The Best Travel Insurance Plans for Bangladesh in 2025
- The best travel insurance plans for Bangladesh
- Is It Safe to Travel to Bangladesh?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter Bangladesh?
- Why take out travel insurance for Bangladesh?
- What travel insurance for Bangladesh should cover
- The cost of travel insurance for Bangladesh
- How to pay less for your travel insurance to Bangladesh
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Bangladesh?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Bangladesh: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Bangladesh covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and unexpected trip disruptions.
2. Warning: The Australian government advises to reconsider your need to travel to Bangladesh due to security risks.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended due to poor medical facilities and evacuation needs.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Bangladesh typically costs between AUD $30 and AUD $60.
5. Good to know: Ensure your policy covers treatment for insect-borne diseases like dengue, which are common in Bangladesh.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Bangladesh.
The best travel insurance plans for Bangladesh
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | AUD 1.6M | Our top pick for Bangladesh. - high medical ceiling - repatriation support - broad guarantees |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | AUD 1.6M | Suitable for extended trips. - 24/7 helpline - no deductible - covers cancellations |
| Tourist Card | AUD 800K | Good for urban tourism. - essential medical cover - emergency assistance - good value |
| Travel Pass Monde | AUD 1.1M | Balanced coverage abroad. - strong medical limits - hospital fees insured - covers repatriation |
| Globe Partner | AUD 480K | Focus on essential needs. - covers basic healthcare - repatriation benefit - liability cover |
| Globe Traveller | AUD 800K | Budget option for short trips. - basic medical cover - fast claims process - moderate ceiling |
- high medical ceiling
- repatriation support
- broad guarantees
- 24/7 helpline
- no deductible
- covers cancellations
- essential medical cover
- emergency assistance
- good value
- strong medical limits
- hospital fees insured
- covers repatriation
- covers basic healthcare
- repatriation benefit
- liability cover
- basic medical cover
- fast claims process
- moderate ceiling
Is It Safe to Travel to Bangladesh?
As of June 2025, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) urges travellers to reconsider your need to travel to Bangladesh due to civil unrest, demonstrations, and terrorism risks. The national situation remains volatile, with sporadic violence and disruption.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: political protests and rallies can become violent with little warning, especially in Dhaka and Chittagong. Attacks on police stations and public infrastructure have been reported, along with increased crime including vandalism and theft.
- Health risks: medical services are poor outside Dhaka and usually demand upfront payment. Disease risk is high, including dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and chikungunya, particularly during the monsoon and in rural districts.
- Legal requirements: a visa is required for Australian citizens prior to arrival, and the process is strictly enforced at land borders and airports. Documentation such as travel itinerary and accommodation confirmation may be checked by immigration authorities.
- Cultural and environmental factors: modest dress is expected, especially near religious sites. Monsoon season brings a risk of severe flooding, particularly in low-lying districts like Sylhet and Barisal.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Bangladesh.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Bangladesh?
No, travel insurance is not legally mandatory for Australian citizens travelling to Bangladesh.
However, it is strongly recommended by official Australian authorities because medical facilities in Bangladesh are generally poor, especially outside Dhaka, and payment is usually required upfront for any treatment. In the event of serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to another country can be extremely expensive and is not covered by local providers.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Bangladesh. This high percentage reflects both the limited health infrastructure and the elevated security risks for foreign visitors.
Why take out travel insurance for Bangladesh?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh, foreigners often need to seek care in private clinics like United Hospital Dhaka or Square Hospitals, where charges for consultations, hospitalisation or surgery can be significant. Public hospitals, especially outside Dhaka, are not recommended due to limited facilities, outdated equipment and staff shortages. Emergency evacuation and specialist care may involve even higher costs.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Bangladesh.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at United Hospital Dhaka | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | BDT 65,000 (AUD 900) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | BDT 90,000 (AUD 1,250) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | BDT 1,200,000 (AUD 16,600) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | BDT 350,000 (AUD 4,800) | up to AUD 2,000,000 |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Bangladesh should cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Bangladesh.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers doctor fees, hospitalisation, medication and urgent treatment if sick or injured. Recommended limit: at least AUD 500,000. |
| 🚑 Emergency evacuation | Covers transportation to a better-equipped hospital in another country or return to Australia if required. Recommended: minimum AUD 300,000. |
| ✈️ Repatriation | Covers costs to return to Australia if needed for treatment or after major illness or accident. Recommended: at least AUD 200,000. |
| 💼 Loss or theft of belongings | Reimburses for lost, stolen or damaged baggage, passports or personal effects. Recommended: minimum AUD 5,000. |
| ⌛ Trip cancellation | Provides cover for non-refundable travel expenses if you must cancel due to illness, accident, or civil unrest. Recommended: at least AUD 10,000. |
| 💳 Personal liability | Covers compensation if you unintentionally injure someone or damage property in Bangladesh. Recommended: at least AUD 1,000,000. |
| 🦟 Infectious disease assistance | Covers medical treatment for dengue, malaria or other mosquito-borne or waterborne diseases. Check for unlimited cover or limit above AUD 500,000. |
| 🏄 Adventure activities | Covers injuries from activities like trekking, cycling or motorcycling. Ensure activities you plan are not excluded and check limits for at least AUD 200,000. |
Recommended limit: at least AUD 500,000.
Recommended: minimum AUD 300,000.
Recommended: at least AUD 200,000.
Recommended: minimum AUD 5,000.
Recommended: at least AUD 10,000.
Recommended: at least AUD 1,000,000.
Check for unlimited cover or limit above AUD 500,000.
Ensure activities you plan are not excluded and check limits for at least AUD 200,000.
Travel insurance from local providers or included with a bank card usually offers only basic cover, low reimbursement limits, and several exclusions. For peace of mind, select a trusted insurer with comprehensive cover. Compare the best options on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The cost of travel insurance for Bangladesh
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | AUD 48 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | AUD 82 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | AUD 140 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | AUD 220 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of your travel insurance for Bangladesh depends on several factors: your age, trip duration, chosen level of cover, and any pre-existing medical conditions. Given the 'Reconsider your need to travel' advice and poor medical facilities, it's vital to keep these in mind to ensure you get adequate protection for your trip.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to pay less for your travel insurance to Bangladesh
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Bangladesh while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🕒 Trip duration | The length of your stay directly impacts the premium, especially for long trips. | Choose cover for your exact travel dates to avoid paying for unnecessary extra days. Adjust coverage to your itinerary. |
| 📅 Booking timing | Premiums may be lower if you buy insurance early, especially outside peak periods. | Book several weeks in advance and avoid last-minute purchases, which often cost more due to demand and limited options. |
| 👤 Traveller's age | Age bands affect insurance prices and older travellers often pay higher rates. | Compare insurers' age policies as some, like Heymondo, do not increase prices for those over 62, unlike many other providers. |
| 💼 Level of coverage | Excessive cover for valuables or rare incidents may increase your premium unnecessarily. | Customise your policy to reflect your real needs in Bangladesh, and remove unnecessary benefits to lower your premium. |
| 🚴♂️ Activities covered | Policies including risky or adventure activities tend to be priced higher. | Select only the activities you plan to do in Bangladesh, and exclude optional adventure sports if they're not relevant for your trip. |
| 🏥 Medical cover limit | High cover limits are essential in Bangladesh due to poor medical facilities but vary between insurers. | Set an adequate but realistic limit based on local costs and personal risk, avoiding unnecessarily high maximums to save money. |
| 🚫 Policy excess | Policies with a higher excess are usually cheaper, but mean higher out-of-pocket costs if you claim. | Choose a higher excess only if you can afford the upfront cost, which can significantly reduce your insurance premium. |
Important
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement for Bangladesh, but coverage for medical expenses, evacuation, and trip interruptions is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade given the local context.
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Bangladesh?
It is reasonable to wonder if your current protections—such as public health insurance in Australia or credit card insurance—can cover you when travelling to Bangladesh. Unfortunately, these types of insurance often provide limited or insufficient coverage, especially for medical emergencies or repatriation. Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of insurance | Valid in Bangladesh? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance (Medicare) | Never | Only pays for medical expenses within Australia. No reimbursement for healthcare or evacuation abroad. | Travel insurance covers up to AUD 10,000,000 for medical care, emergency evacuation, and 24/7 support. |
| Private health insurance (Bupa, Medibank, HCF) | Limited coverage | Emergency assistance sometimes for short travel. Maximum AUD 500 to AUD 5,000 (if included). No repatriation. | Travel insurance includes repatriation and full overseas hospital costs not covered by private health funds. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard) | Limited coverage | Covers delays and luggage loss, generally up to AUD 2,500. No full medical or evacuation cover. | Travel insurance covers hospital tests, medical evacuation, and liability, which standard cards rarely cover. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Platinum, NAB Qantas Premium) | Limited coverage | May cover health expenses up to AUD 20,000, only if travel is paid with the card. Often excludes pre-existing conditions. | Travel insurance offers higher maximums, cancellation, and pre-existing illness options for Bangladesh. |
Example
While in Sylhet, Chloe contracted severe dengue fever. A critical medical evacuation to Bangkok cost AU$40,000. Her CommBank Platinum card's travel insurance only covered AU$5,000 for evacuation, and her domestic health insurance offered nothing. Without dedicated travel insurance, she faced a staggering AU$35,000 bill for a common mosquito bite.
Expert advice
Trip interruption for a family emergency is often excluded from credit card and health insurance policies. Always read the fine print to avoid nasty surprises overseas. In all cases, it's safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Bangladesh?
Yes, Australian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Bangladesh. You can apply for a tourist visa online or through the Bangladesh High Commission. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Bangladesh?
First, compare travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Next, check the covers and exclusions, focusing on key risks like health emergencies and evacuation in Bangladesh. Then, buy your policy securely online. You’ll receive your insurance certificate quickly by email, which you should print or keep on your smartphone.
Does travel insurance cover medical evacuation from Bangladesh?
Yes, many comprehensive travel insurance policies for Bangladesh include medical evacuation if you require urgent care not available locally. This cover is essential given the limited medical facilities outside Dhaka. Typical medical evacuation costs can exceed AUD 50,000, so always ensure this is included in your policy.
Is travel insurance valid if travel advisories warn against visiting Bangladesh?
Most insurers will cover you only if the policy was purchased before the Australian Government issued a ‘do not travel’ warning for Bangladesh. Once a high-risk alert is in effect, claims may be denied for incidents related to conflict or civil unrest, so check conditions before buying your insurance.
What documents do I need to make a claim on my travel insurance in Bangladesh?
To make a claim, you generally need to provide your insurance certificate, receipts for expenses incurred, medical or police reports, and proof of travel. Submit these documents through your insurer’s online claims portal or by email. Contact your insurer’s assistance number for support if needed during your trip.
Are pre-existing health conditions covered by travel insurance in Bangladesh?
Some insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions but it depends on your health and the insurer’s policy. You must declare all conditions when purchasing your insurance, and additional premiums may apply. Always check if your specific condition is covered and request written confirmation from the insurer.
Do I need a visa to travel to Bangladesh?
Yes, Australian citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to Bangladesh. You can apply for a tourist visa online or through the Bangladesh High Commission. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Bangladesh?
First, compare travel insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Next, check the covers and exclusions, focusing on key risks like health emergencies and evacuation in Bangladesh. Then, buy your policy securely online. You’ll receive your insurance certificate quickly by email, which you should print or keep on your smartphone.
Does travel insurance cover medical evacuation from Bangladesh?
Yes, many comprehensive travel insurance policies for Bangladesh include medical evacuation if you require urgent care not available locally. This cover is essential given the limited medical facilities outside Dhaka. Typical medical evacuation costs can exceed AUD 50,000, so always ensure this is included in your policy.
Is travel insurance valid if travel advisories warn against visiting Bangladesh?
Most insurers will cover you only if the policy was purchased before the Australian Government issued a ‘do not travel’ warning for Bangladesh. Once a high-risk alert is in effect, claims may be denied for incidents related to conflict or civil unrest, so check conditions before buying your insurance.
What documents do I need to make a claim on my travel insurance in Bangladesh?
To make a claim, you generally need to provide your insurance certificate, receipts for expenses incurred, medical or police reports, and proof of travel. Submit these documents through your insurer’s online claims portal or by email. Contact your insurer’s assistance number for support if needed during your trip.
Are pre-existing health conditions covered by travel insurance in Bangladesh?
Some insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions but it depends on your health and the insurer’s policy. You must declare all conditions when purchasing your insurance, and additional premiums may apply. Always check if your specific condition is covered and request written confirmation from the insurer.
