What actually happens to travelers here.
Routine care is available in major cities; complex trauma, cardiac, or surgery typically requires air evacuation to a regional hub. Travel insurance with $250K+ evacuation coverage is essential.
The system.
System: Public healthcare system supplemented by growing private sector. Private hospitals in Dhaka offer adequate care. Public hospitals are overcrowded and under-resourced.
Quality: ★★☆☆☆ Limited
Private hospitals in Dhaka (Square, United, Apollo) offer reasonable care. Public hospitals are severely overcrowded. English spoken at major private hospitals. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Bangkok, Singapore, or India is common.
Bangladesh is not a medical tourism destination. Many Bangladeshis travel to India, Thailand, or Singapore for advanced medical care.
Where to actually go.
Leading private hospital. Modern facilities. English-speaking doctors. 24/7 emergency.
Modern private hospital in expat area. Good for tourist medical needs.
Part of Apollo international chain. International patient services.
Finding what you need.
Access: Easy
Hours: Pharmacies open daily 8am-10pm in cities. Many 24/7 pharmacies in Dhaka.
Prescription rules: Very few prescription requirements in practice. Almost all medications available OTC. Bring essential medications from home for quality assurance.
Lazz Pharma and other pharmacy chains are widespread. Most medications available without prescription at very low prices. Pharmacists may have limited training — self-prescribing is common. Bring your own essential medications to ensure quality.
Available over the counter
- paracetamol (Napa, Ace)
- ibuprofen
- oral rehydration salts (ORSaline — critical for traveler's diarrhea)
- anti-diarrheal medication
- antibiotics (widely available OTC)
- antihistamines
- basic first aid supplies
Useful pharmacy phrases
- আমার মাথা ব্যথার ওষুধ দরকার
- আমার পেট ব্যথা করছে
- আমার ...এ এলার্জি আছে
- নিকটতম ফার্মেসি কোথায়?
- আমার ডাক্তার দরকার
Chains you'll see
- Lazz Pharma — Green Lazz Pharma signage (Throughout Dhaka and Chittagong)
Common OTC medications by local brand
- paracetamol/acetaminophen → Crocin or Calpol
Crocin (GSK) is the dominant Indian-subcontinent brand. Calpol is for kids. - ibuprofen → Brufen or Combiflam
Brufen (Abbott) is the most common; Combiflam is paracetamol+ibuprofen combo. - loperamide (anti-diarrheal) → Imodium or Roko
Available OTC at most pharmacies.
What you can't bring in.
Carry a doctor's letter in English for all prescription medications. Keep in original packaging.
Deep-dive guides for this country's restrictions: CBD · Opioids
Bring documentation.
Strictly illegal in Bangladesh. Severe penalties.
Bring a doctor's letter.
If something breaks.
Availability: Dental care available in Dhaka at private clinics. Quality varies.
Cost range: $5-20 for consultation; $10-40 for fillings
Private dental clinics in Dhaka's Gulshan and Banani areas serve international patients. Basic care is affordable.
What you actually need.
🛡️ Recommended
Average cost: $20-40/week
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is ESSENTIAL. Ensure coverage for evacuation to Bangkok, India, or Singapore for serious conditions.
Filing a claim
Private hospitals provide English-language documentation and receipts. Keep all records. Medical evacuation to India or Thailand is common — ensure your insurer is notified promptly. File claims within 30 days.
What it costs out of pocket.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Doctor visit (private) | $10-30 |
| ER visit | $40-150 |
| Overnight hospital stay | $60-250 |
| Ambulance | $20-80 |
Estimated typical out-of-pocket costs at private or international facilities. Public-system rates can be much lower (or free for residents). Actual costs vary by city, facility, and exchange rate.
When local won't cut it.
Primary destination: Singapore
Secondary destination: Bangkok or Mumbai
Typical cost band: $25,000-90,000
Common providers: Global Rescue, MedJet, International SOS
Medical evacuation insurance is essential for serious cases. Singapore and Bangkok are the regional medical hubs. Indian metros (Mumbai, Delhi) handle complex cases for the subcontinent. Actual costs depend on distance, aircraft type, and whether ICU-level care is required in transit.
What to get done before you fly.
Required
- Yellow fever (if arriving from an endemic area)
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
- Rabies
- Japanese Encephalitis
- Cholera (oral vaccine for high-risk areas)
Yellow fever certificate required from endemic countries. Cholera and traveler's diarrhea are significant risks. Malaria risk in some border areas — consult a travel doctor.
The Bali belly prevention guide.
Tap water: Bottled-Only — Do NOT drink tap water. Use bottled water only. Avoid ice in drinks. Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Arsenic contamination affects some groundwater sources in rural areas.
Food safety
Eat freshly cooked, hot food only. Avoid raw vegetables, salads, and unpeeled fruit. Street food should be piping hot. Biryani and curries from busy restaurants are generally safe. Avoid buffets that have been sitting.
In crisis abroad.
English-speaking therapists: Limited. Some available through private hospitals in Dhaka.
Mental health services are limited. English-speaking support mainly available through private hospitals and expatriate networks.
International crisis support: findahelpline.com — crisis lines in 130+ countries.
Getting around with mobility needs.
Accessibility infrastructure is very limited in Bangladesh. Sidewalks, buildings, and transport are generally not accessible.
Hospital accessibility: Major private hospitals have some accessibility. Public hospitals have very limited access.
Accessible transport: No accessible public transport. Rickshaws and private cars are the main options. Traffic congestion in Dhaka is extreme.
Bangladesh is very challenging for travelers with mobility limitations. Plan all logistics carefully. Use private transport and contact hotels/tour operators in advance about specific needs.
Entry rules + local status.
Entry requirements: No COVID testing or vaccination requirements for entry as of 2026.
Mask policy: No formal requirements but masks may be recommended in crowded areas.
Testing availability: Tests available at private hospitals and clinics in Dhaka.
Bangladesh has lifted most COVID restrictions.
Bangladesh travel health, answered.
What we checked.
- US Department of State — travel advisory for this country
- CDC Travelers' Health
- US Embassy Dhaka
- Bangladesh Ministry of Health
- WHO International Travel and Health