Our Offices: London | Manchester | Open 7 Days
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) UK 2025 Guide
Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) in the UK [2025 Guide]
If you are planning to come to the UK on a visa, you will almost certainly come across the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This is a mandatory fee that allows you to access the NHS in much the same way as a permanent UK resident. Paying it gives you peace of mind that you can see a GP, visit a hospital, or receive urgent care without having to pay the full cost privately.
This guide explains everything you need to know about the Immigration Health Surcharge in 2025: how much it costs, who has to pay, who is exempt, how to pay, and how it links with your visa.
Table of Contents
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most people applying for a UK visa must pay. It was introduced by the Home Office in 2015 to ensure that temporary visa holders contribute towards the cost of healthcare.
Once you pay, you will be able to use the NHS during your stay in the UK. However, you will not get special treatment or priority. Instead, you will be seen in the same way as British citizens or those with Indefinite Leave to Remain.
It’s important to note that the IHS is separate from your visa fee. You cannot apply for a visa without paying it in full.
How Much is the Immigration Health Surcharge in 2025?
The cost of the Immigration Health Surcharge depends on your visa type, your age, and whether you are applying as the main applicant or as a dependant.
- Standard rate for adults: £1,035 per year
- Discounted rate for students and children: £776 per year
The fee is always paid upfront and must cover the full length of your visa. Payments are calculated in blocks of six months, so if you apply for 15 months, you will be charged for 18 months.
Example Costs
Here are some examples to make the calculation clearer:
| Visa type | Adult IHS fee | Child IHS fee | Total (example family) |
| Spouse visa (3 years) | £3,105 | £2,328 (for one child) | £5,433 |
| Skilled Worker visa (5 years) | £5,175 | £3,880 (for one child) | £9,055 |
| Student visa (3 years) | £2,328 | £2,328 (for one child) | £4,656 |
| Youth Mobility visa (2 years) | £1,552 | – | £1,552 |
If your stay is less than six months, you will not usually need to pay the IHS. Instead, you will pay for NHS services at the point of use, typically at 150% of the normal cost.
Who Needs to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?
In most cases, anyone applying for a visa that lasts more than six months must pay the IHS. This includes:
- Spouse and family visas
- Work visas (including Skilled Worker visas)
- Student visas
- Youth Mobility visas
Those coming to the UK for a short visit (less than six months) will not need to pay the surcharge but will have to pay for any treatment they use.
Full guidance is available from UKVI.
How to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
The IHS payment is made online as part of your visa application. The process is straightforward, but you must be careful to pay the full amount to avoid delays.
Steps to Pay:
- Start your visa application online.
- When prompted, you will be directed to the IHS payment page.
- Provide your details:
- Name, date of birth, passport number, nationality
- Visa type and intended length of stay
- Course dates if you are a student
- Details of any dependants
- Pay the fee in full by card.
- Receive your IHS reference number (this is proof of payment).
If you do not pay during your application, UKVI will send you an email with payment instructions. You will need to pay within 10 working days if applying inside the UK or 7 working days if applying from outside the UK.
If you miss this deadline, your visa application will be refused.
What is an IHS Number?
When you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, you receive an IHS number. This is a unique reference code that confirms you have paid.
You will need this number when you submit your visa application. It will also be emailed to you, so keep it safe until your application is complete.
What Does the Immigration Health Surcharge Cover?
Paying the IHS gives you access to most NHS services at no extra cost. This includes:
- GP appointments
- Hospital treatment
- Emergency care
- Specialist referrals
- Mental health services
However, there are some services that are not included. You will still need to pay for:
- Prescriptions
- Dental treatment
- Eye tests and glasses
- Some optional treatments
This is the same as what British citizens pay.
Buying private health insurance will not reduce or remove the need to pay the IHS.
Immigration Health Surcharge for Dependants
If you are bringing family members with you to the UK, they must also pay the IHS. This includes:
- Your spouse or partner
- Your children (under 18)
- Any other dependants on your visa application
The fee for children is £776 per year, payable in full at the time of application.
Immigration Health Surcharge Exemptions
Some applicants are either exempt from paying the IHS or pay a reduced rate.
Exempt but Must Register for a Reference Number:
- Children in state care
- Certain NATO employees and dependants
Exempt and No Reference Number Required:
- Members of the UK armed forces and their dependants
- Foreign armed forces personnel not subject to immigration control
- Asylum seekers and refugees
- Victims of human trafficking or domestic violence (under specific Home Office concessions)
- Applicants to the Isle of Man or Channel Islands
- Dependants of EEA nationals with specific permits
If you are applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you will not need to pay the IHS.
Can You Get a Refund on the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is non-refundable in most cases. Even if you do not use NHS services, you will not get your money back.
Refunds may only be available if:
- Your visa application is refused
- You withdraw your application before a decision is made
- You accidentally paid twice
Refunds are usually automatic, but can take time to be processed.
What Happens if Your Visa is Cancelled?
If your visa is cancelled, the IHS you paid will no longer cover you. For example, if your employer withdraws sponsorship, your visa will usually end after 60 days. During this time, your healthcare access continues.
After 60 days, if you have not secured a new visa, your IHS will be void, and you will be required to pay for NHS services in full.
Immigration Health Surcharge and Visa Renewals
When you extend or renew your visa, you will need to pay the IHS again. The new payment will cover the entire length of your extended visa.
Once you are granted Indefinite Leave to Remain or British citizenship, you will no longer pay the IHS. Instead, contributions to healthcare are made through National Insurance if you are employed.
Speak to a UK Immigration Solicitor About Your IHS Payment
The rules around the Immigration Health Surcharge can feel confusing, especially if you are applying with family members or for a long-term visa.
At Deluxe Law Chambers, we help individuals and families across the UK secure their visas and make sure the IHS payment is handled correctly.
Call us today on 0161 464 4140 Or book an appointment online
Our immigration solicitors are based in Manchester and London support clients across the UK with visa applications, extensions, and IHS advice.
Why Choose Deluxe Law Chambers?
Deluxe Law Chambers offers expert, affordable, and reliable immigration support with tailored services, quick visa options, online or in-person advice, and free initial consultation available seven days a week.
- Expert Immigration Solicitors – With years of experience, we stay up to date with the latest UK immigration laws to give you the best legal advice.
- Five Star Google Reviews – Rated 5 Star Google Reviews by 99% of our satisfied clients, reflecting our commitment to trusted, high-quality, and client focused immigration services.
- Personalised Service – Every case is unique. We offer tailored solutions based on your individual circumstances.
- Fast & Reliable Visa Services – Need a quick decision? We offer Priority and Super Priority visa services for faster processing.
- Remote Legal Support – Our solicitors can handle your case online, saving you time and travel costs.
- In person Support – You can also visit our Manchester office or London Office for in-person advice.
- Open 7 Days a Week – We provide expert immigration advice every day, including weekends.
- Free Immigration Advice – Get a 5-minute free phone consultation.
- Fixed Fees with Instalments – No hidden costs! We offer affordable fixed fees, with the option to pay in two instalments.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Immigration Health Surcharge
Is the Immigration Health Surcharge mandatory?
Yes. Unless you fall into one of the exemption categories, you must pay it in full when applying for your visa.
Do students pay less for IHS?
Yes. Students and children pay a discounted fee of £776 per year.
Do visitors need to pay IHS?
No. Visitors staying less than six months pay for NHS services when they use them.
What is an IHS number?
It is the reference number given when you pay the surcharge. You need it to complete your visa application.
How long does IHS cover last?
It covers the full length of your visa. If you extend your visa, you will pay again.
Does private health insurance remove the need for IHS?
No. You must still pay the IHS even if you have private health insurance.
