Healthcare

Bangladesh's healthcare system faces significant infrastructure challenges, with only 8.3 doctors per 10,000 people — far below the WHO recommendation of 23. Public hospitals are severely overcrowded and under-resourced. However, Dhaka has several private hospitals that offer reasonable quality care, and healthcare costs are extremely low by international standards. Most expats rely on international health insurance and use private facilities exclusively.

Dhaka has several private hospitals that cater to the expatriate community with English-speaking staff, modern diagnostics, and international patient services. These facilities handle most routine and specialist care adequately, though complex procedures or serious conditions often require medical evacuation to Bangkok, Singapore, or India.

International health insurance is non-negotiable for expats in Bangladesh. The gap between local healthcare quality and Western standards is significant, and medical evacuation to Thailand or Singapore for serious conditions is common. Most international employers provide comprehensive health coverage; those arranging their own should prioritize plans with medevac benefits.

Bangladesh's tropical climate and infrastructure challenges mean expats need to take specific health precautions. Waterborne diseases, mosquito-borne illnesses, and air pollution are the primary health concerns. Getting vaccinated before arrival and maintaining good hygiene practices are essential.