Bali belly & Travel Insurance

Bali Belly is essentially food poisoning (also known as gastroenteritis) and is primarily caused by consuming contaminated food or water that contains harmful bacteria, parasites, or viruses. 

Said to affect up to 30-50% of visitors to Bali, Bali belly can strike tourists indiscriminately, and usually occurs within the first few days of arrival. Any traveller can be at risk of getting Bali Belly. However, those who are new to the region and have not developed immunity to the local bugs/pathogens are more susceptible. 

While many gastroenteritis cases resolve themselves some patients may require more significant treatment. Signs that further treatment is required include profuse diarrhoea with dehydration, blood in your stool, and a persistent fever over 38.5°C. If symptoms persist it's essential to seek medical attention promptly. 

Some travellers may find probiotics to be a helpful preventative measure when taken weeks prior to travel to Bali. A popular product like Travelan, can also reduce the risk of contracting Bali belly. Please consult with your doctor before taking any medications.  

As Bali belly is usually due to food or water contamination, the key to prevent it is in staying vigilant with what you eat and drink. Practicing good hand hygiene and taking a good quality probiotic a few weeks prior to travel can also go a long way in staving off a tummy bug. Below are a few key tips to help you avoid Bali belly. 

Safe water: Stick to bottled water and avoid consuming tap water or ice made from tap water. Avoid brushing your teeth with tap water.

Food hygiene: Eat only at reputable restaurants and food vendors. Make sure food is thoroughly cooked and served hot.

Fruit and vegetables: Peel or wash them with bottled water before consuming.

Hand hygiene: Regularly wash your hands with soap and clean water, especially before eating.

If you do get Bali belly, rest, hydration and regular paracetamol will be helpful. 

There are often cases of Bali belly that need medical intervention and, in some cases, hospitalisation. Treatment may include antibiotics, IV fluids and vitamins along with anti-nausea medications and painkillers. Know that hospitalisation costs in Bali can range from hundreds to even thousands of dollars, which is where your travel insurance will come in very handy. 

If you require medical assistance for a bad case of Bali Belly, 1Cover’s Emergency Assistance team can help you locate the nearest doctor, provide you with emergency guidance and liase with your medical team on your behalf. Depending on the circumstances, we will usually reimburse your costs after you have paid them upfront. However, if you require hospitalisation and/or have significantly costly medical treatment 1Cover can coordinate payment directly with the hospital.

If Bali belly leaves you out-of-pocket on holidays, make sure you have the necessary documentation required to complete your claim upon your return home. This will usually include:

• -A medical report from your doctor in the country where the event occurred.
• -Overseas hospital admission & discharge summary (if you were hospitalised)
• -Receipts/proof of payment for out-of-pocket expenses