What
a Bali Medical Check-Up Includes: Every Test, Explained
A Bali medical check-up typically includes blood tests (blood
count, blood sugar, lipids, liver and kidney function), a urinalysis, an
ECG, a chest X-ray and a physical exam, with higher tiers adding thyroid
panels, tumour-marker bloods, abdominal ultrasound, treadmill stress
testing, and CT or MRI imaging. This page explains what each
test actually measures, why it’s done, who genuinely benefits from it,
and which tests you can safely skip — so you can match a package to your
needs rather than pay for a long list you don’t understand. We explain
the tests; we don’t sell a package.
This is the test pillar of the site. Our blog dives deeper into
specific tests — blood test labs, MRI & CT providers, STD/STI clinics and cancer screening. To price these, see the
cost guide; to choose a facility, the
comparison table and directory. Back to the homepage.
Medical disclaimer: This guide is for information
only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician
about which tests are right for you. MedicalCheckupBali is independent
and does not own or operate any clinic.
The Core Blood Panel
Blood work is the backbone of nearly every check-up. A standard panel
covers:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Measures red cells, white cells and platelets. It screens for
anaemia, signs of infection or inflammation, and some blood disorders. A
near-universal, low-cost, high-value test for everyone.
Fasting Blood Glucose (and
HbA1c)
Blood sugar screens for diabetes and pre-diabetes. Many packages add
HbA1c, which reflects average glucose over about three
months — more informative than a single reading. Valuable for anyone
over 35, overweight, or with a family history of diabetes. This is why
most packages ask you to fast 8–12 hours beforehand.
Lipid Profile
Total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”), HDL (“good”) and triglycerides. It
estimates cardiovascular risk and is one of the most worthwhile
additions for anyone in their 40s and up, or with heart-disease family
history.
Liver Function Panel
Enzymes and proteins (ALT, AST, bilirubin, albumin) that flag liver
stress from alcohol, medication, fatty-liver or hepatitis. Sensible for
regular drinkers and long-stay expats.
Kidney Function Panel
Creatinine, urea and electrolytes assess how well the kidneys filter.
Important if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or take regular
medication.
Optional Add-Ons
Thyroid panel (TSH, T3, T4) for unexplained fatigue,
weight change or family history; tumour markers (e.g.
PSA, CEA, AFP, CA-125), which are screening adjuncts only and can
produce false positives — discuss with a doctor before adding them; and
uric acid for gout risk.
Urine and Stool Tests
Urinalysis
A simple, cheap test that screens for urinary-tract infection, kidney
issues, dehydration and sometimes diabetes (glucose in urine). Included
in almost every package.
Stool Test
Less common in standard packages; screens for hidden (occult) blood,
parasites or infection. Worth adding if you’ve had digestive symptoms or
are over 50 (occult blood is a bowel-cancer screen).
Heart and Lung Tests
ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Records the heart’s electrical activity at rest, detecting rhythm
abnormalities and signs of past or current strain. Quick, painless, and
standard in most packages.
Treadmill Stress Test
(Exercise ECG)
An ECG performed while you walk on a treadmill, revealing problems
that only appear under exertion. Recommended for those over 40 with
cardiovascular risk factors, not routine for healthy young
travellers.
Chest X-ray
A single image screening the lungs and heart outline — flags
infection, fluid, or structural issues, and is often required for
fit-to-fly or visa purposes. Standard, low-dose, low-cost.
Imaging
Abdominal Ultrasound
Painless sound-wave imaging of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys,
pancreas and spleen. Excellent value for detecting gallstones, fatty
liver or kidney stones — a common, worthwhile mid-tier addition.
CT Scan
Detailed cross-sectional X-ray imaging. Powerful but involves
radiation, so it’s reserved for specific concerns (e.g. a low-dose lung
CT for long-term smokers) rather than blanket screening. A major price
driver in executive packages — see the cost guide. Compare providers in our MRI & CT scan guide.
MRI Scan
Radiation-free, high-detail imaging of soft tissue, brain and joints.
Like CT, it’s best targeted to a specific question rather than added
“just in case.” The most expensive single component of most
packages.
Gender-Specific Screening
For Women
Pap smear screens for cervical cell changes
(cervical-cancer prevention); breast ultrasound or
mammogram screens for breast abnormalities, generally
recommended from the 40s or earlier with family history; pelvic
ultrasound where indicated. See our women’s-health comparison in the
blog.
For Men
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test screens
for prostate issues, typically discussed from the 50s (or 40s with
family history). PSA has known false-positive limitations — interpret it
with a doctor, not in isolation.
Which
Tests Actually Add Value — A Right-Sizing Guide
More is not better. Here’s an honest steer by life stage:
- 20s–30s, healthy: CBC, glucose, lipids,
liver/kidney function, urinalysis, ECG. That’s a solid baseline. Skip
executive imaging. - 40s–50s: add lipid focus, abdominal ultrasound, a
stress test if you have risk factors, and begin gender-specific
screening. - 60s+: prioritise cardiovascular, metabolic and
cancer screening relevant to your history; involve a doctor in package
design. - Any age with symptoms: don’t rely on a screening
package — see a doctor about the symptom and get targeted tests.
A good clinic helps you right-size. If a facility pushes
maximal imaging on a healthy 28-year-old, that’s a value red flag — see
our how-to-choose guide.
Preparing for Your Tests
Most packages need 8–12 hours of fasting (water is usually fine) for
accurate glucose and lipid results, so morning appointments are easiest.
Bring any current medication list and prior results. Full preparation
tips are on our FAQ page.
Understand the
Tests, Then Choose the Provider
Now that you know what each test does, you can judge a package on its
inclusions rather than its price tag, and pick the facility that offers
exactly what you need.
Want help matching tests to a package? Message wa.me/6281139414563 or tell our concierge your situation — we’ll
point you to facilities whose packages fit, and confirm inclusions and
price. Free, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tests
are included in a Bali medical check-up?
Standard packages include a blood count, blood sugar, lipids, liver
and kidney function, urinalysis, an ECG and usually a chest X-ray, with
a physical exam. Higher tiers add thyroid, tumour markers, ultrasound,
stress testing and CT/MRI imaging. Each is explained above.
Do I need to fast
before a Bali check-up?
Yes, for most packages — typically 8–12 hours — because blood sugar
and lipid tests require it. Water is usually allowed. Confirm with your
clinic and see our FAQ.
Which tests are worth
paying extra for?
It depends on age and risk. Abdominal ultrasound and a lipid profile
are high-value mid-tier additions; CT and MRI are best targeted to a
specific concern rather than added routinely. Our right-sizing guide above explains by life
stage.
Are tumour markers a
reliable cancer test?
They’re screening adjuncts, not definitive cancer tests, and can
produce false positives. Discuss them with a doctor before adding them,
and read our cancer screening guide.
How much do
individual tests cost in Bali?
Per-test prices range from around IDR 80,000 for a urinalysis to
several million for MRI. See the full per-test cost table.
Independent guide, reviewed by a physician. Written
by Dr. Anita Wijaya, MD (Universitas Udayana), MPH in Travel
& Preventive Medicine (University of Sydney), ISTM member,
with 12 years in Bali international-patient care. Reviewed quarterly.
Sources: WHO, ISTM, peer-reviewed screening guidance and official
hospital information. Choose a provider via the comparison table, or get free concierge help. Back to the homepage.