Fee data reviewed July 2025. IHS rates increased significantly in February 2024. Always verify the current rate on GOV.UK before applying.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee charged to most non-EEA nationals who apply for a UK visa of more than 6 months. It is paid upfront as part of the visa application process and gives the holder access to NHS services on broadly the same basis as a UK resident for the duration of their visa.
The IHS was introduced in April 2015 and has been increased several times since. The most recent and most significant increase came in February 2024, when the standard rate rose from £624 per year to £1,035 per year — a 66% increase. The reduced rate for students and Youth Mobility Scheme holders rose from £470 to £776 per year.
Current IHS Rates (2024–2025)
| Category | Rate per year | Who it applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | £1,035 | Most visa types (Skilled Worker, Family, ILR, etc.) |
| Reduced rate | £776 | Student visa, Child Student visa, Youth Mobility Scheme, children under 18 |
| Exempt | £0 | Health and Care Worker visa holders and their dependants |
| Not applicable | — | Standard Visitor visa (6 months or less), EU Settlement Scheme |
How Is the IHS Calculated?
The IHS is calculated based on the full duration of the visa being applied for, rounded up to the nearest year. It is charged per person — so each dependant on the application pays the same amount as the main applicant.
The formula is straightforward:
IHS = Rate per year × Years (rounded up) × Number of people
Worked Examples
Skilled Worker visa — 3 years, 1 person
£1,035 × 3 years × 1 person
Skilled Worker visa — 3 years, 2 people (main + 1 dependant)
£1,035 × 3 years × 2 people
Student visa — 2 years 6 months, 1 person
£776 × 3 years (rounded up) × 1 person
Family visa — 2.5 years, 1 person
£1,035 × 3 years (rounded up) × 1 person
Who Is Exempt from the IHS?
The following groups do not pay the IHS:
- Health and Care Worker visa holders — and their dependants. This is a significant saving: a Health and Care Worker on a 3-year visa saves £3,105 in IHS compared to a standard Skilled Worker applicant.
- Standard Visitor visa holders — visitor visas are for stays of up to 6 months and do not attract the IHS.
- EU Settlement Scheme applicants — there is no fee at all for EUSS applications.
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) applicants — ILR grants permanent residence, so no ongoing IHS is charged.
- British citizenship applicants — naturalisation does not attract IHS.
- Certain diplomatic and government-related applicants — check GOV.UK for the full list of exemptions.
The Real Impact on Total Visa Costs
The IHS is often the largest single cost in a UK visa application — larger than the visa fee itself for longer visas. Many applicants focus on the headline visa fee and are caught off guard by the IHS when they reach the payment stage.
Consider a family of four (two adults, two children) applying for a 5-year Skilled Worker visa:
Family of 4 — Skilled Worker Visa (5 years)
Estimate only. Verify on GOV.UK before applying.
IHS Refunds
You may be entitled to a refund of the IHS in the following circumstances:
- Visa refused: Full refund of the IHS (but not the visa application fee).
- Visa withdrawn: Full refund of the IHS.
- Early departure from the UK: You may claim a partial refund for complete unused years of IHS, provided you have left the UK permanently and surrendered your visa.
Refunds are not automatic in all cases — you may need to apply. Check the GOV.UK IHS refund guidance for the current process.
How to Pay the IHS
The IHS is paid online as part of the visa application process, before you submit your application. You pay through the Immigration Health Surcharge service on GOV.UK. You will receive an IHS reference number which you must include in your visa application.
The IHS must be paid separately from the visa application fee — they are two distinct payments to two different systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund on the IHS if my visa is refused?
Yes. If your visa application is refused, you are entitled to a full refund of the IHS. The refund is processed automatically and typically takes 6–8 weeks. If your visa is granted but you leave the UK early, you may be entitled to a partial refund for complete unused years.
Do I pay IHS if I already have private health insurance?
Yes. The IHS is a mandatory charge for most visa types regardless of whether you have private health insurance. Having private insurance does not exempt you from paying the surcharge.
Is the IHS paid upfront or in instalments?
The IHS is paid in full upfront as part of your visa application. You cannot pay it in instalments. For a 5-year visa for a family of four, this can mean paying over £20,000 in IHS alone before your application is even decided.
Do children pay the IHS?
Children under 18 pay the reduced IHS rate of £776/year (the same as students). Children who are British citizens or have settled status do not pay IHS.
What happens to my IHS if I extend my visa?
When you extend your visa, you pay a new IHS for the extension period. You do not get credit for any remaining time on your previous IHS payment.
Are NHS services completely free with the IHS?
The IHS gives you access to most NHS services on the same basis as a UK resident. However, some services such as dental treatment, eye tests, and prescriptions may still require charges unless you qualify for exemptions (e.g. low income, pregnancy).