What is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

What is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee paid by most non-UK residents when applying for a UK visa longer than 6 months. Once paid, it gives you access to NHS healthcare services during your stay in the UK.

This means you can use:

GP (doctor) services
Hospital treatment
Emergency care
Maternity services
Mental health support

Just like a UK resident.

Who Needs to Pay IHS?

You must pay the IHS if you are applying for:

UK Student Visa
Skilled Worker Visa
Dependent Visa (spouse/children)
Work visas
Family or settlement visas
Visa extensions inside the UK

Exemptions

You may not need to pay IHS if you are:

Applying for a visitor visa
Applying for a visa under 6 months
A health or care worker (eligible for exemption)
A dependent of armed forces personnel

IHS Fees (Latest Structure)

1. Students & Dependents

£776 per year
Applies to students, student dependents, and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants

2. Other Visa Categories

£1,035 per year
Applies to work visas, family visas, and settlement routes

Example:

If you apply for a 2-year student visa:

£776 × 2 = £1,552 IHS fee

⚠️ Even if your visa duration includes extra months, you may be charged for a full additional year.

How to Pay the IHS?

The IHS is paid online during your UK visa application process.

Steps:

Complete your online visa application
You will be redirected to the IHS payment page
Pay the fee using:
- Debit card
- Credit card
- International payment methods
Receive an IHS reference number
Submit your visa application

👉 Your application is incomplete without IHS payment.

Can I Get a Refund of IHS?

Yes, but only in specific cases:

You may receive a refund if:

Your visa application is refused
You withdraw your application before a decision
You paid more than required
Your visa duration is shortened

No refund if:

You leave the UK early
You do not use NHS services
Your visa is granted and later cancelled

Refunds are usually processed automatically within a few weeks.

Do I Still Need Private Health Insurance?

In most cases:

Students & workers do NOT need private insurance once IHS is paid
However, private insurance may be useful for:
- Faster appointments
- Dental & optical care
- Services not covered by NHS

Important Points to Remember

IHS is mandatory for most long-term UK visas
Fee must be paid before biometric appointment
Payment is separate from visa fees
Dependents must pay IHS separately
Keep your IHS reference number safe

Final Thoughts

The UK Immigration Health Surcharge ensures that international students and migrants can access quality healthcare while living in the UK. Although it increases the overall visa cost, it provides peace of mind and essential medical coverage during your stay.

If you are unsure about IHS calculation, visa category, or exemptions, professional guidance can help you avoid mistakes and delays.

Need Help With Your UK Visa?

📞 Contact Yami Education for expert guidance on: