13 May 2025
Living in the UK as a Pakistani expat brings many challenges — from adjusting to a new lifestyle to managing your finances. One crucial aspect is understanding how to benefit from the UK’s healthcare system, the National Health Service (NHS), without burning through your savings. Whether you’re a worker, student, or dependent, knowing your rights can help you get free NHS services and still send money online to Pakistan from the UK without worry.
This blog will explain everything Pakistani expats need to know to access free healthcare through the NHS and manage their expenses smartly.
The NHS provides healthcare services to people who are “ordinarily resident” in the UK. However, many expats and international students can also access free services if they meet certain conditions.
If you’re in one of these categories, you’re likely eligible for NHS treatment without extra charges.
Once you qualify, you can access several services for free:
While most primary care is free, some services still require payment. That’s where smart financial planning comes in.
Registering with the NHS is simple and essential to access services. Here’s how:
Registering is free, and you only need to do it once unless you move.
While many services are free, some treatments like dental care, eye care, and prescriptions carry extra charges. Here's how to avoid overspending:
You can learn more or apply for LIS at NHS Business Services Authority. Learn more about budget saving tips as a Pakistani expat in the UK.
Most Pakistani expats on student or work visas pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) during visa application. This payment gives access to NHS services. Here’s a quick summary of the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fees: If you're a student from Pakistan, you’ll pay £776 per year for NHS access.
If you’re a worker or on a different visa, the fee is £1,751 per year. This payment gives you access to most NHS services during your stay in the UK without additional charges for GP or hospital visits.
Once you pay, you don’t need to worry about extra charges for GP or hospital visits.
Avoiding unnecessary health expenses means you can save more to send money online to Pakistan. It’s vital for many Pakistani families relying on remittances.
Using ACE Money Transfer allows you to send funds securely, quickly, and at low costs. Whether you're supporting parents, paying for education, or covering emergencies back home, ACE helps make your money transfer to Pakistan from the UK stress-free.
Pakistani expats in the UK trust ACE for sending remittances safely and affordably. Here’s why:
You can start a money transfer to Pakistan in just a few clicks. Visit ACE Money Transfer and explore your options.
To access NHS without overspending:
Using these tips will help you stay healthy and financially smart while continuing to send money to Pakistan reliably.
The UK’s NHS is a huge benefit, especially for Pakistani expats trying to manage costs while still fulfilling their responsibilities back home. By understanding your rights, registering on time, and using support programs, you can avoid extra costs. At the same time, save more for online money transfer to Pakistan from the UK without stress.
Let ACE Money Transfer handle your remittances while you focus on staying healthy and thriving in the UK.
Yes. If you’ve paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa, you can access NHS services just like locals.
Emergency services are available without registration, but for full access, it's best to register with a GP as soon as you arrive.
Not always. In England, you usually pay for prescriptions unless you qualify for the Low Income Scheme or have a medical exemption.
Yes. With careful budgeting and smart choices like using ACE Money Transfer, you can manage both health and remittance needs.
Using ACE Money Transfer offers low-cost, secure, and quick online money transfers to Pakistan, often without any transfer fee.
