Papua New Guinea Health Insurance

As expatriates continue to relocate to the country one of the key issues of concern is the state of the nation's healthcare system. As it can be daunting receiving medical treatment outside of your home nation, many expatriates want to know what the healthcare system is like in Papua New Guinea before they enter the country

Feeling comfortable in the knowledge that if something was to happen to a family member their medical costs will be taken care of, is important to us all. Our expert consultants can advise on the most suitable level of coverage for families, individuals, groups, travelers, and teachers expatriate health insurance.

Expatriate Health Insurance Papua New Guinea

Pacific Prime is an expatriate insurance broker specialising in providing overseas medical insurance for Papua New Guinea nationals living, working or holidaying abroad. If you are a non Papua New Guinea national and moving to Papua New Guinea we can also provide plans that meet your specific requirements.

The policies that we can provide are guaranteed renewable for life and globally portable, so even if you should relocate away from the country your plan will continue to cover you. With a number of extra benefits including maternity coverage, emergency evacuation and repatriation, dental treatment, out-patient consultations, alternative medicines, complimentary therapies, and specialist consultations, you can be assured that an international health insurance Papua New Guinea plan will give you the coverage that you need. For more information about the products and services that we can offer, or to receive a free quote, please contact us today.

Professional Service you can trust

Pacific Prime Insurance will be with you for the duration of your policy. We offer additional customer services that include claims advice, emergency contact numbers and medical advice lines. We also maintain a comprehensive list of Papua New Guinea hospitals/doctors. Most of our clients are expatriates so we maintain a list of Embassies in Papua New Guinea.

As a leading broker of medical insurance in Papua New Guinea we keep up on the latest insurance trends and Papua New Guinea Insurance News.

We can offer expatriates in Papua New Guinea dedicated international health insurance plans that will provide comprehensive coverage in the East and around the world. Plans that we can offer will usually have a number of benefits that a policyholder is able to tailor to suit their specific requirements. With coverage options including out-patient, dental, maternity, and emergency evacuation, you will be assured of receiving the highest levels of quality treatment anywhere in the world.

Papua New Guinea Travel Tips

Working or visiting a new country is often an exhilarating experience; but it also carries with it an element of difficulty or even risk, particularly if you are unacquainted with a nation’s local customs and laws. Papua New Guinea is an undeveloped country and while there are many things to see and do there, the high rate of crime in the country can pose a problem. In order to make your travels easier, we have provided some general travel advice for people traveling to Papua New Guinea below.

Papua New Guinea sits along the so called “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean, meaning that earthquakes, volcanic activity and tsunamis are a possibility. The tropical cyclone season which usually falls between November and May, and large tropical storms may cause flooding and landslides. It is advised you seek local expertise on what precautions you should take on your trip.

The threat of terrorism is low in Papua New Guinea, but travelers are advised to be aware of the risk of indiscriminate attacks by terrorists around the globe. These may be targeted at public areas, including places where tourists and expatriates may gather.

Friction between tribal groups in Papua New Guinea is a common occurrence and may break out into violence, particularly in the highland areas such as Enga Province and the Western and Southern Highland provinces. The capital, Port Moresby may occasionally be affected and firearms are frequently involved. It is advisable to avoid traveling in areas where tribal violence is ongoing.

While the rate of crime is high in general, serious crime is a particular problem the larger cities of Lae, Mt. Hagen and the capital city, Port Moresby. Armed carjacking, the stoning of vehicles and criminal roadblocks are a problem, and traveling on the road between Nadzab airport and the city of Lae remains dangerous.

Armed robberies are also a regular occurrence in Lae, Mt. Hagen and Port Moresby, including robberies taking place in restaurants and shops. More organized gangs are appearing and their activities include abducting people for the purpose of forcing them to open office safes as well as taking captives for ransom money.

Rape and gang rape are an ongoing problem throughout the country. It is particularly risky to walk around large towns at night, especially for females or individual travelers. The risk of rape and gang rape is usually lower away from large towns. Females should avoid wearing revealing clothing in general, including beach wear.

Travelers are recommended not to take public transportation in Papua New Guinea. There are public buses known as Private Motor Vehicles (PMVs) which are often poorly maintained and generally considered to be unroadworthy. There have been instances of armed robberies on PMVs, where passengers are attacked and robbed of personal belongings. There have also been cases of rape attacks on PMVs. Taxis are also available in some urban centers, although they are often in poor running condition. While it is recommended you do not use taxis, if you do it is advisable to agree on a price with the taxi driver before entering the vehicle, regardless of whether or not there is a taxi meter.

If you plan to go on a hike along a trail or track, including the scenic Kokoda Trail, verify with a tour operator whether or not the trails are open and safe before you start your trek. Make sure that you have paid any fees necessary before commencing your hike. There have been serious attacks at both the northern and southern ends of the trail and there may still be unexploded ordnance from World War II along the trail; visitors should exercise caution while trekking.

If you are intending to visit Bougainville Island, you should be conscious of the fact that separatist conflicts only recently ended in Bougainville and southern Bougainville still has sporadic occurrences of factional violence. Visitors must contact the Bougainville Provincial Administration with their intention to visit the island and once more when they arrive. The mountainous area near the Paguna mine are considered a ‘No Go Zone’ and should be avoided.

Cholera outbreaks remain widespread in Papua New Guinea and it is advised that you maintain high levels of food and water related hygiene. Make sure to wash your hands after visiting the bathroom, and before eating. Make sure any bottled water you drink has an intact seal, otherwise boil or filter water in a purifier. Avoid ice in drinks, food from suspect sources and any raw fruit and vegetables you cannot peel yourself.

Dengue Fever and Malaria are also a constant threat in Papua New Guinea. These diseases are transmitted via mosquitoes and while there is no cure for them there are preventative measures you can take. It is recommended you visit your personal doctor to talk about any vaccinations or preventative medications you may have to take.

Narcotics such as Marijuana are illegal Papua New Guinea and carry severe sentencing, including lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Homosexual acts are illegal in Papua New Guinea and anybody found guilty could face a jail sentence of up to 14 years.

Travel in Papua New Guinea is generally considered safest when done through organized tour groups or with the help of your sponsor in the country. You should try to dress modestly and avoid wearing jewelry or displaying expensive personal items in public. Because the infrastructure in Papua New Guinea is lacking, it is recommended you obtain comprehensive medical insurance with appropriate cover in case you sustain an injury that requires medical evacuation.

For more information about Papua New Guinea, the international health insurance plans we offer in the country, or want a free quote, please contact one of our expert advisers today.