💷 NHS Perks You’re Probably Missing

Hey fellow doctors,

Back in my younger, slightly more financially reckless days, the moment my salary hit, it was: new watches (yes, I was into watches at one point), maybe a tech gadget, and the odd online shopping splurge I’d justify with, “I’ve had a long week.”

But as I got older — and a bit wiser — my mindset started to shift.
I stopped asking, “What can I buy now?” and started asking, “How can I grow my wealth — without compromising the life I enjoy?”

These days, my wife and I live pretty frugally — not because we have to, but because we want to.
Even with a GP’s income now, our spending habits haven’t changed much since my registrar years. If anything, we spend less.

We’ve learned that being intentional doesn’t mean going without.
We still enjoy the finer things — I’m currently obsessed with those Ralph Lauren sweaters with the little teddy bear on them. You know the one. Classy, nostalgic… and definitely not cheap.

But I don’t spend impulsively anymore.
If I’m going to spend, I make sure my £1 works like it’s worth £2 — whether that’s through cashback, discounts, or simply not overpaying for everyday essentials.

That’s where NHS perks come in.

You don’t need to side hustle yourself into burnout or live off instant noodles to get ahead.
Sometimes, the smartest financial move is simply knowing what you’re entitled to — and actually using it.

Here are a few NHS-only perks I actually use — and how they’ve quietly helped me keep more of what I earn.

🔹 1. Blue Light Card

🧾 £4.99 for 2 years
💥 Access to 15,000+ discounts — from groceries to gadgets

💡 Big wins include:

• Free Deliveroo Plus

• Up to 30% off at ASK Italian

• Tesco & Primark gift cards

• RAC, Halfords, and more

Real-life win:
I bought my wife a dress from Karen Millen for a wedding a few years ago— saved 30% with Blue Light.
That one discount covered the card for the next decade!

Kyaw’s Verdict: ★★★★★
I don’t buy anything without checking the app first. It's my go-to savings tool — quick, simple, and works almost everywhere.

🔹 2. TOTUM for NHS Staff

🎓 GP trainees can qualify for the student version (via RCGP)
🛍️ Perks include:

• Student Amazon Prime

• 10% off at Boots

• Discounts at ASOS, Deliveroo, Co-op

If not eligible, TOTUM Pro still packs a punch.

Kyaw’s Verdict: ★★★★☆
I was 35 and getting student discounts. Did I care?
Nope. I was rubbing £1 to become £2.

🔹 3. Always Ask: “Do You Do NHS Discount?”

Many places won’t advertise it — but they’ll still honour it if you ask.

I’ve personally saved at:

• Nando’s – 20% off with NHS verification

• Barbers – 10–20% off

• Some market stalls – Potential discounts just by asking if they offer an NHS deal

Kyaw’s Tip:
Make it a habit. Ask every time.
You’ll be surprised how often the answer is yes.

🔹 4. NHS Cashback Cards

💳 Prepaid cards like Ode or TOTUM Cashback let you earn while you spend — no credit checks, no switching banks.

How it works:

• Preload the card with money

• Spend at participating retailers

• Earn 3–10% cashback, which gets reloaded onto the card for your next spend

Popular retailers include:
Boots, Argos, Halfords, and more

These aren’t credit cards — just smarter ways to spend what you were going to spend anyway.

Kyaw’s Verdict: ★★★★☆
Set it up once. Let it quietly pay you back while you forget it even exists.
Low effort. Decent return. No downside.

So… how much did I save?

Some years: around £100 — others, closer to £300, depending on what we needed.

We’re not big spenders — but if we do spend, we try to rub every £1 until it becomes £2.
Old-school frugal. New-school smart.

Want the full list?

I cover all of this — and more — in my upcoming book:

Inside, you’ll learn:

• 🚨 How to halve your GMC and college fees (if you are eligible)

• 🛡️ How to slash indemnity costs.

• 💷 How I found Trust-only perks like discounted childcare and haircuts

• 🔁 How to stack promos, cashback, and voucher tricks like a boss

📘 Pre-orders open soon.

Stay smart,
Kyaw

P.S. Follow along at 👉 Wealth for UK Junior Doctors

Know a colleague who’d benefit from money tips like these? Feel free to forward this or send them this link to join the list:

👉 https://juniordoctorwealth.beehiiv.com/subscribe