The Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has reaffirmed continued foreign currency support for Maldivians travelling overseas for medical treatment, maintaining the USD 1,000 allocation for eligible patients funding their own treatment while retaining the existing USD 2,000 allocation for patients travelling under the national health insurance scheme, Aasandha.
Under the arrangement, Maldivian citizens travelling at their own expense for medical treatment in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates will continue to be eligible for an allocation of USD 1,000. The policy provides patients and families with access to foreign currency for essential overseas medical expenses while ensuring that funds allocated for medical purposes are directed towards treatment-related needs.
According to the MMA, foreign currency sales for medical purposes reached USD 41.1 million by the end of September 2026, approximately three times the amount recorded during the corresponding period last year. Of the total, USD 29.2 million was allocated to Maldivians travelling overseas for medical treatment at their own expense, reflecting the significant demand for specialised healthcare services abroad.
Foreign currency support for self-funded overseas medical treatment was introduced in August 2025, with allocations distributed through the banking system. The continuation of the scheme provides greater certainty for patients who require treatment outside the Maldives and complements the Government’s broader efforts to improve public access to healthcare and reduce the financial pressures associated with seeking specialised medical services overseas.
The MMA confirmed that the USD 1,000 allocation for self-funded medical travellers will continue under the existing framework, while the USD 2,000 allocation available to patients travelling through Aasandha will remain unchanged. The continued availability of both arrangements strengthens financial support for Maldivians requiring overseas medical care and ensures that patients travelling through different healthcare financing channels retain access to dedicated foreign currency assistance.
advertisment
advertisment
