Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Explained

What the IHS is

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a payment most people make when they apply for a UK visa to come to the UK for more than six months, including students. Paying it gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) on broadly the same basis as a UK resident for the duration of your visa, though some services may still have charges.

This page is general information only and not immigration or medical advice. The exact amount, who pays, and any exemptions are set on the official gov.uk page, which you should check before applying.

What it covers and how NHS access works

Once you have paid the IHS and your visa is granted, you can generally use NHS services much like a resident — for example registering with a doctor (a GP). Some things, such as certain prescriptions, dental treatment or other specific services, can still carry their own charges that apply to residents too.

The IHS is about access to healthcare, not a description of any treatment. For how to register with the NHS and what is covered, the NHS website is the authoritative guide.

How much it costs and how it is calculated

The IHS is charged at a set rate per year of your visa, and there is often a discounted student rate. The total you pay usually depends on how long your visa is for, which is linked to your course length plus any extra time added at the start or end.

The rates change, so we do not quote a figure here — confirm the current per-year amount and how it is calculated on the official gov.uk page before you pay.

• Charged per year of the visa you are granted
• A discounted rate often applies to students (verify on gov.uk)
• Total depends on the length of your visa

How and when you pay it

You normally pay the IHS as part of completing your online Student visa application, before or alongside the visa fee. The system usually calculates the amount for you based on the dates of your application.

In limited situations a refund of some or all of the IHS may apply — for example if a visa is refused or certain conditions are met. The rules for paying and for any refund are defined by gov.uk, so follow the official process and keep your payment confirmation.

Things to remember

Budget for the IHS as a separate cost on top of the visa application fee and your tuition and living costs, since it can be a significant amount for a multi-year course. Pay it only through the official gov.uk application process, never to a third party promising a discount.

Because amounts and rules change, always verify the current IHS figure and any exemption or refund rule on the official source before relying on it.