The six designated countries are India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The central bank stated that this policy change was introduced to ensure that foreign currency provided for medical purposes is genuinely utilized for healthcare expenses. As before, the currency will continue to be disbursed through commercial banks.
The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has announced that the $1,000 allowance sold to Maldivians traveling abroad for medical treatment on their own expenses will now only be available for travel to six specific countries commonly visited for healthcare.
The six designated countries are India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The central bank stated that this policy change was introduced to ensure that foreign currency provided for medical purposes is genuinely utilized for healthcare expenses. As before, the currency will continue to be disbursed through commercial banks.
The MMA also clarified that there are no changes to the $2,000 allowance provided to individuals traveling abroad for medical treatment under the state health insurance scheme, Aasandha.
According to statistics released by the MMA, a total of $41.1 million was sold for medical treatment purposes by the end of September 2026.
This represents a threefold increase compared to the same period in 2025. Data indicates that a significant portion of this total accounts for funds disbursed to Maldivians traveling abroad at their own expense.
The total amount of foreign currency sold for medical travel has surged significantly since August 2025, when the $1,000 allowance for self-funded medical travel was first introduced.
By the end of September this year alone, $29.2 million had been sold to individuals traveling for medical care on their own expenses.
Leave a comment
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
