Emergency Numbers & Access
Ambulance service extremely limited. Private hospitals in Port Moresby only.
Response time: 30-90+ minutes in Port Moresby, unavailable in most rural areas
Cost: Public free but very basic; private $100-1,000+ PGK
Healthcare System
Papua New Guinea has extremely limited healthcare infrastructure outside Port Moresby. The Port Moresby General Hospital is the main public facility but overcrowded and under-equipped. Pacific International Hospital (private) is the best option for foreigners. Rural Highland and island provinces have aid posts staffed by health extension officers only. Malaria is endemic nationwide. Medical evacuation to Cairns, Australia (1.5hr flight) is essential for anything beyond basic care. Security concerns exist — always travel with a guide.
Designed for: Residents. Tourists must rely on private clinics and evacuation insurance.
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private clinics in Port Moresby; rural areas have health posts only
Typical wait: Same day at private clinics; rural health posts may be unmanned
Availability: Port Moresby only for quality care; extremely limited elsewhere
GP Visit
$50-150 AUD at private clinics
Private GP
$50-150 AUD
ER Without Insurance
$500-5,000+ AUD
Medication
Limited pharmacy supply. Bring all personal medications. Anti-malarials essential.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: 8am-5pm weekdays in Port Moresby; very limited elsewhere
OTC: Very limited range available
Controlled substances: Bring documentation for all prescription medications
Practical Tips
- Pacific International Hospital (Port Moresby) — best private facility for tourists
- Medical evacuation insurance is ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL — nearest quality care is Cairns, Australia
- Carry a comprehensive medical kit including anti-malarials
- Satellite phone recommended for travel outside Port Moresby
- HIV prevalence is the highest in the Pacific — take precautions
Who can get care in Papua New Guinea?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Papua New Guinea treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
Visitors get partial public cover — usually emergencies only, with routine care paid privately.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics in Port Moresby; rural areas have health posts only Typical cost: $50-150 AUD at private clinics Typical wait: Same day at private clinics; rural health posts may be unmanned
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $500-5,000+ AUD.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover (ESSENTIAL)
- Passport
- Visa (most nationalities)
Local contacts in Papua New Guinea
Emergency services
000 / 112
Ambulance service extremely limited. Private hospitals in Port Moresby only.
Pharmacies
8am-5pm weekdays in Port Moresby; very limited elsewhere
Very limited range available
What is the emergency number in Papua New Guinea?
000 or 112 in Papua New Guinea. Ambulance service extremely limited. Private hospitals in Port Moresby only.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Papua New Guinea?
$50-150 AUD at private clinics Private consultations: $50-150 AUD.
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Sources: PNG National Department of Health, WHO PNG, CDC Travelers' Health 2024, DFAT Travel Advice PNG
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare