Health & Medical
Doctor's Certificate
The trek is tough and physically demanding. The Owen Stanley ranges are rugged and remote. It is therefore important that you be physically fit.
You must have a thorough medical examination prior to departure as you will be required to obtain a medical clearance as directed.
You should ask your doctor for two prescriptions during your check-up:
- Anti-malarial medication - for Papua New Guinea (see below);
- Anti-inflammatory medication. Have your doctor prescribe anti-inflammatory tablets in case of extreme muscle soreness; and
- Antibiotics for treatment of infections
Personal Travel Insurance
It is mandatory for you to have a suitable Personal Travel Insurance Policy prior to your departure from Australia. The policy must cover the cost of emergency evacuation by air from any point along the Kokoda Trail, and medical/hospital treatment within PNG and/or Australia.
A Travel Insurance Application Form will be sent to you by Travelscene, Twin Towns, on receipt of your booking.
Public Liability Insurance
It is your responsibility to ensure the trek operator you choose has a current Public Liability Insurance policy to protect you from permanent disability caused by an accident during the trek. It would be an irresponsible risk to trek across the Kokoda track without this type of protection.
Personal Travel Insurance Claims Process
Airlines in PNG require prior payment before they will dispatch a plane or a helicopter for an emergency evacuation. It is therefore important for you to have an international credit card with you on the trek so that prior payment can be authorised in the event of an emergency.
Immunisations
Whilst no vaccinations are required for entry to PNG you should seek advice from your Doctor in regard to the need for cholera, typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations and to esure your tetanus cover is up to date.
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations. Some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together. This also applies to some malaria prophylactics, which have to be begun at least a week before you leave home.
Malaria
The major area of concern is malaria. The best protection is to avoid being bitten - and the best way to do this is to wear long sleeve shirts and long pants, apply 'Bushman's' or 'tropical strength Rid/Aeroguard' mosquito repellent to exposed areas of skin and sleep in a mosquito-proof tent.
Tell your Doctor you are going to PNG for 10 days and will be spending eight of those on the Kokoda Trail in the Owen Stanley Range. He or she will then prescribe the appropriate anti-malarial medication for you.