Medical facilities in Papua New Guinea are poor by any international standard. Port Moresby General Hospital and the private Pacific International Hospital in Port Moresby can handle routine emergencies, but anything serious will require evacuation to Australia. Take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation — this is not optional in PNG.
Malaria
Malaria is prevalent throughout the country, including in towns. PNG has one of the higher malaria burdens in the Pacific. Take prescription prophylaxis before you travel (consult your doctor), use DEET-based insect repellent, and sleep under a net. Symptoms typically appear 7–30 days after infection. If you develop a fever after returning home, tell your doctor you were in PNG.
Other Insect-Borne Diseases
Dengue fever, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis are all present. The same measures — repellent, long sleeves at dusk, bed nets — reduce your risk across all of these.
Water
Don't drink tap water outside of hotels that specifically guarantee a treated supply. Bottled water is widely available in towns. In rural areas, boil or filter before drinking.
Food Safety
Cooked food from established restaurants is generally fine. Be cautious with raw foods and fruit that cannot be peeled. Kokoda (raw fish in lime juice) prepared fresh at a reputable place is safe; avoid anything that has been sitting out.
Vaccinations
Consult a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard recommendations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and rabies (especially if you plan to visit rural areas). Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from an endemic country. As of 2025, poliovirus remains a concern; ensure your polio vaccinations are up to date.
Altitude
If you are trekking or visiting the Highlands above 3,000 metres, allow time to acclimatise. Altitude sickness is possible on the Kokoda Track's high sections and on Mount Wilhelm.