Health Insurance in Bangladesh, Asia

Useful information for expatriates in Bangladesh

Capital City: Dhaka
Total area: 143,998 km2
Population: 158,665,000
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time Zones by Country
Calling Code: +880 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Bangladesh

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health Insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Bangladesh has a mixed public-private healthcare system aimed at delivering universal access to all citizens.

·      The government provides primary care through community clinics and sub-district health complexes. Secondary and tertiary care is offered in district hospitals and medical college hospitals.

·      Funding comes from general tax revenues as well as donor assistance programs. Only a small fraction of GDP is spent on healthcare.

·      Private providers play a significant role and includefor-profit hospitals, pharmacies, diagnostic centers and informal traditional practitioners.

·      Coverage and quality of care varies greatly between urban and rural areas. Remote areas suffer most from lack of infrastructure and medical staff.

·      Bangladesh has made progress against infectious diseases but faces a growing burden of non-communicable chronic illnesses.

·      Reforms seek to strengthen primary care, expand health insurance coverage, encourage domestic medical education and improve emergency response systems.

·      Addressing poverty, lack of sanitation, malnutrition and natural disasters remain long term challenges to population health.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Purchase comprehensive international medical insurance before arrival as a backup to the limited public system.

·      Consider supplemental medical evacuation policies for emergency transport if needed abroad.

·      Have all recommended immunizations up to date, especially for travelers/tropical diseases like hepatitis A.

·      Only consume bottled, boiled or treated water and thoroughly cook/peel all foods.

·      Rural facilities may be very basic - choose a location near major urban hospitals if possible.

·      Register with a local clinic/doctor for minor issues, but use hospitals only in emergencies due to hygiene standards.

·      Bring adequate prescription medication supplies as availability varies.

·      Monitor lifestyle adjustments and impacts on physical/mental health from climate/isolation.

·      Learn some basic Bangla medical terms for communicating healthcare needs.

·      Register location with your embassy in case evacuation from country becomes necessary.

·      Consider costs of international medical evacuation flights if urgently needing specialty care abroad.