Bangladesh Bank has increased the remittance limit for overseas medical treatment from $10,000 to $15,000, aiming to simplify legal foreign currency transfers and ease the financial burden on patients seeking care abroad.
In a circular issued Monday, the central bank’s Foreign Exchange Policy Department announced that individuals can now send up to $15,000 abroad without prior approval, either directly to hospitals or through international card payments. Of this amount, $5,000 may be withdrawn in cash by the patient or an accompanying person.
The decision comes in response to rising healthcare costs in countries like Thailand, China, Singapore, the UK, and the US—destinations now more commonly chosen by patients facing visa challenges in traditional destinations such as India.
For treatment costs exceeding the $15,000 ceiling, banks will still need to obtain special approval from Bangladesh Bank.
Officials emphasized that the updated limit is part of a broader effort to encourage the use of formal banking channels and reduce reliance on illegal remittance systems like hundi, which negatively impact the country’s official remittance flow.
“This move facilitates legitimate medical transactions and strengthens financial transparency,” said a central bank representative familiar with the policy.
The change follows other recent relaxations in foreign exchange regulations, including payments for overseas education, IT services, training, and visa-related fees—indicating a larger government initiative to modernize foreign exchange management in line with citizens’ evolving needs.
