I don’t recommend traveling around the world without medical insurance and medical evacuation insurance is a completely different issue.  But basic medical care outside the country (at least in Indonesia) is easily available, high quality and very reasonably priced!  (I am looking forward to hanging out with my Granddaughter again soon…but maybe not right before our next major international adventure😊)