Immigration Health Surcharge is one of those phrases that quickly pops up when you start looking into a UK visa application, and for many people, it can feel like yet another hurdle in an already paperwork-heavy process. However, rather than being just another box to tick, the surcharge plays a significant role in shaping how migrants access healthcare while living in the UK. At its core, it’s a contribution that ensures you can make use of the NHS in much the same way as a permanent resident would, offering peace of mind that if you fall ill or need treatment, you won’t be left out of pocket for essential services.
For anyone considering the move — whether for work, study, or to reunite with family — understanding the Immigration Health Surcharge isn’t simply about knowing the cost. It’s also about understanding how it fits into the broader system of healthcare access, what it actually covers, and in which circumstances you might be eligible for a refund. With recent changes to the rates and new rules in 2025, it’s more important than ever to be clear on the details before you hit “submit” on your application.
What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
Introduced under the Immigration (Health Charge) Order 2015, the Immigration Health Surcharge requires many visa applicants to pay an annual sum upfront when applying for permission to enter or stay in the UK. Once paid, applicants gain access to NHS services largely on par with UK residents, excluding certain services like prescriptions, dental care, eye tests, and assisted conception treatments.
Health Surcharge Cost 2025: Current Rates
Standard Rate
- £1,035 per person per year applies to most visa categories, including skilled workers, family, and graduate visas.
- £776 per year applies to:
- Full-time students,
- Dependants of students,
- Youth Mobility Scheme applicants,
- Children under 18 at the time of application.
How is IHS Calculated?
The total amount of Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) you’ll need to pay depends on two things: the type of visa you’re applying for and the length of stay being granted. Put simply, you must cover the full duration of your immigration permission upfront at the time of application.
The surcharge is calculated in six-month blocks. If your visa period doesn’t fall neatly into whole years, the system will round it up. For instance, someone applying for a visa lasting 16 months won’t just pay for 16 months — they’ll be charged for 18. This rounding ensures that partial years don’t slip through the net.
For visas where the grant of stay can vary, such as the Skilled Worker route or the student visa — the exact dates provided on your Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) or Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) are crucial. These details are automatically pulled into the IHS portal when you submit your application, and the system uses them to calculate how much you’ll owe. That means the dates you enter on your application form directly determine the final bill.
Who Needs to Pay and Who Doesn’t?
Who Needs to Pay?
- Applicants applying from outside the UK for more than six months.
- Applicants applying inside the UK, regardless of duration.
Exemptions (No IHS Required)
You do not need to pay the IHS if you fall under one of the following:
- Applying for indefinite leave to enter or remain.
- Eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa (and their dependants).
- Applying under the EU Settlement Scheme.
- Diplomats or armed forces dependants, certain asylum seekers, victims of modern slavery, or under humanitarian protection, and others as listed.
What Medical Services Are Covered?
Once the surcharge is paid, you’re entitled to most NHS services free at the point of use—including hospital treatments and GP visits—from the start date of your visa.
Not covered (you’ll need to pay separately):
- Prescriptions
- Dental treatment
- Eye tests
- Assisted conception services.
Refund Situations
When Refunds Apply?
You can request a refund of the IHS if:
- Your visa application is refused.
- You withdraw your application before a decision.
- You stay for six months or less (when applying from outside the UK)
When Refunds Do Not Apply?
Unfortunately, the Home Office policy is strict when it comes to other circumstances. For example, a recent case involved a widow whose wife died before reaching the UK—despite not using NHS services, the IHS was not refunded. The Home Office cited a longstanding policy limiting refunds strictly to refusals or withdrawals.
Comparison Table: IHS Costs Then vs Now
| Visa Type / Category | Rate pre-2024 (£/year) | Rate in 2025 (£/year) | Example (3-year leave) |
| Standard adult applicants | 624 | 1,035 | 3 × £1,035 = £3,105 |
| Students, Youth Mobility, under-18s | (not applicable) | 776 | 3 × £776 = £2,328 |
| Skilled Worker (variable period, e.g., 3.5 y) | 624 | 1,035 | 4 × £1,035 = £4,140 (rounded to next 6-month block) |
| Visitors (≤ 6 months, applying from outside the UK) | N/A | N/A | Not required |
Final Thoughts!
At the end of the day, the Immigration Health Surcharge isn’t just about money changing hands — it’s about peace of mind. It’s the reassurance that when you step off the plane, start your new job, or settle into your studies, you’ll have access to the same healthcare system that millions across the UK rely on every day. While the process can feel like a maze at times, knowing how the surcharge works makes it one less thing to worry about on your journey.
If you’re weighing up your options, planning a move, or just want to keep ahead of the latest changes to UK immigration rules, it pays to stay informed. And that’s exactly where Skilled Worker Mag comes in, we cut through the jargon, keep our finger on the pulse of every update, and make sure you’re never left second-guessing your next step.
