Capital city in National Capital District, Papua New Guinea
Healthcare in Port Moresby: hospitals, costs and insurance
Healthcare in Port Moresby
Private care is basic and costly; serious cases are evacuated to Australia, usually Cairns or Brisbane. Insurance with evacuation cover is essential.
Hospitals for foreigners in Port Moresby
| Hospital | Good to know |
|---|---|
| Pacific International Hospital | Private hospital popular with expats and companies |
| Port Moresby General Hospital | Public; very stretched, avoid unless unavoidable |
Key facts
- Doctor's visit: K150–350 ($34–78) at a private clinic without insurance.
- In Papua New Guinea: Poor overall. Private hospitals in Port Moresby and Lae want payment or insurance before treatment; serious cases need costly evacuation to Australia. Malaria prevention is advised.
- Pharmacies: Pharmacies in Port Moresby and Lae, but supply is unreliable; bring all medicines and antimalarials.
- Health spending: US$85 per person a year (2023); 0.1 doctors per 1,000 people (2023), World Bank.
- Emergency: Police 112 · Ambulance 111 · Fire 110.
Travel and health insurance
Travel insurance isn't required to enter Papua New Guinea, but treatment for visitors is paid upfront.
| Insurer | Good for |
|---|---|
| SafetyWing Nomad Insurance | Monthly subscription for nomads and long trips; cancel anytime. |
| Genki | Health insurance for nomads, from a European insurer. |
| World Nomads | Trip insurance that covers many adventure activities. |
| Heymondo | Single-trip, annual and long-stay plans with a medical app. |
| IMG Global | Travel medical and long-term international health plans. |
Quick answers
What is the best hospital in Port Moresby for foreigners?
Pacific International Hospital: Private hospital popular with expats and companies
How much does a doctor's visit cost in Port Moresby?
About K150–350 ($34–78) at a private clinic.
Do I need travel insurance for Papua New Guinea?
It isn't required for entry, but recommended: hospitals in Papua New Guinea expect visitors to pay or show insurance.
More about Port Moresby
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Sources
- World Bank: health expenditure per capita
- CDC Travelers' Health: Papua New Guinea
- Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority
- Air Niugini
SoloSquare has no commercial relationship with the insurers listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.