Retiring from the UK
Retiring in the Philippines from the United Kingdom
For British retirees, the Philippines has one advantage that many retirement countries do not. This guide explains what happens to your State Pension and NHS cover when you live here, and what care at Bambu Harmony Living in Tanauan City, Batangas costs in pounds.
Your State Pension keeps rising here
You can get your UK State Pension while you live in the Philippines. In many countries the State Pension is frozen at the rate you first receive abroad. The Philippines is on the GOV.UK list of countries where you usually still get an increase every year, because of the social security agreement between the two countries.
NHS cover ends when you move
The NHS is based on where you live. If you move permanently outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, the UK no longer pays for your medical care, and you may be charged for NHS hospital treatment when you visit. Plan for health insurance that covers you in the Philippines, or for paying yourself.
Getting here from the UK
Most routes from London to Manila connect once, through the Middle East or an Asian hub, and take about 16 to 18 hours in total. Bambu Harmony Living is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car from Manila’s NAIA airport.
You can read more about the drive from the airport and the hospitals near us.
What care at Bambu Harmony Living costs
We offer Independent Living, Assisted Living and Specialized Memory Care, with 24/7 resident support. Monthly rates start at:
- Independent Living: ₱95,000 (about £1,150)
- Assisted Living: ₱110,000 (about £1,300)
Converted at the exchange rate of 16 October 2026. Your final rate depends on your care level.
For your estimated care level, start with the free care assessment on the contact page. See also how our costs compare and our guide to the SRRV retirement visa.
Questions
Questions from the UK
- Is my UK State Pension frozen if I live in the Philippines?
- No. The Philippines is on the GOV.UK list of countries where the UK State Pension usually still increases every year, because of the social security agreement between the UK and the Philippines.
- Can I still use the NHS after I move to the Philippines?
- If you move permanently outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, the UK no longer pays for your medical care, and you may be charged for NHS hospital treatment on visits. Plan for health insurance that covers you in the Philippines.
- How much does Bambu Harmony Living cost in pounds?
- Independent Living starts at ₱95,000 a month (about £1,150) and Assisted Living at ₱110,000 a month (about £1,300). These are starting rates; your final rate depends on your care level.
Rules change. We checked these facts in October 2026 against the official sources below. Check with the agency before you move.
Take the First Step
Come Experience Bambu Harmony Living
The best way to discover what makes our community special is to experience it firsthand. Visit us, explore our thoughtfully designed spaces, and see how every day is lived with comfort, connection, and peace of mind.