Immigration Health Surcharge
(IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee paid by most non-EEA nationals applying for a UK visa of more than six months, entitling them to use the National Health Service on the same basis as a settled resident. The current rate is £1,035 per year for adults and £776 per year for students and under-18s. The full surcharge for the length of the visa must be paid upfront at the time of application.
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) applies to most non-EEA/non-Swiss nationals applying for a visa or leave to remain for more than six months. From January 2024, the adult rate is £1,035 per year; students and those under 18 pay £776 per year. The total is calculated on the full length of leave granted and must be paid in full when applying — it is not refundable if the visa application is refused. IHS payers can use the NHS on the same basis as a UK resident and are not charged for most NHS treatment. Some categories are exempt, including dependants of armed forces personnel, asylum seekers, and those on certain humanitarian leave routes. Tier 2 sponsors are not required to pay the IHS for their sponsored workers, but must pay it for dependants unless they are exempt.