USD 1,000 medical travel facility limited to six countries

USD 1,000 medical travel facility limited to six countries; Aasandha allocation unchanged

Aasandha patients will continue to receive USD 2,000, while the USD 1,000 self-funded facility is limited to six countries.

Mohamed Hilmy

13 October 2026, 12:41

The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has limited the USD 1,000 foreign currency facility for self-funded medical travel to six countries commonly visited by Maldivians for treatment.

Under the revised arrangement, the USD 1,000 facility will be available for Maldivians travelling for medical treatment to India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

The MMA said the change is intended to ensure that foreign currency provided for medical purposes is used directly for treatment-related needs.

The change applies only to individuals travelling abroad for treatment at their own expense. Maldivians travelling for treatment through Aasandha will continue to receive USD 2,000 as before.

Foreign currency for self-funded medical travel will also continue to be provided through banks.

MMA statistics show that USD 41.1 million was sold for medical purposes by the end of September 2026, around three times the amount recorded during the same period last year.

Of this, USD 29.2 million was sold to Maldivians travelling overseas for medical treatment at their own expense. The USD 1,000 facility for self-funded medical travellers was introduced in August 2025.

USD 1,000 medical travel facility limited to six countries; Aasandha allocation unchanged

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