Complete Guide to Health Insurance for Indonesian Migrant Workers (TKI) Abroad: Mandatory & Additional Options

Health insurance for Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) abroad is an absolute necessity, but many workers and their families are confused about what type of insurance they must have, what is covered, and how it works. This lack of understanding can lead to major financial risks.

Without adequate protection, medical costs in the host country can be very expensive, completely draining your savings. Worse, in the event of a fatal accident, the cost of repatriation (returning the body) can be an unbearable burden for the family. This risk threatens your financial goals abroad.

This article is your complete guide. We will break down in detail the mandatory insurance types (from the host country and from Indonesia), recommended additional protection, and practical steps to obtain maximum protection while working overseas.

Understanding Mandatory Insurance: Host Country Regulations

The primary responsibility for the health and safety protection of PMIs in the host country rests with the employer. The majority of countries with high numbers of PMIs, such as Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, have strict regulations regarding insurance that is mandatory for the employer to cover.

Insurance Obligation from the Employer (Mandatory Insurance)

In many countries, the employer is required to provide basic insurance (mandatory medical insurance) as a condition for granting a work permit. This is the main protection you will use when you are sick in that country.

Example (Singapore): Employers are required to provide FDW (Foreign Domestic Worker) Health Insurance which covers hospitalization and surgery, as well as a Security Bond of S$5,000 to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). The employer must pay this premium.

Mandatory Insurance Coverage and Limitations

The insurance provided by the employer has essential basic coverage but is often limited:

• Basic Coverage: Usually covers hospitalization costs and surgery costs up to a certain limit (e.g., an annual claim limit).
• Limitations: This coverage often has an annual claim limit. If the medical costs are very high or exceed the limit, the difference can become the responsibility of you or the employer. Therefore, having additional protection is important.

Protection from Indonesia: Mandatory TKI Insurance (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan)

In addition to insurance from the host country, you, as an Indonesian citizen (WNI) working abroad, are required to have social security from the Indonesian Government.

Migrant Worker Social Security (JSPM)

Since 2017, the Indonesian Government (through BNP2TKI, now BP2MI) has required PMIs to be registered in the BPJS Ketenagakerjaan program before placement. This program provides Migrant Worker Social Security (JSPM) with comprehensive coverage:

1. Work Accident Insurance (JKK): Protects against the risk of work accidents, from before departure, during the time abroad, until returning to Indonesia.
2. Death Insurance (JKM): Compensation for heirs if the worker dies.
3. Old Age Security (JHT): Savings that can be withdrawn after returning to Indonesia.

This guarantee covers repatriation costs in the event of an accident or severe illness, as well as compensation for disability or death.

BPJS Kesehatan (Optional Addition for Family)

Although the primary focus is BPJS Ketenagakerjaan (which is job-related), it is still important to ensure your family in Indonesia has active BPJS Kesehatan. This protection guarantees access to basic healthcare services for the family you leave behind.

Read Also: Cost of Living for Indonesian Migrant Workers (TKI) in Singapore 2025: Complete Breakdown and Spending Saving Strategies

Additional Insurance (Private): Maximum Protection and Repatriation

Since the mandatory insurance from the employer has claim limitations, many PMIs choose to supplement their protection with private insurance. This is a smart investment.

International Private Health Insurance

This insurance is purchased independently to provide broader coverage beyond what the employer provides.

• It provides broader coverage, higher claim limits, and can be used in various hospitals. This insurance is very important if you have a pre-existing medical condition or if you work in a country with very high healthcare costs.
• Compare premiums, deductibles (the cost you must bear yourself before the insurance pays), and the hospital network in the host country.

Repatriation and Death Protection

This is one of the most important protections that often receives less attention. The cost of repatriating a PMI’s remains from overseas is very expensive, potentially reaching tens to hundreds of millions of rupiah depending on the distance. Additional insurance or BPJS Ketenagakerjaan will cover this cost, eliminating a heavy financial burden for the family back home.

Claim Procedures and Practical Tips for PMIs

Having a policy is not enough; you must know how to use it when abroad.

Claim Procedure (Accident/Illness)

If you are sick or have a work accident:

• Immediately Contact the Employer/Agent: This is the first step. They have contact with the insurance company.
• Documentation: Save all receipts, doctor’s reports, and diagnosis results. These will be the evidence when submitting a claim.
• Contact Indonesian Representative: Immediately contact the KBRI or KJRI in the host country for legal and consular assistance.

Mandatory Policy Verification

Before departure or when signing the contract, ensure you receive a copy of the mandatory insurance policy from the employer and understand its coverage and claim limits. If it is unclear, ask the agent or employer to explain.

Communication with Family

Inform your family in Indonesia about the emergency contact of the agent in the host country and the policy details of BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. Ensure they know who to contact in case of an emergency.

Health insurance for PMIs abroad is a combination of layered protection. Your maximum protection is obtained from the synergy of three parties: mandatory insurance of the host country (borne by the employer), mandatory Indonesian insurance (BPJS Ketenagakerjaan), and additional private insurance (for a larger claim limit).

Adequate protection is a form of investment, not a cost.

Read Also: Maid Salary in Singapore 2025: Complete Breakdown of Costs, Minimum Wage, and Contract

Recommendations for Additional Insurance for PMIs in Singapore (Private Policies)

Although the employer is required to provide Basic Health Insurance according to MOM rules, this protection often has a low annual claim limit. To obtain maximum protection and safeguard savings from unexpected high medical costs in Singapore, PMIs are advised to consider International Private Health Insurance (IPMI). Here are some global insurance providers with relevant reputations and products:

1. AIA: A major player in Asia offering health insurance products with a wide hospital network.

2. Allianz Care: Known for offering very flexible and customizable coverage.

3. Cigna: Has a very large global medical network, making it an ideal choice for migrant workers who may often travel.

4. April International: Offers insurance packages specifically designed for individuals or families moving to Asia.

5. William Russell: Known for providing high in-patient coverage options and premium customer service.

Important Note Regarding Costs:

The premium and estimated monthly cost for International Private Health Insurance (IPMI) depend heavily on factors such as age, health history, and the type of coverage you choose. Always compare the annual claim limits offered with the premium you have to pay.

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