Gili Trawangan is an absolute dream, isn’t it? You’ve got those sun-drenched beaches, water so turquoise it looks Photoshopped, and an island vibe that makes you forget what day of the week it is. It’s pure, unadulterated paradise. But let’s be honest for a moment, even in the most idyllic places, life can throw you a curveball. Whether it’s a surprise reaction to a fiery local sambal, an undignified tumble from a bicycle (we’ve all been there!), or something that feels a bit more serious, knowing where to find reliable medical help is a game-changer. It’s the ultimate peace of mind.
Think of this guide as your essential on-island companion. We’re going to walk you through everything you could possibly need to know about the 24-hour medical service on Gili Trawangan. From which clinic to call and where they’re located, to what you can expect to pay and why travel insurance is the one thing you absolutely cannot leave home without. So, grab a fresh coconut, find a comfy spot in the shade, and let’s get you prepared.
Is There a Hospital on Gili Trawangan? Setting Expectations for Island Healthcare
Right, let’s get this important question out of the way from the very start. The short and simple answer is no, Gili Trawangan does not have a hospital.
Now, don’t let that worry you. Whilst there isn’t a large, multi-story hospital building, the island is brilliantly served by several private, modern, and professional 24/7 medical clinics. It’s best to think of them as high-quality urgent care centres or a really good GP’s surgery rolled into one, but with the capacity to handle a surprising range of traveller-related emergencies. They are the frontline of healthcare on Gili Trawangan.
These clinics are absolute experts in dealing with the common (and sometimes not-so-common) ailments that can trip up even the most seasoned traveller.
What the Gili T Medical Centres Can Handle:
- Traveller’s Diarrhoea (‘Bali Belly’): The infamous stomach bug that can put a serious damper on your holiday. Clinics can provide medication and, crucially, IV drips to combat dehydration fast.
- Dehydration and Sunstroke: It’s easy to get carried away in the tropical sun. These clinics can quickly rehydrate you and manage the symptoms of heat exhaustion.
- Wound Care: From minor cuts and scrapes from a fall to the dreaded coral rash after a snorkelling session, they can clean, dress, and treat wounds to prevent infection.
- Minor Infections: Ear infections from all that swimming, chest infections, or other minor bugs can be diagnosed and treated with antibiotics.
- Injuries: Sprains, strains, and minor fractures from scooter or bicycle mishaps are all within their scope of care.
For any major, life-threatening medical emergencies—think serious accidents, heart attacks, or anything requiring surgery—the standard procedure is to stabilise the patient at a Gili Trawangan medical service clinic first. From there, the clinic’s team will coordinate a swift medical evacuation by private speedboat to a fully-equipped hospital on the much larger neighbouring island of Lombok, or in some cases, by helicopter or boat to Bali.
Your Go-To Directory: The Main 24-Hour Medical Clinics on Gili Trawangan
You’re not just limited to one option when you need a 24-hour doctor on Gili Trawangan. The island has several reputable clinics, and it’s a genuinely smart move to save these numbers in your phone the moment you arrive. You’ll thank yourself later if you ever need them in a hurry.
Warna Medica Clinic: The Central Hub
If there’s one clinic that’s often the first port of call, it’s Warna Medica. Its location is a massive advantage strategically placed right in the heart of the island’s bustling main strip, near the harbour where everyone arrives and departs. You can’t miss it. The vibe is professional and efficient, geared towards getting you assessed and treated quickly. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including 24/7 emergency care, a doctor-on-call service that will come to your hotel, expert wound management, and IV drips for rapid rehydration.
- Standout Feature: This is incredibly important for the diving community. Warna Medica is home to the only hyperbaric chamber on the Gili Islands. This makes it the primary, non-negotiable facility for treating diving-related emergencies like Decompression Sickness (DCS), also known as “the bends.” If you’re a diver, this is the number you need to know.
- Contact Details: Phone: +62 878 6206 0247
Pillar Medika Clinics (Sunset & Jambuluwuk): Bringing Care to You
Pillar Medika has a clever approach to healthcare on Gili Trawangan by operating in two key locations. One is near the popular sunset-facing side of the island, and the other is conveniently situated at the Jambuluwuk Oceano Resort on the quieter, more relaxed northern coast. This means that no matter where you’re staying, you’re never too far from one of their facilities. Their real specialism, however, is their focus on mobile medical care. They excel at bringing the clinic to you, managing common issues like severe traveller’s diarrhoea, dehydration, and wound care right in the comfort of your hotel room.
- Standout Feature: Their rapid response for in-villa care is a huge advantage. When you’re feeling truly awful, the last thing you want to do is navigate the island’s sandy paths. Pillar Medika eliminates that stress.
- Contact Details: Pillar Medika Sunset Contact: +62 812 7354 5444
What to Do in a Medical Emergency on Gili Trawangan: A Step-by-Step Guide
Okay, imagine the scenario: you’re suddenly feeling very unwell, or you’ve had an accident. Your heart is pounding, and you’re not sure what to do next. Here’s a simple, calm, step-by-step plan.
- Stay Calm and Call for Help. This is the most important first step. Panic is your enemy. Take a deep breath and immediately dial one of the 24-hour clinics listed above. All have English-speaking staff ready to assist.
- Provide Clear Information. Clearly and calmly explain your symptoms or the nature of the injury. Crucially, tell them your exact location. Remember, there are no street names in the way you might be used to. Use your hotel name and room number, or a well-known landmark like “the main mosque” or “the night market.”
- Let Them Come to You. Gili Trawangan is a vehicle-free island, so you won’t be seeing a traditional ambulance. The medical teams are pros at navigating the island and will use electric motorbikes, electric vehicles, or even a stretcher to reach you or transport you to their clinic.
- Follow Medical Advice. Once the professionals arrive, they’ll perform a rapid assessment. Trust their judgment. They might administer treatment on the spot (like an IV drip for dehydration) or recommend you come to the clinic for further care.
- Contact Your Insurance Provider. As soon as the immediate medical situation is under control, call the 24/7 emergency assistance number on your travel insurance policy. Inform them of what’s happened. They will open a case file and guide you on the next steps regarding payment and coverage. Do this early.
The Nitty-Gritty: Costs, Payments, and Pharmacies
Let’s talk money. It’s a crucial part of the equation when dealing with an unexpected medical issue abroad. Understanding the potential costs can help you prepare.
How Much Does Medical Care Cost on Gili Trawangan?
Healthcare on Gili Trawangan is private, so you will have to pay for services. The good news is that for minor issues, the cost is generally quite reasonable compared to Western countries.
- A standard consultation at a clinic will likely set you back somewhere in the region of £30 – £60 (approx. 600,000 – 1,200,000 IDR).
- A doctor’s visit to your hotel is a premium service and might cost between £50 – £85+ (approx. 1,000,000 – 1,700,000 IDR).
- The costs begin to climb with treatments. An IV drip, a very common treatment for Bali Belly, could add another £50 – £100 (approx. 1,000,000 – 2,000,000 IDR) to your bill.
- The Big One: Medical Evacuation. This is where costs can become astronomical. A private speedboat transfer with a medical team to a hospital in Lombok can easily run into thousands of pounds. This is precisely why insurance is so vital.
Payment and Insurance
So, how do you pay? All the major clinics are accustomed to dealing with international travellers and their insurance companies. However, the process is important to understand.
- Pay Upfront and Claim Back: The most common scenario is that you will be required to pay for your treatment directly to the clinic using a credit card or cash. The clinic will provide you with all the necessary receipts and a medical report. You then submit these documents to your insurance company for reimbursement.
- Direct Billing (Cashless Service): In some cases, for more serious incidents or for certain insurance partners, the clinic may be able to arrange direct billing with your insurer. This is not always possible, so you shouldn’t rely on it. Always ask the clinic and your insurer.
- Cash is King: It’s always a wise idea to have a reasonable amount of local currency (Indonesian Rupiah) on hand for any initial costs or for purchasing medication at a pharmacy.
Are There 24-Hour Pharmacies on Gili Trawangan?
Yes! This is another excellent aspect of the island’s healthcare infrastructure. All of the main medical clinics mentioned above have their own on-site pharmacies that operate 24/7. This is incredibly convenient, as it means you can get any prescribed medication, like antibiotics or strong painkillers, immediately after your consultation, no matter the time of day or night.
You’ll also find several standalone pharmacies, known locally as “apotek”, dotted around the main town area. While not all are open 24/7, many have extended hours, especially during the busy season. They are well-stocked with over-the-counter remedies for common issues like headaches, sunburn, insect bites, and mild stomach upsets.
The Golden Rule: Why Travel Insurance is Non-Negotiable for Gili Trawangan
If you take only one piece of advice from this entire guide, let it be this: Do not travel to Gili Trawangan without comprehensive travel insurance.
The clinics on the island are fantastic for what they are, but they are not hospitals. For any serious medical event, you will need to be evacuated to a larger facility on another island. The cost of this, without insurance, can be financially devastating. It’s not an optional extra; it is as essential as your passport.
What to Look For in a Travel Insurance Policy:
- High Medical Coverage: Look for a policy with at least £5,000,000 in medical coverage.
- Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: Ensure this is explicitly included and has a high coverage limit. This is the most important part for island travel.
- A 24/7 Emergency Assistance Hotline: You need to be able to speak to someone at any time, day or night.
- Activity Coverage: Make sure your policy covers you for everything you plan to do. Standard policies may not cover scuba diving (especially to certain depths) or riding a scooter. You may need to add these on.
Warna Medica: Your Best Choice for 24-Hour Medical Service in Gili Trawangan
When you’re trying to choose the right clinic in a moment of stress, you want a place that is easy to find, comprehensively equipped, and trusted by the community. Warna Medica Clinic ticks all those boxes, making it a standout choice for your go-to medical contact on the island. Its prime location near the main harbour means you can get there quickly from almost anywhere. More importantly, it is the only clinic on Gili Trawangan with a hyperbaric chamber, making it the undisputed authority for any diving-related incidents. For general medical needs and diving emergencies alike, their professional 24-hour service provides the reliable care and peace of mind every traveller deserves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gili Trawangan Medical Services
1. What if I need a specialist like a dentist or an optometrist?
For any specialised care, you will need to travel to the main island of Lombok (the city of Mataram) or to Bali. The Gili clinics can provide initial pain relief and help you arrange the necessary transport and appointments.
2. Can I get my regular prescriptions filled on the island?
It’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to get a specific prescription from your home country filled. You absolutely must bring enough of your own medication to last your entire trip, along with a copy of your prescription or a doctor’s letter.
3. What are the most common health issues for tourists on Gili T?
By far, the most common issues are traveller’s diarrhoea (‘Bali Belly’), dehydration from the heat and alcohol, sunburn, and minor injuries. These include cuts and scrapes from coral while snorkelling, and accidents on bicycles or scooters.
4. Is the tap water safe to drink on Gili Trawangan?
Absolutely not. The tap water is brackish and not potable. Only drink sealed bottled water or water from a reputable filtered source, which many hotels and restaurants now offer. Be cautious with ice in drinks unless you’re in a reputable establishment where it’s likely made from purified water.
5. What should I do if I get stung by a jellyfish or sea urchin?
If you get stung, try to remove any visible tentacles with tweezers (not your bare hands). Rinsing the area with vinegar can help neutralise the sting from some jellyfish species. For sea urchin spines, soaking the area in hot water can help with the pain. For any severe pain, allergic reaction, or spines you can’t remove, go straight to a medical clinic.
