What is UK Immigration Health Surcharge?

What is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge?

The UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is an additional fee paid by temporary foreigners before entering the UK. The fee will be used for the UK’s National Health System (NHS).

 

The UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) should be paid during the visa application. Once the UK Immigration Health Surcharge is paid, they can use the National Health Service (NHS) surcharge for medical emergencies.  

 

The UK Immigration Health Surcharge allows visa holders to access free healthcare services in the UK. Individuals can start using the NHS free of charge from the date of visa application.

 

Who has to pay for the Immigration Health Surcharge?

Foreigners who are applying for the UK visas to enter the country on partner, work, student, or family visas must pay Immigration Health Surcharges.

 

An applicant applying to enter the UK over six months must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. They must pay this fee as part of their visa application.

 

An applicant, who is residing in the UK and applying for a UK visa extension, whether  it be less than six months, have to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. 

 

Some applicants will be exempt but still need to register for an IHS reference number. They are: 

 

• Children below 18 years who have been taken into state care
• Civilian employees at NATO or the Australian Department of Defence in the UK

 

Immigration Health Surcharge for 2024

The Foreigner who will apply for the UK visa, which would be issued for 3 or 5 years, has to pay the following charges to enter the UK:

Applicant	Total IHS charge for 3-year visa	Total IHS charge for 5-year visa
1 Adult	£3,105	£5,175
1 Child	£2,328	£3,880
2 Adults	£6,210	£10,350
2 Adults & 1 child	£8,538	£14,230
2 Adults & 2 children	£10,866	£18,110

 

*Note: The visa application won’t proceed further if the applicant doesn’t pay the Immigration Health Surcharge.

 

Steps to pay the Immigrant Healthcare Surcharge

The application fee for Immigration Health Surcharge should be paid before an applicant submits their visa application. They must complete the visa application online and include the reference number that would be provided on their application forms or cover letter.

 

Below are the steps to apply for Immigration Healthcare Surcharges:

 

Step 1: Register as a user

Step 2: Answer questions to understand if you must pay the surcharges or not 

Step 3: Pay the fees online

Step 4: Receive the Immigration Health Surcharge number via email. 

Step 5: Finish the application form and pay your visa application fees

 

*Looking for assistance with UK Immigration? Talk to Y-Axis, the world’s no. 1 overseas immigration for end-to-end support.