UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
Decides visa, settlement and citizenship applications and manages eVisas for people coming to or living in the UK.
Home » Visas and immigration » Immigration health surcharge (IHS)
Immigration health surcharge (IHS)
Most visa applicants pay the IHS as part of the visa application. It gives access to the NHS in the same way as residents.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: pay for UK healthcare as part of your application www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application | Whole UK |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Check if you need to pay: usually yes for visas over 6 months applied for from abroad, and for any length if you apply inside the UK.
- Pay it online by card as part of your visa application, for yourself and any dependants applying with you.
- Use the NHS from the date your visa starts. Some services, such as prescriptions and dental care, are still charged.
What you need
- A debit or credit card.
- The start and end dates on your certificate of sponsorship, or your course dates if you are a student.
- If you are joining someone already in the UK: their visa expiry date or IHS reference number.
Common mistakes
- Thinking private health insurance exempts you: you still have to pay.
- Expecting a refund if you get the visa but do not come to the UK: it is not refunded in that case.
More in Visas and immigration
- Check if you need a UK visa
- Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
- Tuberculosis (TB) test for visa applicants
- eVisa: view and prove your immigration status
- Update your UKVI account details
- Graduate visa
- Health and Care Worker visa
- Youth Mobility Scheme visa
- Global Talent visa
- Claim asylum in the UK
- EU Settlement Scheme
- Indefinite leave to remain (settlement)
- Become a British citizen