What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee most visa applicants pay so they can use the NHS during their stay in the UK. It is paid upfront as part of your visa application and usually covers the whole length of your visa.

Who pays it

Most people applying for a visa for more than six months pay the IHS - including students, Skilled Workers, Graduate Route holders and dependants. Some categories are exempt. Check your category on gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application.

How much is it?

The IHS is charged as a yearly rate, with a lower discounted rate for students, Youth Mobility and most applicants under 18. As a guide, recent rates have been around £1,035 per year (standard) and £776 per year (student/under-18), but these amounts are reviewed and can change - always confirm the current rate before applying.

How it is calculated

• Multiply the yearly rate by the length of your visa.
• Part-years are usually rounded: six months or less is charged as half a year; more than six months is charged as a full year.
• Each dependant pays their own IHS at the applicable rate.

Example (illustrative only): a student on a roughly 2-year visa pays the student yearly rate × 2. Use the official IHS calculator for your exact figure.

Good to know

• Once you have paid the IHS, NHS care is largely free at the point of use, the same as for residents (some charges, e.g. most prescriptions in England, still apply).
• If your visa is refused or you pay too much, a refund of the IHS is normally issued.

Calculate your exact amount and confirm current rates at gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application.