Understanding the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): Your Essential Guide (2026)

What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?

The UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee that most visa applicants must pay when applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months. This fee gives you access to NHS services during your stay, ensuring that you have access to essential healthcare services without incurring large out-of-pocket costs.

The IHS ensures that applicants contribute to the NHS system while residing in the UK, which helps to cover the cost of their healthcare. Understanding this charge is essential for planning your immigration process.

In this article we’ll explore a wide range of topics to guide you through the complexities of the IHS:

What the UK Immigration Health Surcharge is and who needs to pay it
What the IHS covers and what it does not
The latest fee structure for 2026
Exemptions from the surcharge
Refund information if your visa application is refused
Insights into interactive tools like an IHS fee calculator
Regional differences in NHS services
Tips on managing additional healthcare costs

Quick Answers: Immigration Health Surcharge

What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The IHS is a fee paid by visa applicants to access NHS services in the UK.

How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
It costs £1,035 per year for most applicants, or £776 per year for students and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders.

Who doesn’t pay the IHS?
Diplomats, health and care workers, and certain dependants are exempt from the IHS.

Will the IHS be refunded if my application is refused?
Yes, the IHS is refunded if your visa application is refused.

What Does the UK Immigration Health Surcharge Cover?

The IHS provides access to a broad range of NHS services in the UK, including:

General Practitioner (GP) Services
You can access routine health services like consultations, immunizations, and general medical advice.

Hospital Treatment
The IHS covers essential hospital treatment, including emergency services and surgeries.

Emergency Care
Critical care services in emergencies are covered, ensuring you can receive urgent medical attention when needed.

Maternity Care
Pregnancy and childbirth-related medical services are fully covered under the IHS.

Mental Health Services
Therapies and treatment for mental health issues are included in the coverage.

What Does IHS Not Cover?

While the IHS provides access to many NHS services, it does not cover everything. Here’s what you will need to pay for separately:

Dental Treatment: Regular dental check-ups and procedures are not covered by the IHS.
Optical Services: Eye care, including glasses and contact lenses, is not covered.
Cosmetic Surgery: Non-essential cosmetic procedures are excluded.
Prescriptions: You may be required to pay for prescriptions, depending on the location in the UK.

How Much Is the Immigration Health Surcharge?

The fee for the IHS varies based on your visa type and length of stay. As of 2026, the fees are:

£1,305 per year for most visa holders. (e.g., Skilled Worker, Family, Graduate).
£776 per year for students and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders.

This fee is typically paid at the time of your visa application and is calculated for the entire length of your stay.

Who Doesn’t Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge?

Certain applicants are exempt from the IHS, including:

Diplomats and their family members.
Health and Care Worker visa applicants.
Global Talent visa applicants.
Children under 18 in specific circumstances.

Always check the specific criteria for your visa type to confirm whether you are exempt.

If My Visa Is for More Than Six Months but Less Than a Year, Will the Full Yearly Fee Be Charged?

Yes, if your visa is valid for more than six months but less than a year, you will still be charged the full £1,035 per year. The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is calculated on an annual basis, meaning that even if your stay is less than a full year, you will still pay for a complete 12-month period.

This is because the Home Office considers your visa as being valid for the entire year for the purposes of IHS, regardless of whether your actual stay is shorter. For instance, if your visa is granted for 9 months, you will still need to pay the full £1,035 as if it were for a full year. This fee is not prorated for shorter stays.

It’s important to keep this in mind when budgeting for your visa application. The fee structure is designed to ensure that applicants contribute to the NHS for the entirety of their intended stay, even if it doesn’t align perfectly with the calendar year. If your stay is expected to last only part of a year, you may find this to be a bit of an overpayment, but the Home Office will not adjust the fee based on the length of your visa.

Will the IHS Be Refunded if My Application Is Refused?

If your visa application is refused, you are generally entitled to a refund of the IHS fee. Refunds typically take several weeks to process, and you will need to apply through the Home Office or the visa application portal where you submitted your application.

How to Claim Your Refund:

Log in to your visa application portal.
Find the section on IHS refunds.
Submit a refund request with the required documentation.
Wait for confirmation from the Home Office regarding your refund status.

GOV.UK Interactive Fee Calculator

If you are making your application from outside the UK you can use the fee calculator, currently in beta from the official UK government website, to determine exactly how much you’ll need to pay based on your visa type and the duration of your stay. This user-friendly online tool allows you to quickly calculate your Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee, providing a clear and accurate estimate.

Regional Differences in NHS Coverage

The NHS is managed differently across the UK’s four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. While the IHS covers healthcare access in all regions, be aware that some services, such as prescription costs, may vary.

England: Prescription fees apply in most cases.
Scotland: Prescriptions are free for all residents, including those on a visa.
Wales and Northern Ireland: Prescription charges may apply, but there are variations depending on local policies.

Tips on Managing Additional Healthcare Costs

While the IHS covers many services, there are still out-of-pocket expenses that you may need to manage during your stay. Here are a few tips:

Dental Plans: Consider enrolling in a private dental insurance plan to cover any dental care.
Eye Care: NHS optical services are limited, so explore private health insurance or discount programs for vision care.
Private Healthcare: If you prefer faster access to certain services, private healthcare options are available at an additional cost.

How Immigration lawyers at Mulgrave Law Can Help

At Mulgrave Law, we specialise in UK immigration law, including helping applicants navigate the complexities of visa applications, including the Immigration Health Surcharge. Our team of experts can help you:

Determine whether you are exempt from paying the IHS.
Accurately calculate your surcharge based on your visa and stay.
Guide you through the refund process if your visa application is refused.
Provide expert advice on additional healthcare costs, including private insurance options and dental/optical care.

Our tailored immigration services ensure that you are fully prepared for your visa application and that your healthcare needs are covered during your stay in the UK.
Contact us today to see how we can assist you with your UK immigration process.