Papua New Guinea ranks as the first or second most interesting place I have ever been. But, it also a poor and relatively dangerous destination. Infrastructure we take for granted in the West may be be in bad shape or nonexistant. Roads can be very hazardous and walkways may have uneven pavement and yawning cracks. Prudence, and Camera Treks, requires both medical and evacuation insurance for our travelers.

Whether you agree or not, you need financial protection in the improbable event you have a medical or some other emergency and need to cancel your participation at the last minute (when there may be no Camera Treks refund forthcoming).   Buy Travel Insurance!   The first two companies on the list below offer it. These are only two, there are many other companies offering travel insurance, as well.

Finally, traveling with an expensive kit that may not be fully covered by your homeowners policy? (Note: most homeowner's policies do not cover your equipment if you are a professional photographer.) Buy camera gear insurance. See the last listing here, although there are any number of companies offering this product. And, the insurer who covers your home probably has a policy rider for camera stuff. Beware, however. I have heard horror stories about such policies when it comes time to collect. If you have ever offered a photo for sale at a fair, online or elsewhere, you do not qualify as an amateur regardless of whether you actually sold anything. An astute underwriter will search and find evidence of your offering and disallow your collection for lost gear under your homeowners policy!

Check out the companies below, with whom we have no affiliation, or search for others who may provide better deals.

Trip Mate / Travel Assure I've not determined the difference except when a vendor uses them to provide insurance for clients they seem to use the second name. See their site here.

ihiBUPA, a great Danish Insurer that I have used. Alas, the last time I checked, Bupa no longer insures Americans! See their site here.

REI, Recreational Equiptment Inc. uses Trip Assure, where anyone with a membership can buy travel insurance whether the trip is with REI or not. We use this option for the medical evacuation. There is a special twist they do not advertise so ask us about this great plan. See their site here.

USI Affinity, an Ohio company from which one can select a number of options. See their site here

World Nomads, a Travel & Tour Company. See their site for U.S. residents here

TCP & Co. Photography equipment insurance. See their site here.