When I visited Siloam Hospital Kuta due to Bali Belly, how much was the hospital bill and what was the payment process like?

The hospital bill was approximately ~$76, which was the case without high fever or IV drip. I paid the hospital bill before seeing the doctor, and card payment was accepted.

What medications were prescribed at Siloam Hospital Kuta for Bali Belly treatment, and how should I take Loperamide (anti-diarrhea medicine)?

The hospital prescribed water-soluble electrolyte supplements, antibiotics, abdominal pain relievers, propolis, and Loperamide (anti-diarrhea medicine). I was instructed to take one Loperamide every 4 hours for 48 hours.

What advice did the Siloam Hospital doctor give regarding local food consumption to prevent Bali Belly in foreigners?

The doctor advised that foreigners might be exposed to risks if they consume local food as is. He recommended using restaurants with air conditioning and cautioned that bacteria could start to form in straws after 6 hours of use, so be mindful of that.

Bali Belly 2026: My Hospital Experience, Symptoms, &…

This is my personal account of dealing with Bali Belly and needing a hospital visit. I'll share my experience with the symptoms, hospital costs, the doctor's insights on causes, and essential prevention tips.

Table of Contents

1️⃣ Bali Belly Symptoms

2️⃣ Hospital Visit & Medication for Bali Belly

3️⃣ Causes of Bali Belly

4️⃣ Preventing Bali Belly

5️⃣ My Overall Experience & Summary

Bali Belly Symptoms

After arriving in Bali, I was eager to try everything! I indulged in street satay, fresh coconuts on Kuta Beach, and diverse restaurant dishes. I truly didn't hold back!

I often ate Nasi Campur and Bakso at local eateries with my Balinese friends.

Then, out of nowhere, I woke up one morning with severe stomach issues. While I didn't have a high fever, I experienced a low-grade fever and intense diarrhea. My Balinese friend took me to a pharmacy for anti-diarrhea medication, but after two days with no improvement, I decided it was time for a hospital visit.

Bali Belly Hospital Visit & Medication

Since I was staying in Kuta, I went to the nearby Siloam Hospital. I was relieved to find many nurses and doctors who spoke excellent English, so communication wasn't an issue.

The administrative office had a clear system: first, they explained the medication and hospital fees (1️⃣), and then I met with the attending physician.

My hospital bill was around ~$76. It wasn't as high as ~$207 or ~$345, which might be the case if you have a high fever or need IV fluids. The doctor told me to come back in two days if I was still unwell, and they would consider blood tests then.

After paying the hospital fees (2️⃣), I waited to see the doctor.

Instead of getting a prescription to fill at an external pharmacy, the hospital provided all the necessary medications directly.

I was given an electrolyte supplement to mix with water, antibiotics, and an abdominal pain reliever, all to be taken as directed for 48 hours.

I was able to pay by card, and although the pharmacist explained the medications, I was so disoriented that I just followed the instructions carefully.

Among the prescriptions, they gave me propolis and strongly advised me to keep it refrigerated. They also provided another anti-diarrhea medicine.

This was Loperamide, an anti-diarrhea medication. I was instructed to take one every 4 hours for 48 hours.

Causes of Bali Belly

Most cases of Bali Belly are caused by bacterial infections. You can get it from contaminated food, tap water, ice, or even fruit. I was so surprised because I had been eating everything without much thought, so I couldn't pinpoint exactly what caused it for me.

After that experience, I became incredibly cautious. I would only buy bottled water from convenience stores or supermarkets, sticking to brands I had already tried and knew were safe.

Sometimes hotels provide water in glass bottles. However, these bottles might be reused, so I made sure to always check that the cap was sealed and brand new before drinking.

Additionally, long flights can lower your immunity, and sudden temperature changes can make your body more susceptible to viruses or bacteria. (I don't think this was the cause in my case, though.)

Preventing Bali Belly

The doctor at the Bali hospital explained that foreigners like us are more vulnerable when consuming local food directly.

He wasn't saying that night markets or street food joints are inherently problematic, but rather that our bodies might be more susceptible to local bacteria.

As someone who loves local food, I started gravitating towards restaurants with air conditioning after that experience.

He also mentioned that when using straws for coffee or other drinks, bacteria can start to grow after about 6 hours. So, if you sip from a straw, it's a good idea to be mindful of that as a preventative measure. (Bali is incredibly hot, after all!)

My Bali Belly Hospital Experience & Summary

I submitted my hospital bill to my travel insurance provider after returning home to the US. Siloam Hospital was very helpful and handled all the necessary paperwork for insurance claims.

For those planning a short trip, getting Bali Belly can really derail your entire vacation, so prevention is key. If you start experiencing symptoms, taking probiotic lactic acid bacteria immediately might help.