When you're sick or injured, the last thing you want to think about is finances. However, hospital visits can cost considerable money due to the services and resources used for every inpatient stay.
The price of a hospital stay in Papua New Guinea varies depending on many factors. According to the World Health Organization, the average cost for a one-night's stay in PNG is:
- K19.91 at primary health centres
- K25. 97 at secondary health centres
- K35.48 at tertiary health centres
These numbers apply solely to the bed – diagnostics and drugs will both add to the price of a hospital stay.
The costs can quickly add up. The average amount spent on health in 2018 was K59 per person, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. By 2050, it's expected to increase to K84 per person.
While the government covers most of the bill, patients must also contribute to their own care. This can be difficult for many people, especially considering the fact that hospital stays aren't very predictable.
Fortunately, you can plan ahead for a surprise overnight visit in a hospital by enrolling in a Hausik Moni program. Here are some of the important things Hausik Moni can cover:
1. Diagnostics and procedures
After you're admitted to the hospital, there's a chance you'll have to undergo some sort of testing to determine the root cause of your ailment.
You may be expected to pay for these procedures out of pocket, especially if the centre you're visiting doesn't have the proper equipment on-hand to carry out the examination. In addition, procedures like surgeries can also be costly endeavors for which patients are expected to pay.
2. Medications and therapies
Like diagnostic and other medical procedures, medications and therapies are often not provided for free to patients in PNG hospitals, especially when the health centre has run out of a specific type of drug.
Patients are expected to be able to pay for these treatments on their own. In some cases, patients must seek out a local chemist to supply the medications they need to recover or stay healthy.
3. Food and accommodations
As noted above, the cost of a bed for a night in a hospital is between K20 and K35, on average. Any other accommodations, including food and beverages, clothing or pyjamas, entertainment such as books or movies, and even your preferred bedding and pillows, are all the responsibility of the inpatient.
The hospital will not provide complimentary meals. There may be an on-site or nearby kitchen that prepares meals, but patients will have to pay for them out of pocket.
4. Home-related expenses
Life doesn't stop when you spend a night in the hospital. Your typical bills, like housing payments and utilities, will still be due as usual. For many people, a stay in the hospital – especially a prolonged one – means loss of income. Some people have to rely on savings to get by during periods of lost income. Fortunately, Hausik Moni can help cover any home-related expenses that you must take care of, including bills, rent, groceries and car payments.
The way you use your Hausik Moni is a personal choice, which means it's entirely up to you how you choose to spend the money.
The most important thing is to ensure you're prepared for a hospital stay by purchasing a health insurance policy and signing up for Hausik Moni coverage. This is the best way to ensure you'll have cash to cover the various expenses that come along with a hospital stay in PNG.
