Critical illness insurance pays you a lump sum of money if you are diagnosed with a serious illness covered by your policy, such as cancer, heart attack, or stroke. Unlike health insurance which pays your medical bills directly, critical illness insurance puts cash in your hands to use however you need, whether that's covering treatment costs, replacing lost income while you recover, or flying home for specialist care. In Indonesia, cancer, heart attacks, and stroke account for 60% of deaths, and medical costs are rising faster than inflation. As an expat, you may not have the same financial safety net you'd have at home. At BPI, we recommend critical illness cover as a complement to your health insurance, not a replacement for it.

Most critical illness policies in Indonesia cover the three most common and financially devastating conditions: cancer, heart attack, and stroke, often referred to as the Big 3. Some policies extend coverage to additional conditions. It is important to note that pre-existing conditions are excluded, meaning any illness that showed signs or symptoms before your policy start date will not be covered. There is also a waiting period of 90 days from the policy start date before any critical illness claim can be made, and a survival period of 14 days after diagnosis. At BPI, we review the exact terms of each policy with you so there are no surprises when it matters most.

The right amount depends on your income, your financial commitments, and how long you would need to cover your living expenses if you were unable to work. Most policies in Indonesia offer coverage from IDR 100 million up to IDR 500 million or more. As a starting point, BPI recommends cover equivalent to at least 12 to 24 months of your net income — enough to cover treatment, recovery time, and any adjustments to your lifestyle or living situation. The good news is that critical illness insurance in Indonesia is genuinely affordable, protection of IDR 100 million can cost as little as IDR 21,000 per month depending on your age and gender. At BPI, we help you find the right balance between coverage and premium.

Yes, and this is one of the most attractive features of critical illness insurance in Indonesia. Most policies only require you to answer a short set of health questions, no medical examination, no blood tests, no hospital visits. Eligibility is typically open to anyone aged between 17 and 65, with coverage renewable up to age 70. The underwriting process is straightforward as long as you answer the health questions honestly and completely. At BPI, we guide you through the application, make sure your answers are correctly recorded, and ensure your policy is valid from day one.

To make a critical illness claim in Indonesia, you must notify your insurer within 30 days of the diagnosis. You will need to submit a claim form, a medical report from your doctor or hospital confirming the diagnosis, a copy of your ID, and supporting medical documents. There are 2 important conditions to be aware of: first, the illness must occur after the 90-day waiting period from your policy start date. Second, you must survive for at least 14 days after diagnosis, this is called the survival period. Once your claim is approved, the full lump sum is paid directly to you. At BPI, we assist you through every step of the claims process, from preparing your documents to liaising with the insurer, so you can focus on your recovery.