The Bank of Maldives (BML) has introduced a simplified process for Maldivians travelling abroad for medical purposes to book medical foreign currency through its Mobile Banking App.

Under the revised arrangement, customers can now apply for medical dollars directly via the app, upload the required documents and track the status of their application without visiting a branch. The bank stated that the change is aimed at making the process more convenient and efficient for patients and their families.

Patients travelling overseas for treatment under the Aasandha scheme and through the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) will be eligible to obtain up to USD 2,000. Individuals who are self-financing their medical treatment abroad will be eligible for up to USD 1,000.

BML also noted that medical dollars will now be credited exclusively to USD accounts. Customers who do not already have a USD account can open one easily through the Mobile Banking App.

The move follows measures introduced by the Government to ease access to foreign currency for medical travel. Individuals seeking treatment abroad at their own expense are eligible to obtain up to USD 1,000 at the bank rate, while NSPA-sponsored patients can access up to USD 2,000 through local banks.