The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): A guide for UK visa holders

One of the most important aspects of moving to the UK is understanding the National Health Service (NHS) and making sure you can access healthcare services. For individuals planning to live, work, or study in the UK on a visa, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that must be paid during the visa application process. The IHS covers your use of the NHS when in the UK. This guide provides valuable insights into what the IHS entails, how it works, and its implications for UK visa holders.

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Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) basics

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 👩⚕️

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee for health care that was started in April 2015. This surcharge was introduced by the UK government for international students who want to study in the UK for more than 6 months and for non-EU citizens applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than 6 months.

The IHS payment gives international students and non-EU citizens the same access to the UK's National Health Service (NHS) as someone who lives in the UK. This means that they can access free medical care from the NHS, such as doctor’s appointments, emergency treatment, and hospital care.

However, it is important to note that the IHS payment does not cover some services, like dental treatment, prescriptions, and opticians. Those who require these services will still need to pay for them.

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Why you have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 💸

To help the NHS manage the increased demand and financial pressures it is facing, the UK government introduced the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in April 2015. This charge applies to non-UK citizens and international students who wish to study in the UK for more than 6 months. By paying the IHS, non-UK citizens and international students gain access to the NHS and receive the same healthcare services as UK nationals and residents. This includes comprehensive medical care, such as doctor's appointments, emergency treatment, and hospital care at no extra cost.

The IHS payment helps to support the NHS and ensure that non-UK citizens and international students have access to the same healthcare services as UK nationals and residents. By paying the IHS, anyone living in the UK on a visa can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they can access medical care if they need it during their stay in the UK at no extra cost.

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Who has to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) 💁

If you're traveling to the UK on a Youth Mobility, UK Ancestry, Skilled Worker or any other visa to work, study, or join family for more than six months, then you'll be required to pay the IHS fee. The IHS fee varies depending on the visa type you're on.

If you're moving to the United Kingdom on the Health and Care Worker visa, you don't have to pay the IHS fee as you're working within the healthcare system.

If you’re travelling to the United Kingdom as a tourist you don’t need to pay the IHS fee.

To check whether or not your chosen visa is required to pay the IHS fee, visit GOV.UK.

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How much the IHS fee costs 💷

The exact amount you pay depends on the length of the visa you’re given. You will need to pay the IHS for each year of the visa you're applying for.

The cost of the IHS fee for each year of a visa is: 

• £470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £940 for a 2-year visa
• £470 per year for visa and immigration applicants who are under the age of 18 at time of application
• £624 per year for all other visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year visa

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When you need to show proof of paying the Immigration Health Surcharge IHS 👍

• During the visa application process
• When registering for an NHS GP 
• When accessing healthcare services in the UK to confirm your eligibility for NHS treatment

Common questions about the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

How do I know if I have to pay the IHS fee or not?

If you're moving to the UK on a work or study visa you will need to pay the IHS fee. The only visa that doesn't need to pay the fee is the Health and Care Worker visa.

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How much is the IHS fee?

The IHS fee varies depending on the visa type and duration.

• £470 per year for a student or Youth Mobility Scheme visa, for example £940 for a 2-year visa
• £624 per year for all other adult visa and immigration applications, for example £3,120 for a 5-year Skilled Worker visa

In January of 2024 the IHS fee will increase for all new visa applicants.

• Student's and those on the Youth Mobility Scheme visa will see the IHS price increase from £470 per year to £776 per year
• All other adult visa applications will see the IHS price increase from £624 per year to £1,035 per year.

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I'm only planning on staying for 1 year of my visa, do I need to pay for every year?

Yes, you must pay the IHS fee for every year of your visa even if you plan on leaving early and not staying in the UK for the duration of your visa.

For example, if you're moving to the UK on a Youth Mobility visa for 3 years, you must pay the IHS fee for all 3 years covering the duration of the visa.

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Can I claim back the IHS fee if I leave the UK before early or my visa ends?

No. Like your visa itself, it is valid for a certain amount of time. If you leave the UK before the end of your approved time in the UK, you cannot get a refund on any upcoming unspent time.

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How do I prove I've paid the IHS fee?

After you've paid the IHS fee as part of your visa application process, you'll receive an IHS reference number on your payment confirmation receipt. This number is essential to prove that you've paid the fee. Make sure to keep this receipt safe and provide the IHS reference number when required, such as during your visa application submission or when accessing healthcare services.

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Is my IHS number the same as my NHS number?

No they are two different numbers.

• IHS number: your IHS number is a reference number given to you as part of your visa application confirming that you've paid your IHS fee. It's used to help register for the NHS.
• NHS number: your NHS number is your unique patient identification number for the healthcare system. Your NHS number is typically given to you after you have registered with a General Practitioner (GP) or a healthcare provider in the UK.

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I've lost my IHS number, where do I find it?

If you've misplaced or lost your IHS reference number, you can usually find it on your payment confirmation receipt that you received when you paid the fee. This receipt is typically sent to the email address you provided during the payment process. Alternatively, you can log in to your account on the UK government's official visa application website where you made the payment. Your IHS reference number should be accessible in your application records. If you're unable to locate it, you may need to contact the relevant immigration or visa authorities for assistance in retrieving your IHS reference number.

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Do I have to pay the IHS even if I have private healthcare insurance?

Yes, even if you have private healthcare insurance you will need to pay the IHS fee appropriate to your visa.

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Can I use the NHS immediately after paying the IHS?

Yes, as soon as your visa is approved and you've made it to the UK, you can start using the NHS.