My recent BPJS Experience

We pay IDR600,000 per month for BPJS coverage for my family of four mainly for emergency illnesses for myself such as heart attack, stroke, joint replacements etc as I am getting old. About six months ago I started to get trigger finger in one finger. I stupidly wasted Rp1.2 million of my own money at a hospital for a steroid injection which did work for 3 months and was told I could have two more injections before needing an operation. So when the ailment happened again I decided to visit the local BPJS clinic and made an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon I knew at my preferred hospital in our city. I went for consultation the next day. Instead of having another injection he suggested to go straight to surgery to remove the sheath surrounding the tendon in my hand for that finger. It was booked for three weeks later and I had the operation which was a complete success. BPJS covered the initial consultation, the operation, painkiller and anti-inflammatory tablets and two follow-up visits to check the wound and replace the dressing and to remove the stitches.

Meanwhile, in the UK I understand from a couple of friends who have had the same operation that it is a much lengthier process under the NHS for both consulting with a specialist and especially until you can be scheduled for an operation.

I am very happy with BPJS.