Immigration Health Surcharge plays a central role in the UK visa system, shaping how migrants plan and manage their finances while living and working in the country. For anyone intending to stay in the UK for an extended period, understanding the surcharge is more than just ticking a box on an application—it directly affects access to healthcare, budgeting decisions, and overall financial planning. The IHS grants entitlement to essential healthcare services through the National Health Service (NHS), allowing visa holders to receive treatment and support during their stay.
Planning around the IHS involves knowing what is covered, how payments are made, and under what circumstances refunds may be possible. Being aware of these details helps migrants avoid unexpected costs and ensures that they can fully benefit from the healthcare system. It also encourages careful financial management, particularly for families or those moving with dependents, as the surcharge is an ongoing consideration for the duration of the visa. Staying informed, reviewing guidance regularly, and integrating the IHS into overall expense planning are crucial steps for anyone navigating life in the UK on a visa.
What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a mandatory fee for most visa applications, allowing migrants to access NHS services during their stay in the UK. The surcharge covers essential healthcare, ranging from general practitioner visits to hospital care, emergency treatment, and maternity services. While the IHS simplifies healthcare access for non-residents, it does not cover certain costs, such as routine dental care, most eye tests, or prescription fees for those outside specified age groups.
Paying the IHS at the time of visa application ensures that migrants are entitled to NHS services without facing additional charges. The amount paid depends on the visa type, the number of dependents, and the length of stay, making it an integral part of immigration budgeting.
Immigration Health Surcharge Fee
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) rates were updated across all applicable visa categories. Most visa and immigration applicants, including main applicants and dependants, will pay £1,035 per year, meaning a three-year visa would incur a total charge of £3,105. Students, their dependants, and those on the Youth Mobility Scheme, as well as applicants under 18 at the time of application, pay a lower rate of £776 per year, which would amount to £1,552 for a two-year visa. These fees apply to most work, study, and family visas, though exemptions exist for specific groups such as health and care workers, diplomats, and applicants under the EU Settlement Scheme. Understanding your visa category, applicable rates, and potential exemptions is essential for accurate budgeting and successful submission of your application.
Who Pays the IHS?
Most migrants applying for visas longer than six months are required to pay the IHS. This includes:
- Skilled Worker visa applicants
- Health and Care Worker visa applicants (unless exempt)
- Student visa applicants
- Family visa applicants
Exemptions exist for:
- Children under 18 in certain visa categories
- Health and Care Workers (depending on visa type)
- Diplomats and representatives of foreign governments
- Applicants under the EU Settlement Scheme or those applying for indefinite leave to remain
Checking the latest guidance on the GOV.UK website is essential to confirm whether you are liable for the surcharge.
What does the IHS Cover?
The surcharge provides comprehensive access to NHS services:
- GP consultations and treatment
- Hospital care, including elective and emergency treatment
- Maternity care and postnatal support
- Emergency ambulance services
However, the IHS does not cover:
- Routine dental care
- Eye care, including prescription glasses
- Prescriptions (except for certain age groups)
- Private healthcare services
Migrant visa holders should plan accordingly for these excluded services, either by budgeting for out-of-pocket expenses or arranging private health insurance for additional coverage.
Refund Scenarios
In certain cases, migrants may be eligible for a full or partial refund of the IHS:
- Visa refusal: If a visa application is denied, the IHS can be refunded.
- Early departure: Leaving the UK before the visa expires may entitle the applicant to a partial refund for the unused portion of the surcharge.
- Overpayment or administrative error: If an IHS payment is made incorrectly, applicants can request a refund.
Refund requests must be submitted to the Home Office with supporting documentation. It’s important to keep records of payments and visa correspondence to ensure a smooth refund process.
Planning and Budgeting for the IHS
With the 2025 IHS increase, migrants need to incorporate these fees into their financial planning:
- Calculate total costs: Multiply the annual IHS rate by the visa duration, including dependants.
- Plan for exclusions: Remember that dental care, prescriptions, and eye tests may require separate budgeting.
- Monitor policy updates: The Home Office occasionally updates exemptions and procedures; staying informed ensures compliance.
- Explore employer support: Some employers cover visa and IHS costs for skilled international hires, especially under the Skilled Worker route.
Careful planning helps migrants manage living costs in the UK effectively while maintaining access to healthcare.
The Importance of Staying Informed
The IHS is an evolving aspect of UK immigration policy, reflecting the government’s priorities in funding the NHS while supporting skilled migration. Migrants should regularly consult official sources such as the GOV.UK Visas and Immigration section to ensure they have the latest information on fees, exemptions, and payment procedures. Being proactive and informed helps avoid surprises during visa applications and ensures uninterrupted access to healthcare during a stay in the UK.
Key Takeaways!
From July 2025, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) increased, meaning most long-term visa holders are now required to pay to access NHS services, though certain groups, such as health and care workers, diplomats, and applicants under the EU Settlement Scheme, may be exempt. The surcharge covers essential healthcare, giving migrants the ability to receive treatment when needed, but it does not include routine dental care, eye tests, or prescription costs outside specific age groups. In some cases, refunds can be requested, for example, if a visa is refused, if the individual leaves the UK early, or if an overpayment occurs. Understanding the IHS and planning for it in advance allows migrants to settle into the UK with confidence, maintain access to necessary healthcare, and manage their finances more effectively. Following updates and guidance from Skilled Worker Mag can help ensure visa holders stay informed and prepared for any changes affecting the IHS.
