Papua New Guinea is making major progress toward some important goals to increase access to health care for citizens across the country. Primary health care has been free for several years, and the government is taking action to make it easier for all PNG residents, no matter where they're located, to be able to use these services.
However, there are still plenty of costs associated with receiving care from doctors and nurses, and that's true whether you live in a densely populated urban area like Port Moresby or in traditional villages across the Highlands. There's an effective option for dealing with the price tag that so often comes with health care: medical insurance.
What is medical insurance?
Insurance can seem like a complicated concept, but the idea behind it is simple. Instead of having to rely only on your own savings and money shared by family and friends, your insurer will help you address part or all of the healthcare bill.
When you have medical insurance, you know that you have a plan in place for managing the financial problems that can come with major injuries and illnesses, as well as less-serious events that still require a trip to or overnight stay in a hospital. Having medical insurance also provides you peace of mind.
Do you need medical insurance?
Although medical insurance isn't a requirement in PNG, it simply makes good financial sense to have a policy. Unless you have enough money to pay for potentially expensive treatment and don't mind spending large amounts if needed, a medical insurance policy is likely a good choice for you. Even those with plenty of money in their savings accounts often turn to medical insurance as a way to make costs more predictable, paying a monthly amount instead of having to keep lots of cash available for an emergency.
PNG's health care system is growing and changing positively. Universal care for rural and low-income citizens is a key goal for the government, and facilities are improving in a number of ways. But a variety of health services still require quick payment. With medical insurance, you can reduce your exposure to the high costs of health care and receive the treatment you need without as much worry about settling a hospital bill or the amount of money you have in the bank. That includes medical evacuations to neighbouring countries. These vital but costly trips are needed to address a variety of serious issues, and the right medical insurance policy will cover them.
When you select a medical insurance plan from Trans Pacific Assurance, you also receive coverage for you family. The same concerns apply for your direct family members when it comes to health care: How can they pay for treatment? Will they need to refuse an important test or procedure because they don't have the money to pay? Your policy helps them get the care they need, too.
How can you get a policy?
At Trans Pacific, we understand medical insurance can be complex topic, especially if you don't have any prior experience buying or using it. Our expert team has the knowledge and experience to help you select a policy that's right for your needs and answer any questions you may have about the process.
