What is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)? £1,035 a year, £776 for students, who pays, refunds and NHS cover
Published: Last checked: October 20264 min read
Short answer
The IHS is the health fee paid with a visa application: usually £1,035 a year, £776 for students, under-18s and Youth Mobility. It gives free NHS use from the date the visa starts; prescriptions, dental and eye costs are separate. Refusals and double payments are refunded.
In short
- This post is general information, not medical or legal advice. It is based on the NHS, NHSBSA and GOV.UK pages as they were on 18 October 2026 and applies to England; Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
- The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a health fee paid online with most visa applications. According to GOV.UK, whether you pay depends on the status you apply for.
- The standard rate is £1,035 a year; £776 a year for students and their dependants, applicants under 18 and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders.
- If you pay it, you can use the NHS free of charge from the date your visa starts.
The rest is for members
Sign up for free to read the whole post.
Sign up and keep readingAlready a member? Log in
Official sources
This answer is based on the pages below. Check the source yourself before you decide.
- GOV.UK: Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application
- GOV.UK: Immigration health surcharge, how much you pay
- GOV.UK: Immigration health surcharge, refunds
- GOV.UK: Health and Care Worker visa
Source links are for members. Sign up for free