Pakistan (PK)
Pakistan is South Asia's second-largest country and a land of extraordinary contrasts — from the towering Karakoram peaks in the north to the bustling port city of Karachi on the Arabian Sea.
Healthcare in Pakistan
Pakistan has public hospitals and a large private healthcare sector. Expats usually use private hospitals in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore plus international insurance with evacuation cover for serious cases.
Private urban care can be good for routine and some specialist needs; complex trauma, oncology, neonatal and cardiac cases may require regional evacuation depending on insurance.
Public healthcare: Public healthcare system
Government hospitals and clinics
- Emergency care
- Public hospitals
- Vaccination programmes
- Maternal and child services
- Specialised institutes
- Most expat private care
- International evacuation
- Many medicines and diagnostics
- Private rooms
Private healthcare: Private hospitals and clinics
Accessing care
No formal GP gatekeeping. Expats book private family physicians, paediatricians or specialists directly.
Self-referral is common, but insurers may require pre-authorisation.
Use 1122 (Rescue), 115 (Edhi ambulance) or 15 (police) as appropriate; go directly to a major private ER and call ahead when possible.
Private hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments; clinics vary.
Pharmacies are widespread; use reputable chains/hospital pharmacies for critical medication.
Private dental clinics are common in major cities; use referrals.
Private psychiatry, psychology and online therapy exist but availability varies and stigma can be a barrier.
Private maternity care is common for expats; confirm NICU, blood bank, C-section policy and insurance approval.
Expat-specific advice
- Choose private hospital near home and work
- Save 1122, 115 and hospital ER numbers
- Confirm direct billing/pre-authorisation
- Carry prescriptions and allergy list
- Plan heat, dengue and water safety
Pharmacies (Pharmacy / medical store)
- ORS
- Paracetamol
- Antihistamines
- Mosquito repellent
- Basic stomach remedies
- Rehydration salts
Typical costs
| GP visit (with insurance) | PKR 0–1,000 copay depending on insurer plan; international plans often cover in full at network hospitals |
| GP visit (private pay) | PKR 2,000-6,000 |
| Specialist visit | PKR 3,000-12,000 |
| Emergency visit | PKR 10,000-100,000+ before tests/admission |
| MRI scan | PKR 20,000-80,000 |
| Prescription average | PKR 500-10,000 depending on medicine |
| Dental check-up | PKR 3,000-10,000 |
| Baby delivery | PKR 200,000-800,000+ private hospital depending on room and complications |
Healthcare
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