The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee imposed by the government on most visa applicants who plan to stay in the UK for more than six months. This surcharge grants access to the National Health Service (NHS), ensuring that migrants can receive healthcare services during their stay without needing private insurance.
The IHS is a payment made in addition to the visa application fee. Once paid, it grants the visa holder access to NHS healthcare services in the UK on broadly the same basis as a permanent UK resident for the duration of their immigration permission. This means you can access hospital treatment, General Practitioner (GP) services, and other NHS care without being charged at the point of use (though standard charges like prescription fees in England, dental treatment, and eye tests still apply).
It's crucial to understand that paying the IHS is a separate requirement from having private medical insurance. Even if you have private cover, you are still obligated to pay the surcharge if it applies to your visa category.
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) charge depends on visa duration and visa type. Some individuals pay a discounted rate, including students, children, and those applying for the Youth Mobility Scheme.
If your visa is for part of a year, you'll pay half or the full annual rate depending on whether that period is less than or greater than six months. In multi-year visas, the surcharge is charged per year. You can use the official IHS calculator on the official website to find out exactly how much you'll have to pay in your situation.
Note: The fee is paid upfront for the entire visa duration during the online visa application process.
Generally, you will need to pay the IHS if you are applying for:
Key Points:
The surcharge applies to each applicant and their dependents.
You must pay the IHS before you submit your visa application. The online application process integrates the IHS payment.
Failure to pay the full amount of the IHS will result in your visa application being refused.
There are several categories of applicants who are exempt from paying the Immigration Health Surcharge. These include, but are not limited to:
Exempt Group |
Details |
Visitor Visa Applicants |
Those staying in the UK for 6 months or less (excluding 11-month short-term English courses). |
ILR Applicants |
Individuals applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain. |
Health and Care Worker Visa Holders |
Includes both main applicants and their dependants. |
Diplomats/Visiting Armed Forces |
Not subject to UK immigration control. |
Dependants of UK Armed Forces Members |
Family members of British military personnel. |
Dependants of Foreign Armed Forces Members |
Must be exempt from immigration control. |
Falkland Islands Residents |
British Overseas Territory citizens living in the Falklands. |
Asylum Seekers & Humanitarian Protection Applicants |
Includes their dependants. |
Victims of Slavery or Human Trafficking |
Applies to main applicants and dependants. |
Domestic Violence Concession Applicants |
Those seeking discretionary leave as victims (includes dependants). |
Article 3 ECHR Claimants |
Includes those whose removal would breach Article 3 rights (and dependants). |
S2 Healthcare Visitors |
Individuals receiving pre-authorised treatment in the UK. |
Frontier Workers with S1 Certificate |
Workers living in the EU but working in the UK. |
Children in Local Authority Care |
Under 18 and looked after by a UK local authority. |
NATO/Australian Defence Employees |
Includes civilian staff and their dependants. |
EU Settlement Scheme Applicants |
Those applying under the EU Settlement Scheme. |
Ukraine Visa Scheme Applicants |
Includes those under the Ukraine Extension Scheme or Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme. |
International Charity Volunteers |
EEA/Swiss nationals volunteering for UK charities for up to 12 months. |
If you fall into an exempt category, you must still complete the IHS section during your application—but you won't be charged.
The IHS is paid online as part of the process of applying for a visa. After you have completed the relevant sections of the online application form, you will be redirected to the payment page where you pay the visa application fee and the IHS. You will need a valid debit or credit card to make the payment.
If you are applying from overseas and do not pay the surcharge (or insufficiently), you will be informed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) by email about how to pay. You will usually have 7 working days to pay the amount short. If you are in the UK, you will have 10 working days. Being late to pay will lead to your application for a visa being rejected.
You may be eligible for a full or partial refund of the IHS in certain circumstances:
Full Refund:
Partial Refund:
When You Will Not Get a Refund:
If you are due a refund, it will usually be processed automatically and credited back to the account or card used to make the initial payment. The timeframe for receiving a refund can vary, but it is typically within 28 days of the visa application decision. If you haven't received your refund within this timeframe, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Understanding and paying the Immigration Health Surcharge correctly is essential to avoid delays or issues with your UK visa application.
Content Disclaimer: While this information was last updated in May 2025, we strongly suggest confirming all travel details with the appropriate governmental agencies, embassies, and airlines.
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