‘Bali Belly’ Can Cost You Rs 3 Lakh Abroad; Here’s How Travel Insurance Protects You

Bali is one of the most favourite holiday spots for Indian tourists, thanks to its beaches, temples, and buzzing nightlife. But many visitors also return with an unpleasant souvenir: “Bali Belly.”

This is the name given to a stomach infection that usually comes from contaminated food or water. Symptoms range from stomach cramps and vomiting to dehydration and diarrhoea. At home, it might mean a day of rest and some basic medication. Abroad, however, it can turn into a different story - something that can potentially put you under a financial strain outside of the domestic network of medical facilities.

For instance, according to Policybazaar, hospitals in Indonesia often ask for upfront payment, and even short stays with IV fluids and medicines can push bills close to Rs 3 lakh. Under such circumstances, what may feel like a minor illness can quickly turn into an emergency which eats into your travel budget and savings.

That’s where travel insurance steps in.

Here’s how Travel Insurance saves you in medical emergencies abroad:

• A policy with emergency medical cover will pay for doctor consultations, hospitalisation, and medicines, costs that your regular health insurance from India usually won’t cover outside the country.

• In more severe cases, travellers may need to be shifted to a better-equipped hospital or even flown back home. Medical evacuation, whenever needed, can become one of the most expensive services abroad. It may cost thousands of dollars; however, the good thing is it’s included in comprehensive travel insurance plans.

• Another often overlooked aspect is trip interruption or cancellations. If illness forces you to cancel hotel bookings or cut your holiday short, a travel insurance policy can reimburse non-refundable expenses, saving you from additional financial loss. But it is important to check your policy documents before assuming this cover - the extent of coverage may be limited in terms of a pre-set monetary threshold.

Meet Kapadia, business head of travel insurance at Policybazaar, explains it plainly, “A comprehensive travel insurance plan is no longer just about lost luggage or delayed flights. Hospitalisation abroad can easily cost anywhere between Rs 3 lakh and Rs 5 lakh, even for something like a stomach infection."

He adds, "With the right cover, you get emergency hospitalisation, cashless treatment, and even trip extensions if illness forces you to stay longer. For just a few hundred rupees a day, it can protect travellers from very high out-of-pocket risks.”

For Indians travelling abroad, especially to popular spots like Bali, the lesson is simple: food poisoning or stomach infections may sound trivial, but they can end up wrecking both your trip and your finances. Travel insurance, while often overlooked, can make the difference between a manageable hiccup and a very costly holiday.