Essential Guide to the Health System in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea has a public healthcare system, known as the National Health System, which provides basic healthcare services to citizens and permanent residents. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system, but it is not widely used by them. Public hospitals are generally not recommended for serious medical emergencies or major surgery, as they are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources. The quality of care in public hospitals varies, but is generally lower than in private hospitals.

Papua New Guinea's Private Healthcare System

Private healthcare is available in Papua New Guinea, and is typically used by expats and digital nomads. Private hospitals are generally better equipped and offer higher quality care than public hospitals, and are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, and expats and digital nomads typically use private health insurance providers to cover the costs.

Papua New Guinea's Top Hospitals

The top hospitals in Papua New Guinea include:

• Port Moresby General Hospital (public, located in Port Moresby)
• Angau Memorial Hospital (public, located in Lae)
• Pacific International Hospital (private, located in Port Moresby)
• Goroka General Hospital (public, located in Goroka)
• Mount Hagen General Hospital (public, located in Mount Hagen)
• Kokopo General Hospital (public, located in Kokopo)
• Kundiawa General Hospital (public, located in Kundiawa)
• Madang General Hospital (public, located in Madang)
• Pacific International Hospital (private, located in Port Moresby)
• Pacific International Hospital (private, located in Port Moresby)

Health Insurance Companies in Papua New Guinea

The most popular private health insurers in Papua New Guinea are Bupa, Aetna, and Cigna. These companies offer a range of health insurance plans, including plans for expats and digital nomads. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, or specialized expat health insurance providers, to cover the costs of private healthcare.

Insider Tips from Expats in Papua New Guinea: How to Navigate the Health System

"Medical services in Papua New Guinea are limited and often inadequate. The country has a shortage of medical personnel, and many of the existing medical facilities are poorly equipped and lack basic supplies. Access to healthcare is also limited due to the country's remote location and lack of infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the government is working to improve access to healthcare and has made progress in recent years," commented one member living in Papua New Guinea.

"Healthcare services in Papua New Guinea are provided by both the public and private sectors. The public healthcare system is largely funded by the government and is the primary source of healthcare for the majority of the population. The quality of public healthcare varies greatly, with some areas having better access to resources and services than others. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, but the quality of care may not be as good as in their home countries. Expats in Papua New Guinea often use the public healthcare system, but they may also opt for private healthcare services if they can afford it. Private healthcare services are generally more expensive than public healthcare, but they may offer better quality care," commented one member living in Papua New Guinea.