Online Report : Bangladesh Bank (BB) has increased the remittance ceiling for overseas medical treatment expenses from $10,000 to $15,000, aiming to facilitating legal foreign currency transfers and easing the burden on patients seeking treatment abroad.
The central bank’s Foreign Exchange Policy Department issued a circular on Monday, stating that individuals can now send up to $15,000 abroad for medical treatment without prior approval.
Under the new guidelines, up to $15,000 can be remitted in the name of the hospital or through international cards. Of this amount, $5,000 can be withdrawn in cash by the patient or accompanying individual.
Previously, the remittance limit for medical purposes without special approval was capped at $10,000.
Officials noted that increasing visa hurdles with traditional destinations like India have led many patients to seek treatment in Thailand, China, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States — countries where treatment and travel costs are considerably higher. The raised limit is intended to accommodate these higher expenses.
For expenses exceeding the $15,000 cap, banks must seek special authorisation from Bangladesh Bank.
The central bank said the relaxed remittance rule is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on illegal money transfer systems such as hundi, which adversely impact the country`s official remittance inflows.
“This move simplifies the process for legitimate medical transactions and promotes use of formal banking channels,” said an official familiar with the policy shift.
Earlier this month, Bangladesh Bank also eased foreign exchange regulations for education, training, IT services, and other overseas expenses. Banks may now use international card platforms to process payments for: tuition and education-related costs, membership and subscription fees, visa fees and training registration, IT and software-related payments, medical treatment expenses.
The regulatory update is seen as part of a larger push by the interim government to liberalise foreign exchange management and improve financial transparency, especially in light of the country’s evolving needs for healthcare and education abroad.
