UK Healthcare Surcharge

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee that gives most visa holders access to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) during their stay. It applies to anyone applying for a visa to live, work, or study in the UK for more than six months.

Key Features

• Grants access to most NHS services on the same basis as UK residents.
• Must be paid upfront when submitting a visa application.
• Applies to most work, study, family, and settlement visa categories.
• Payment covers the entire visa duration.
• Some services (like prescriptions and dental care) may still incur charges.

Current Rates (as of 2025)

• £1,035 per year for most adults (e.g., work or family visas).
• £776 per year for students, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, and children under 18.
• Paid for the full visa duration (e.g., a 3-year visa = £3,105 for an adult).

Exemptions

• Short-term visitors (less than 6 months).
• Applicants for the Health and Care Worker Visa.
• Asylum seekers, refugees, and victims of trafficking or domestic abuse.

Payment Process

• Paid online during your visa application.
• Calculated automatically based on visa length and type.
• Once paid, you’ll receive an IHS reference number to include in your application.
• Payment is generally non-refundable if the visa is refused or withdrawn.