Bali Belly or More Serious? [Learn From our Travel Experience]

Travelling the world is our passion. David and I (Isabel) have been fortunate enough to explore countless beautiful destinations together, immersing ourselves in diverse cultures and thrilling adventures. However, as any seasoned traveller knows, the road is not always smooth. Unforeseen incidents can arise, and without the proper safety net, these can turn a dream trip into a nightmare. Over the past four years, SafetyWing has been our unwavering companion, providing us with the peace of mind we need to fully embrace our wanderlust. Here’s a glimpse into one of our memorable yet challenging experiences in Bali, where SafetyWing’s coverage proved invaluable.

The Journey Begins: Ubud to Sidemen

Our journey started in Ubud, a hub of culture and art nestled in the heart of Bali. We were brimming with excitement as we prepared for a two-day scooter trip to the less touristy Sidemen area. The idea was to explore the lush rice fields and savour the tranquillity of the countryside. Travelling spontaneously, we hadn’t booked any accommodation in advance, choosing instead to roam and find a place as we went.

As we rode through the picturesque landscape, the beauty of Bali unfolded before us. The vibrant green rice terraces stretched endlessly, and the gentle hum of the scooter was accompanied by the sounds of nature. We were in high spirits, enjoying the freedom of the open road and the adventure that lay ahead.

Finding a Place to Stay

After hours of riding, we arrived in Sidemen, enchanted by its serene atmosphere. We wandered around, searching for a place to stay, and finally found a charming guesthouse with a stunning view of the rice fields. The owner greeted us warmly, and we immediately felt at home. The simplicity of the place and the friendliness of the locals made it the perfect spot to unwind.

An Unexpected Adventure: The Waterfall

The next day, our adventurous spirits led us to explore an unknown waterfall we had heard about from the locals. While wandering through the rice fields, we met a young man working in the fields who offered to guide us there. Eager for the adventure, we accepted his offer.

The path to the waterfall was anything but straightforward. It was littered with trash, and we had to tread carefully to avoid slipping or stepping on something hazardous. It was disheartening to see such a beautiful place marred by neglect. Nonetheless, we pressed on, driven by curiosity and the promise of discovering a hidden gem.

Upon reaching the small waterfall, we were awestruck by its beauty. It was a tranquil spot, untouched by the throngs of tourists. We thanked our guide, exchanged numbers, and took a moment to appreciate the serene environment. Despite the challenging journey, the reward was worth it.

Dining Local: A Mixed Experience

After our waterfall adventure, we visited a local restaurant with a decent menu and reasonable prices. It had a lovely view over the terraced farm fields, and we enjoyed a simple meal of tofu and rice, savouring the authentic flavours of Bali.

The next day, we were supposed to head back to Ubud. However, I woke up feeling extremely ill. I had severe ear pain, a stomachache, and a high fever. At first, we thought I might have caught something during our waterfall adventure or from the tofu, which perhaps wasn’t as fresh as it seemed. David was worried, and so was I. Considering we had visited the same restaurant twice, once with our travel friends (another couple), we couldn’t help but suspect the food might have been the culprit. Our friend fell sick a few days later, although with different symptoms, confirming our fears. It’s worth noting that “Bali Belly” is quite common among travellers, but in my case, it turned out to be more severe.

The Diagnosis: Parasite and Bacteria

Upon returning to Ubud, we visited a local clinic, the Ubud Royal Medical. After stool tests and regular health checks, Doctor Tomik confirmed that I had both a parasite and a bacterial infection. Specifically, I had an amoeba cyst, likely contracted from contaminated food. The diagnosis was unsettling, but the treatment was straightforward: 2 antibiotics. I drank so much water during those days and special thanks goes to the clinic as well as David, that helped me riding back and forth to the clinic for me.

The Role of SafetyWing

In times like these, having reliable travel insurance is crucial. We filed a claim with SafetyWing, detailing the medical expenses, which totalled around $35 for the tests, visits, and medicines. Despite the modest amount, SafetyWing accepted our claim without any hassle. Their prompt response and efficient handling of the situation were immensely reassuring.

Recently, SafetyWing has made its claims process even easier. The new system is more streamlined, making it quick and simple to file a claim. Their customer service is always prompt to reply to questions in the chat, providing immediate support whenever we need it. Have you tried out their new claims process? Was your claim processed quickly and with minimal hassle? Did their customer care answer your questions or resolve your issue efficiently? We want to hear about it!

The Aftermath and Reflection

Recovering from the illness, I realized how fortunate we were to have SafetyWing by our side. Travel insurance is often overlooked by many travellers, deemed unnecessary until an actual incident occurs. Our experience in Bali was a stark reminder of the unpredictability of travel and the importance of being prepared.

Exploring the world is an incredible journey, filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable experiences. However, it also comes with its fair share of risks. From accidents to illnesses, the potential for mishaps is always present. Travelling without insurance is like walking a tightrope without a safety net—thrilling but perilous.

SafetyWing has been more than just an insurance provider for us; they have been a dependable partner in our travels. Their comprehensive coverage, ease of filing claims, and prompt customer service have allowed us to travel with confidence. Knowing that we are protected against unforeseen medical expenses and emergencies gives us the freedom to fully embrace our adventures.

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Travelling the world as a couple has been the most rewarding experience of our lives. Every destination has left an indelible mark on our hearts (except Cambodia which we did not like much!). However, the challenges we faced along the way, such as the illness in Bali, have underscored the importance of being prepared.

If there’s one piece of advice we can offer to fellow travellers, it’s this: never underestimate the value of travel insurance. It might seem like an unnecessary expense, but when you find yourself in a difficult situation far from home, you’ll be grateful for the protection it provides.

SafetyWing Nomad Insurance has been our trusted companion on this journey, ensuring that we can continue exploring the world without fear. As we look forward to many more adventures, we do so with the confidence that we are well-covered. Safe travels, and may your journeys be filled with unforgettable moments and peace of mind.

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