Emergency Numbers & Access
United Hospital and Apollo Hospital Dhaka are best for foreigners. Ambulance service is limited — traffic in Dhaka makes transport very slow.
Response time: 20-45 minutes in Dhaka; unreliable elsewhere
Cost: $20-300+ at private hospitals
Healthcare System
Bangladesh has an improving but still limited healthcare system. Private hospitals in Dhaka offer reasonable care. Public facilities are overcrowded. Outside major cities, healthcare is very basic. Medical evacuation to Bangkok or Singapore for serious cases.
Designed for: Residents; tourists use private hospitals
GP Access & Costs
Walk-in at private hospitals; very affordable cash payment
Typical wait: Same-day at private hospitals
Availability: Good in Dhaka and Chittagong; very limited elsewhere
GP Visit
$10-25 private GP visit
Private GP
$10-25
ER Without Insurance
$50-500+
Medication
Medications extremely cheap. Pharmacies ubiquitous. Quality varies — buy from hospital pharmacies or established chains.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Many 24h pharmacies in Dhaka
OTC: Almost everything available without prescription
Controlled substances: Strict drug laws. Carry prescriptions for all medications.
Practical Tips
- United Hospital and Apollo Hospital Dhaka are best for foreign visitors
- Medical evacuation insurance essential — complex cases go to Bangkok/Singapore
- Drink ONLY bottled or purified water — cholera and waterborne disease risk
- Carry comprehensive first-aid kit outside Dhaka
- Dengue prevention: use repellent constantly — it is endemic year-round
Who can get care in Bangladesh?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Bangladesh treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private hospitals; very affordable cash payment Typical cost: $10-25 private GP visit Typical wait: Same-day at private hospitals
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: $50-500+.
Documents worth having ready
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Visa
- Travel insurance with medevac
- Return ticket
Local contacts in Bangladesh
Emergency services
999
United Hospital and Apollo Hospital Dhaka are best for foreigners. Ambulance service is limited — traffic in Dhaka makes transport very slow.
Pharmacies
Many 24h pharmacies in Dhaka
Almost everything available without prescription
What is the emergency number in Bangladesh?
999 in Bangladesh. United Hospital and Apollo Hospital Dhaka are best for foreigners. Ambulance service is limited — traffic in Dhaka makes transport very slow.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Bangladesh?
$10-25 private GP visit Private consultations: $10-25.
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Sources: Bangladesh Ministry of Health, WHO Bangladesh, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare