Imagine someone in your family is sick. And then getting the best treatment becomes the most essential thing. For this, many people from Bangladesh go to Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok. Just because the doctors and treatment services there are so premium.
But let’s be honest! Traveling for medical treatment costs money. Everything needs to be planned properly. Starting from visa and airfare to hospital bills and hotel rooms. If you don’t make a budget, the costs can become stressful and complicated.
This blog will give you an idea of the estimated costs. Besides where you can save costs and plan the whole journey step by step. Let’s get started!
Why Bumrungrad Hospital is Worth the Investment
Before talking numbers, let’s answer a simple question: Why go to Bumrungrad?
- It’s JCI-accredited! A mark of international medical excellence.
- It’s home to over 1,200 experienced doctors, many trained in the USA or Europe.
- The hospital welcomes thousands of Bangladeshi patients each year, so they speak your language! Literally.
- There’s even halal food, Bangla interpreters, and prayer facilities.
- Most importantly, it offers life-changing treatments with world-class care.
So yes, it’s not the cheapest hospital. But it’s worth every Taka.
Medical Cost Overview at Bumrungrad
Now, let’s talk about money.
Costs will vary depending on your condition and how long you stay, but here’s a rough breakdown:
- Doctor Consultation Fees:
฿1,000–฿3,000 (approx. BDT 3,000–9,000 per visit)
- Diagnostic Tests:
Blood work, X-rays, MRIs – ฿3,000–฿20,000 (BDT 9,000–60,000)
- Surgery & Treatments:
From minor procedures to major ones:
- Heart Bypass: ฿650,000–฿800,000
- Knee Replacement: ฿400,000+
- Cancer Treatment (Chemotherapy): Starts from ฿50,000 per cycle
- Medications & Aftercare:
Add another 10-15% to your total treatment cost.
Tip: You can ask the Bumrungrad help center for a cost estimate in advance. They will respond within 24 hours.
Visa & Documentation Costs for Medical Travel
To reach Bumrungrad from Dhaka, you’ll need a Thailand Medical Visa (Non-Immigrant O or O-A). Here’s the expense list:
- Visa Application Fee: Around BDT 4,000–6,000
- Document Translation & Notary: Around BDT 2,000–3,000 (If needed)
- Health Insurance (optional): Starts from BDT 3,000–5,000
- Visa Agent/Processing Help: BDT 2,000–4,000 (Not mandatory)
Tip: Visa processing takes 5–7 working days. So, plan the next steps.
Flight Ticket Costs from Dhaka to Bangkok
Airfare is not always the same. It can make or break your bank. Here’s what you need to know:
- Round-trip economy ticket:
- Off-season: BDT 25,000–30,000
- Peak season (winter and festivals): BDT 35,000–45,000
- Airlines to Consider:
- Thai Airways (direct and premium)
- US-Bangla or Biman Bangladesh (affordable)
- AirAsia (cheapest but longer layovers)
Book at least 3–4 weeks earlier to save 20–30%.
Accommodation Budget Near Bumrungrad
Bangkok is full of hotels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Near Bumrungrad, you’ll find:
- Budget Hotels (walking distance): ฿900–฿1,200/night (BDT 2,700–3,600)
- Mid-range Hotels: ฿1,500–฿3,000 (BDT 4,500–9,000)
- Serviced Apartments (ideal for long stays): ฿18,000–฿30,000/month
Popular options for Bangladeshis include:
- The Key Premier
- Aspira Hotels
- Studio Sukhumvit and
- Bumrungrad Partner Hotels
Local Transport and Daily Living Expenses in Bangkok
Bangkok is easy to get around:
- Transport:
- BTS Skytrain: ฿20–฿60
- Grab taxi: ฿150–฿300 per ride
- Tuk-tuks: fun but expensive for tourists
- Daily Meals:
- Halal local food: ฿100–฿200 (BDT 300–600)
- Hospital Cafeteria: Slightly higher
- Grocery shopping for home-cooked meals: ฿2,000/week
- Mobile Data/SIM Card: ฿300–฿500 for 15–30 days
- Laundry & Miscellaneous: ฿500–฿1,000/week
Plan for ฿1,000–1,500 per day for 1 person, excluding treatment.
Companion Costs: When You’re Not Alone
Traveling with a family member or caregiver?
- Additional visa: Same cost (~BDT 4,000)
- Extra flight ticket: BDT 25,000–45,000
- Shared accommodation: No extra cost if sharing
- Meals & transport: ฿800–฿1,000/day for the companion
Many Bangladeshi patients bring someone for emotional support. It’s worth it. But budget accordingly.
Currency Exchange & Budgeting Tips
Money talk! Here’s how to handle Thai Baht (THB):
- Exchange Rate (as of now):
฿1 = approx. BDT 3.15–3.25
- Best Exchange Options:
- Convert some cash in Dhaka
- Use banks or licensed money changers in Bangkok (avoid airport rates)
- Spending Tips:
- Use a Thai SIM with a mobile wallet
- Use ATM cards with international withdrawal enabled
- Monitor expenses using apps like TravelSpend or XE Currency
Maintain a daily note to avoid surprises.
Getting Financial Help or Reimbursement (If Applicable)
Don’t give up if costs feel unbearable. You might be eligible for:
- Private Health Insurance: Some local insurers cover overseas treatment
- Employer Support: Ask your HR if your company offers medical benefits
- NGO or Charity Help: For rare diseases, NGOs sometimes offer funding
- Government Referral: Government bodies sponsor international treatment in some rare cases
Always gather all medical records with their receipts and reports. These are essential for any claims or reimbursements.
Budget Sample: Full 7-Day Trip Estimate
Here’s a realistic budget for a patient + 1 companion for a 7-day medical trip:
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (BDT) |
Visa (2 persons) | 10,000 |
Airfare (round-trip) | 60,000 |
Accommodation (7 days) | 25,000 |
Food & transport | 20,000 |
Medical consultation | 15,000 |
Diagnostic tests | 30,000 |
Medications | 10,000 |
Miscellaneous | 10,000 |
Total Estimate | BDT 180,000 |
Note: Costs will increase if you include treatment or surgery costs within this.
Smart Cost-Saving Tips Without Compromising Care
Frustrated about spending too much? Here are cost-saving tips and tricks:
- Book your flight and hotel as a package deal for a handsome discount
- Travel during low seasons (March–May or August) if possible
- Ask Bumrungrad for combined diagnostic packages
- Use public transport or hotel shuttles to go here and there
- Buy medicine from nearby pharmacies approved by the hospital
- Cook some meals or stay in serviced apartments with kitchens
Small decisions can greatly impact your costs and savings.
Planning for Emergencies: Don’t Let Costs Catch You Off Guard
Unexpected costs? Be prepared:
- Keep a buffer of BDT 30,000–50,000 aside
- Understand hospital policies for ICU or emergency procedures
- Buy a basic travel health insurance policy (costs less than BDT 5,000)
- Carry multiple payment methods: cash + card + mobile wallet
Better safe than sorry. Your peace of mind is priceless.
Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind Through Smart Budgeting
A trip to Bumrungrad can save your life! But only if you plan it right. When you budget smartly, you get more control. Less stress. Better outcomes. You’ll know where every Taka is going. And most importantly, you’ll be able to focus on what matters! That is your health and recovery.
So if you or a loved one is considering treatment at Bumrungrad from Dhaka, start planning today. Talk to the hospital and set your budget. Get ready for a healing journey that’s both advanced and practical.