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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Bangladesh
Since healthcare services are in short supply, it may not be possible for foreign nationals in Bangladesh to receive the medical care that they need. When it comes to healthcare, the treatment standards are different from what many foreigners are used to. Many medical facilities are not able to offer patients services aside from immediate emergency care. As such, we advise finding a health insurance policy that covers treatment not only in Bangladesh, but also internationally to ensure access to world-class medical care.
Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Bangladesh
Bangladesh Travel Tips
Permanently relocating to, or traveling in, a new country can be confusing and difficult, especially if you are unaware of many of the local laws and customs. Although Bangladesh has a reputation as a hospitable and pleasant country to travel through, there may be certain situations in which you require more information or help. It is for this reason that we have provided some travel advice for newcomers in Bangladesh.
Please be advised that all the information contained on this page is meant for reference purposes and may change without prior warning. For more up-to-date information about traveling in Bangladesh, it is advised that you consult a quality resource or your government prior to departure.
Political Violence
Due to the country’s history of terrorist activity, foreigners should take all due care while in Bangladesh. The government advises foreign nationals to avoid large gatherings, including demonstrations and protests, and unescorted travel in rural areas. In the event of a riot, stay indoors and follow all government directions.
Since security in the Chittagong Hill Tracts is a cause for concern, there is a caution against all but essential travel to the area. You should exercise care near Indian and Myanmar border areas due to reports of insecurity and occasional skirmishes in these areas.
Crime
Bangladesh is normally safe, and serious crime is not a problem for most tourists. However, crimes such as mugging and armed robbery can occur, so it’s best to avoid poorly lit areas and public transport if you are on your own.
Passengers using the Bangladesh International Airport have complained about harassment, and have experienced incidents of bag snatching and pickpocketing. Do not let anyone carry your bags, and always arrange transport to and from the airport in advance. Keep an eye on your passport and valuables at all times.
Road Safety
Poor road conditions and road safety are an issue in Bangladesh. If you choose to drive, you should have an International Driving Permit and take routes that are well-lit and well-traveled. Usual road rules are not applied and many drivers are unlicensed.
Local customs and laws
As Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country, many of the local laws and customs will reflect this. Women should dress modestly at all times and ensure that they cover their shoulders and wear long trousers or skirts.
Possession or distribution of narcotics is illegal under Bangladeshi law, and penalties for both are severe. Avoid drugs while you are in the country.
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Bangladesh Medical Insurance and Healthcare Overview
Under the Bangladeshi constitution, all citizens are entitled to receive basic healthcare services. However, the basic healthcare infrastructure throughout Bangladesh remains poor. Medical facilities are mainly limited to the major cities with almost no provision of healthcare services found in the countryside.
Health issues and healthcare in Bangladesh
In addition to the lack of basic medical facilities throughout the country, there is a major concern in Bangladesh regarding communicable diseases. Due to the country's location and the prevalence of severe floods during the monsoon season, there are yearly outbreaks of a number of major diseases, including typhoid, dengue fever, malaria, and others. This is a serious problem and accounts for many deaths annually.
In an effort to cut down on the levels of disease transmitted by poor drinking water, the Bangladeshi government has instituted a program to see all water systems monitored for contaminants. This program is not yet in effect but does show that the government is aware of some of the major healthcare issues and is taking measures to tackle the problem.
Even though there is progress in some areas, the provision of healthcare in the country is still lower than expected. Most hospitals and clinics are unable to provide any care outside of emergency treatment. Additionally, many Bangladeshi medical facilities expect cash payment prior to treatment. In some cases, cash payment has been requested even though an individual has health insurance.
In serious situations, patients are typically evacuated from Bangladesh to a nearby center of medical excellence, such as Thailand or India. These medical evacuations can be expensive, and without adequate health insurance in Bangladesh, they can place a burden on an individual’s financial situation.
Any foreign national traveling to Bangladesh should ensure that they take measures to prevent sickness and disease due to the condition of the country’s healthcare services. Avoid swimming in public waterways and the ocean, as these may be contaminated by human waste. Always ensure that you are drinking water from a clean source. This comes in addition to carrying some form of anti-diarrhea medication at all times. In the event that you suffer from diarrhea for more than 72 hours, you should consult a medical authority.
Bangladesh Health Insurance Plans
We can provide comprehensive international health insurance plans to foreign nationals living in Bangladesh, and Bangladeshi nationals living abroad. Plans that we can offer can be tailored to include a number of coverage benefits, which can include maternity insurance and dental protection, outpatient treatment, specialist consultations, alternative therapies, complementary medicine, and emergency evacuation coverage.
Bangladesh expat health insurance policies are typically globally portable and guaranteed renewable for life, giving you the assurance that no matter what happens, anywhere in the world, you will have the coverage that you deserve.
Recommended International Health Insurance Plans for Expatriates Living in Bangladesh
About Bangladesh
While traveling to a new country can often be an exciting experience, it can be difficult if you are not prepared for the journey. With this in mind, we have provided some general outlines on the country of Bangladesh to help you on your trip.
Please be advised that the information contained on this page is meant for reference purposes only, and may change without prior warning. For the most up-to-date information on Bangladesh, it is advised that you consult an expert.
Official Name: The People’s Republic of Bangladesh or Gonoprojatontri Bangladesh, simply known as Bangladesh. This country was previously called East Bengal and East Pakistan, which stemmed from the Indian division in 1949.
Capital: The capital of Bangladesh is Dhaka, located in the middle of the country on the banks of the Buriganga River. Dhaka is the 11th most populated city in the world.
Location: Located in South Asia on the Indian Subcontinent, Bangladesh shares a land border with India and Burma. The country is also situated on the Bay of Bengal.
Size: Bangladesh occupies a total area of 147,570 square kilometers, making it the 92nd largest country in the world. In comparative terms, Bangladesh is around the same size as the US state of New York.
Climate: Bangladesh experiences a tropical climate with an annual monsoon season that can be extremely severe. Due to the many rivers running through the country, there are a large number of floods during the summer months (June through October). The country is characterized by hot and humid weather year-round.
Population: With a total estimated population of 164.7 million, Bangladesh is the 8th most populated country in the world, ranking ahead of Russia and behind Nigeria.
Life expectancy at birth: The life expectancy at birth for Bangladeshis is approximately 72.49 years.
Prevalence of HIV/AIDS: There is a relatively low prevalence of HIV/Aids in Bangladesh, with less than 0.1% of the population living with the disease.
Major illnesses: There are a number of disease risks in Bangladesh. These can include; bacterial diarrhea, typhoid fever, dengue fever, malaria, rabies, leptospirosis, hepatitis, and polio.
Ethnic Groups: Bangladesh is a fairly homogenous country in terms of the ethnic makeup of the local populace. 98% of the Bangladeshi population identify themselves as being of Bengali ethnicity. The remaining 2% are a mix of many nationalities and tribal groups, including non-Bengali Muslims.
Languages: The official language of Bangladesh is Bangla or Bengali. English is widely spoken throughout the country; however, it is not an official language.
Religion: The major religion in Bangladesh is Islam, with 90% of the population identifying as Muslim. 9% of the population is Hindu, and the remaining 1% observes a number of different religions including Christianity.
Government: Bangladesh is a parliamentary democracy, as such the Bangladeshi head of state is not directly elected, but rather is the head of the political party that secures the most votes in the general election.
Head of State: Abdul Hamid is the head of the Bangladeshi state.
Economy: The Bangladeshi economy is in a state of growth (approximately 5 – 6% annually), however, this growth is stifled by over-regulation and government control of most of the nation's industry. Large deposits of natural gas and the country's many abundant natural resources are, however, encouraging more and more foreign investors to enter the Bangladeshi market in the hope of making large returns once the economy strengthens.
Most of the Bangladeshi economy is tied into the service sector, despite the fact that more than half of the nation's residents are involved in agricultural labor, highlighting the vast disparity of income that exists in the nation. Money from Bangladeshi's working overseas, in conjunction with a strong garment industry, are continuing to provide support to the economy, and many analysts are hopeful that Bangladesh will turn into the next Asian ‘tiger' nation.
GDP: Bangladesh has a purchasing power parity of approximately US$686.5 billion and an actual GDP of US$ 249.7 billion, meaning that this nation has the 41st strongest economy in the world.
For more information about health insurance in Bangladesh, please contact one of our expert advisers today.
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