Mariia Biianova
What to Do If You Crash in Bali: A Foreigner’s Real Guide
I went through 3 surgeries and spent $30,000 after my travel insurance failed me. Here's what I learned—so you don’t have to.
Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately After an Accident in Bali
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1. Go to the nearest emergency facility
Whether it’s a crash or fall, don’t try to walk it off. Even minor injuries can turn critical. Most locals will help if they see an accident—just ask.
2. Don’t panic. Stay calm and breathe.
This is crucial. Shock can cloud your thinking. Assess your body. Are you bleeding? Are you dizzy? Stay still until help arrives.
3. Contact or ask emergency staff to contact your travel insurance
Before treatment begins, request the hospital or clinic to connect with your insurance. Most clinics know the procedure, but don’t count on them handling it well.
4. Read your insurance contract—fast.
Check coverage: hospital choice, accident clause, exclusions. This will influence where and how you’re treated.
5. Receive antibacterial treatment and wound care
Even if your injury seems small, ask for proper wound cleaning, vaccine (especially tetanus), antibiotics, and regular bandage changes. Many Balinese know how to help with basic trauma, but insist on the right care.
6. If injuries are complex (fractures, internal bleeding, risk of infection), ask expat groups or forums for recommended hospitals and surgeons.
Not all hospitals are equal. Some are clean but poorly equipped. Others charge top dollar but give low-quality care. I’ll leave space below for my list of best hospitals and doctors I personally used.
7. If surgery is required but can be delayed, discuss the possibility of medical evacuation.
In some cases, it may be possible to return to your home country for treatment—but only if your condition is stable and doctors approve the transport. Otherwise, it may put your life at risk.
Here will be added: [TOP HOSPITALS & DOCTORS SECTION]
Whether it’s a crash or fall, don’t try to walk it off. Even minor injuries can turn critical. Most locals will help if they see an accident—just ask.
2. Don’t panic. Stay calm and breathe.
This is crucial. Shock can cloud your thinking. Assess your body. Are you bleeding? Are you dizzy? Stay still until help arrives.
3. Contact or ask emergency staff to contact your travel insurance
Before treatment begins, request the hospital or clinic to connect with your insurance. Most clinics know the procedure, but don’t count on them handling it well.
4. Read your insurance contract—fast.
Check coverage: hospital choice, accident clause, exclusions. This will influence where and how you’re treated.
5. Receive antibacterial treatment and wound care
Even if your injury seems small, ask for proper wound cleaning, vaccine (especially tetanus), antibiotics, and regular bandage changes. Many Balinese know how to help with basic trauma, but insist on the right care.
6. If injuries are complex (fractures, internal bleeding, risk of infection), ask expat groups or forums for recommended hospitals and surgeons.
Not all hospitals are equal. Some are clean but poorly equipped. Others charge top dollar but give low-quality care. I’ll leave space below for my list of best hospitals and doctors I personally used.
7. If surgery is required but can be delayed, discuss the possibility of medical evacuation.
In some cases, it may be possible to return to your home country for treatment—but only if your condition is stable and doctors approve the transport. Otherwise, it may put your life at risk.
Here will be added: [TOP HOSPITALS & DOCTORS SECTION]
What to Expect in Bali: Medical Care, Support & Recovery Options
- Most Balinese locals are incredibly kind and helpful in times of emergency.
- Basic clinics may be enough for light trauma, but complex injuries require real hospitals.
- In serious cases, ask for support in Bali expat communities (Facebook groups, local chats, etc.). They often know which surgeon or hospital is trustworthy.
- If you feel confused or overwhelmed, always ask for a second opinion from another clinic or doctor.
- In some cases, there are foreign-language-speaking doctors—you just need to know where to find them (to be added in the hospital section).
Travel Insurance and the Risk of False Guarantees
One of the most painful lessons: my insurance guaranteed coverage - and then declined it. I was bleeding, in surgery, and spending all my savings. I’ve since tested many providers and now recommend only what I use. I get only $3 if someone buys it through my link. That’s not why I share this. I do it because I’ve lived the worst-case scenario. Don’t repeat my mistake.
One of the most painful lessons: my insurance guaranteed coverage - and then declined it. I was bleeding, in surgery, and spending all my savings. I’ve since tested many providers and now recommend only what I use. I get only $3 if someone buys it through my link. That’s not why I share this. I do it because I’ve lived the worst-case scenario. Don’t repeat my mistake.
Why Trust Me
You’re probably wondering - why should I listen to this person? Fair. Here’s my story.
I was in Bali when a truck, overtaking another car, drove into my lane. I remember seeing the bright lights and thinking, "Oh, come on, dude?" I turned left, hoping to avoid impact.
Then darkness.
I woke up screaming. My body wasn’t responding. My hands wouldn’t move. I was bleeding on the road, and no one was around. I feared someone might drive over me. I was paralyzed by pain and fear.
Eventually, a man stopped. He asked, “Can you walk?” And for the first time in my life, I said: “Please, help.”
That moment changed me. I went through three different hospitals, each with different costs, quality, and attitude. I underwent three complex surgeries, and even had partial amputation. I faced infections, extreme uncertainty, and life-altering decisions—whether to risk another surgery or potentially never walk again.
My travel insurance guaranteed coverage. They declined. I spent over $30,000 of my own money.
Since then, I’ve tested various insurance plans and only recommend what I use myself now. I earn just $3 per referral. So no, this isn’t for profit. It’s personal.
I share this story because if you’re reading this, you’re someone who wants to be ready. And maybe my experience can save you from repeating my mistakes.
You’re probably wondering - why should I listen to this person? Fair. Here’s my story.
I was in Bali when a truck, overtaking another car, drove into my lane. I remember seeing the bright lights and thinking, "Oh, come on, dude?" I turned left, hoping to avoid impact.
Then darkness.
I woke up screaming. My body wasn’t responding. My hands wouldn’t move. I was bleeding on the road, and no one was around. I feared someone might drive over me. I was paralyzed by pain and fear.
Eventually, a man stopped. He asked, “Can you walk?” And for the first time in my life, I said: “Please, help.”
That moment changed me. I went through three different hospitals, each with different costs, quality, and attitude. I underwent three complex surgeries, and even had partial amputation. I faced infections, extreme uncertainty, and life-altering decisions—whether to risk another surgery or potentially never walk again.
My travel insurance guaranteed coverage. They declined. I spent over $30,000 of my own money.
Since then, I’ve tested various insurance plans and only recommend what I use myself now. I earn just $3 per referral. So no, this isn’t for profit. It’s personal.
I share this story because if you’re reading this, you’re someone who wants to be ready. And maybe my experience can save you from repeating my mistakes.
BOYZ
She has been nominated for an Academy Award, two Grammy Awards, and the Mercury Prize
My Story: From a Crash to a New Life Perspective
It was a normal evening. Then I saw the lights. A truck was overtaking a car, crossing into my lane. I turned left, trying to avoid the impact. I said to myself: "Oh, come on, dude?"
Then - darkness. Then, screaming. Mine.
My hands didn’t move. That’s when fear hit. I thought my body was crushed. I looked at the ground and prayed someone would stop. But for a while, nobody came. I got scared again: "What if someone just drives over me?"
Eventually, a man stopped. He said: "Oh my God... Can you walk?"
I asked for help. For the first time in my life, I did. Maybe half of us have a hard time with that. Cultural or personal pride—doesn’t matter. Ask. For. Help.
It was a normal evening. Then I saw the lights. A truck was overtaking a car, crossing into my lane. I turned left, trying to avoid the impact. I said to myself: "Oh, come on, dude?"
Then - darkness. Then, screaming. Mine.
My hands didn’t move. That’s when fear hit. I thought my body was crushed. I looked at the ground and prayed someone would stop. But for a while, nobody came. I got scared again: "What if someone just drives over me?"
Eventually, a man stopped. He said: "Oh my God... Can you walk?"
I asked for help. For the first time in my life, I did. Maybe half of us have a hard time with that. Cultural or personal pride—doesn’t matter. Ask. For. Help.
Multiple Surgeries. One Decision That Changed Everything.
I had multiple bone breaks, severe tissue loss, and even partial amputation. Three surgeries. Three hospitals. The hardest part was deciding before the third surgery: should I go for a complex reconstructive procedure—bone and skin—or just close the wound?
The risk of infection? Extreme.
The risk of never walking again if I avoided it? Also extreme.
I froze. But the doctors explained it all. I made tests. But no guarantee. No safety net. Just uncertainty.
That’s the reality I want you to prepare for. Because these moments happen—and they’re life-defining.
I had multiple bone breaks, severe tissue loss, and even partial amputation. Three surgeries. Three hospitals. The hardest part was deciding before the third surgery: should I go for a complex reconstructive procedure—bone and skin—or just close the wound?
The risk of infection? Extreme.
The risk of never walking again if I avoided it? Also extreme.
I froze. But the doctors explained it all. I made tests. But no guarantee. No safety net. Just uncertainty.
That’s the reality I want you to prepare for. Because these moments happen—and they’re life-defining.
BOYZ
She has been nominated for an Academy Award, two Grammy Awards, and the Mercury Prize
When You Don’t Know What to Do:
And it’s still fine.
As my psychologist said when I told her I was launching a business that might fail: "Yes, that also could be."
So what? You live. You learn. You move.
- Collect all available information
- Make a decision
- Remind yourself: You’re all you need. Whatever the outcome, you’ll survive.
And it’s still fine.
As my psychologist said when I told her I was launching a business that might fail: "Yes, that also could be."
So what? You live. You learn. You move.
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