You may need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge as part of your UK immigration application. This is a charge most visa applicants will need to pay to ensure that migrants contribute towards the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK. An application not accompanied with payment of Immigration Health Surcharge, where applicable, shall be refused. IHS is part of the process involved in an immigration visa and helps to fund health care services that visa holders will be eligible for, while staying in the UK. This guidance focuses on important aspects like what the immigration health surcharge is meant for, what it includes, who must pay, and to what cost.

IHS fee This significantly rose from October 2023 to £1,035 for the main applicant and £776 per dependent, including students and child dependents. For 3 or 5 years’ visas issued, the charges are:

Applicant	Total IHS Charge for 3-year Visa	Total IHS Charge for 5-year Visa
1 Adult	£3105	£5175
1 Child	£2328	£3880
2 Adults	£6210	£10,350
2 Adults & 1 Child	£8538	£14,230
2 Adults & 2 Children	£10,866	£18,110

Adult dependants typically pay the same amount as the main visa applicant. The actual amount varies according to the period of leave given. If the application is for a year that includes part of the year that is less than 6 months, you pay half of the yearly amount. For applications including more than 6 months, pay for a whole year. If you do not pay the healthcare surcharge or you have underpaid, your visa or immigration application will not be processed.

How Does the Immigration Health Surcharge Work?

If you have paid the surcharge or are exempt and your visa allows you to stay for more than six months, then from the date your visa is granted to the date of its expiration, you’ll be entitled to free NHS hospital treatment in England. But, some of the facilities, including prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests, still have charges. If your visa ends sooner or is curtailed than you expected, you will be liable to pay for any outstanding NHS hospital treatment from that date even if you have already paid the surcharge. Any treatments you received before your visa began will be chargeable. When you apply to extend your stay in the future you may need to pay a further surcharge amount. Once granted indefinite leave to remain, you are exempt from paying the surcharge. Paying the surcharge only grants access to NHS services, without guaranteeing faster treatment.

Do You Have to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

From visa applications submitted outside the UK: You will need to pay the IHS if you are applying for a UK visa to work, study, or join family for over 6 months unless it is an application for permanent residency. For applications inside the UK: You must pay IHS in case you are making an immigration application for any duration of stay except for applications for permanent residency.

Exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge: Applicants to the health and care visa category, along with dependent’s, shall have automatic exemption from payment of the IHS fee when making an application for a visa.

Exemption When You Do Not Have to Pay: an IHS Reference Number if you are:

A child under 18 who is in care of a local authority.
Be a relevant civilian employee at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK (or their dependent)

The IHS system will register your exemption status and issue a reference number required for your application.

When you don’t have to pay or get an IHS Reference Number: You don’t need an IHS reference number or to pay the surcharge if you:

Are applying for a Health & Care Worker visa or as their dependent.
Are applying for a visitor visa.
Are applying for indefinite leave to remain.
Are a diplomat, member of visiting armed forces, or their dependent.
Are an EU national or their family member exercising EU treaty rights.
Are a British Overseas Territory citizen living in the Falkland Islands.
Are an asylum seeker or applying for humanitarian protection (or their dependent).
Are a domestic worker recognized as a victim of slavery or human trafficking.
Are applying for discretionary leave to remain as a victim of slavery or human trafficking (or their dependent).
Qualify under the Home Office’s domestic violence concession (or their dependent).
Would face human rights violations under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights if made to leave the UK.

When Do You Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

Pay the surcharge for yourself and any dependants, either before you apply for a visa or submit an immigration application, or when you book an appointment at a premium service center. The surcharge is to be paid at least 7 days prior to the decision. If the full amount is not paid within 10 working days in UK and 7 working days outside of UK, your application would be refused.

How to Pay the Healthcare Surcharge

Register to use the service.
Answer questions to know whether you are supposed to pay the surcharge or are exempt.
Pay online where payment is not exempt.
An email will be sent to you containing your IHS reference number.
Complete your application form and pay the fee needed for the visa or immigration application.

Information You Will Need to Make the Payment: You will need:

your name, nationality, type of visa, passport number, date of birth, email address and visa application center (if applying overseas)
your course dates (if applying as a student).

For dependents or to join someone in the UK: You will require similar details and their leave expiry date or IHS reference number.

Can You Claim an IHS Refund? IHS refunds are made automatically if:

The IHS was paid twice.
The visa is refused or withdrawn.

Partial refunds are issued if:

Less time is given on visa than applied for.
Dependents on the application are refused.

No reimbursement is made in respect of:

The application is successful but the applicant does not make it to the UK.
The applicant departs the UK before the expiry of his visa.
The applicant thereafter makes an application for Indefinite Leave to Remain or to switch into another visa category which does not attract the IHS.

Need Assistance?

Temple Gate Solicitors offers expert immigration advice and help. If you have questions on Immigration Health Surcharge, the recent increment, and how it might affect your application, please contact us. Our team is at hand to guide you through the intricate paths of UK immigration and ensure that you are compliant in the most straightforward way possible. Contact us for tailored assistance and ease your immigration journey.

Call us at: +44 (0) 207 183 8043 or info@templegatesolicitors.com

RULES ON IMMIGRATION HEALTH SURCHARGE (IHS)