UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee most people pay when applying for a UK visa of more than six months. It gives you access to the NHS on broadly the same basis as a UK resident for the length of your visa. You pay it up front, for the whole visa period, on top of the application fee.
Per year (main applicant)
£1,035
3-year visa
£3,105
5-year visa
£5,175
How it's calculated
You pay £1,035 for each year of your visa, and half that for any part-year of six months or less. A discounted rate applies to students and their dependants, and to people on the Youth Mobility Scheme. Each dependant pays their own surcharge.
Who is exempt
- • Health and Care Worker visa holders (and their dependants)
- • Visitors and anyone applying for a visa of six months or less
- • Certain diplomats and members of the armed forces
- • Some children looked after by a local authority
Exemptions change — always confirm your situation on gov.uk before applying.