What you should do first — Emergency guidance for tourists (2026)
Quick Answer
If you have severe pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness,
heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms,
this is a medical emergency in Bali and you should go to a hospital immediately.
🚨 Signs This Is a Medical Emergency
Chest pain or pressure
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Loss of consciousness or fainting
Seizures or uncontrolled shaking
Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
Severe head injury or major trauma
High fever with confusion or stiff neck
Sudden weakness, facial droop, or trouble speaking
Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, or throat)
Severe dehydration with confusion or inability to drink
What You Should Do First
Do not wait. If symptoms are severe or sudden, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Call for help from hotel staff, villa staff, or local contacts if you are unable to travel alone.
Avoid self-medicating if symptoms are serious or worsening.
If unsure but concerned, contact a doctor immediately for advice.
⚠️ Not Always an Emergency (But Still Needs Care)
These symptoms usually do not require emergency hospital care,
but you should still see a doctor or clinic soon:
Mild to moderate fever
Diarrhea without severe dehydration
Flu, cough, sore throat
Ear pain or blockage
Minor wounds or infections
Persistent pain that is not severe
Emergency Hospital vs Clinic in Bali
Go to a Clinic
Go to a Hospital
Flu, food poisoning, mild dehydration
Chest pain, breathing problems
Ear pain, skin infections
Loss of consciousness
STD testing, blood tests
Major trauma or accidents
Home visit possible
Emergency & intensive care
Important Note for Tourists in Bali
If you are unsure whether your condition is an emergency,
it is safer to seek medical help early.
Many conditions worsen faster in tropical climates.
Your hotel reception can often arrange the fastest transport to hospital — in heavy traffic, a car may reach a hospital faster than an ambulance.
Go to Hospital Now If You Notice
Sign
Could indicate
Face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech
Stroke — time-critical
Chest pain or pressure, especially with sweating or breathlessness
Heart attack
Swelling of lips or tongue, wheeze, widespread hives after food or a sting
Anaphylaxis — use an adrenaline pen if you have one
Head injury with vomiting, confusion or drowsiness (e.g. scooter fall)
Brain injury
Heavy bleeding that doesn't stop with firm pressure
Major blood loss
Fever with a stiff neck, purple rash or severe drowsiness
Meningitis or sepsis
After a dengue fever: severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, cold clammy skin
Severe dengue
Near-drowning, even if the person seems fine afterwards
Delayed lung injury
Urgent — But a Doctor Visit Can Handle It
Bali Belly with dehydration but no confusion or collapse — IV fluids at your hotel
Fever for 1–3 days without warning signs — assessment and a dengue blood test
Dog or monkey bite — wash with soap and water for 15 minutes, then same-day rabies vaccination
Coral cuts, road rash and minor wounds
Painful blocked ear, suspected urinary infection, severe hangover
What to Do While Waiting for Help
Stay with the person and keep them still if a neck or back injury is possible.
Apply firm, continuous pressure to bleeding.
Do not give food or drink to someone who is drowsy or may need surgery.
Bring passport, insurance details and a list of medicines to the hospital.
Not sure which applies? Message our doctors on WhatsApp 24/7 — if it sounds like an emergency, we will tell you to go to hospital rather than wait for a home visit. See hospital vs clinic in Bali.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the emergency number in Bali?
112 is the general emergency number in Indonesia; 118 or 119 is for ambulance.
Is a dog bite in Bali an emergency?
Wash the wound with soap and water for 15 minutes and get rabies vaccination the same day. A doctor can do this at your hotel; heavy bleeding or deep facial bites need hospital care.
Can a home-visit doctor handle severe dehydration?
Yes, if the person is awake and able to talk — IV fluids can be given at your hotel or villa. Confusion, fainting or severe abdominal pain need a hospital.