The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee most visa applicants pay to use the NHS during their stay. It costs £1,035 per adult per year on most routes, and £776 per year for students, children and Youth Mobility applicants. You pay the full amount upfront for the entire length of your visa when you apply. This guide explains the cost, how it is calculated, who is exempt, and when you can get a refund.
What the IHS is for
The surcharge gives visa holders broadly the same access to the NHS as a UK resident, including GP and hospital treatment. It is separate from the visa application fee, and you cannot use the NHS on most long-stay visas without paying it.
How much it costs
| Applicant type | IHS per year |
|---|---|
| Most adults (for example Skilled Worker) | £1,035 |
| Students, child dependants, Youth Mobility, under-18s | £776 |
These rates apply to applications made on or after 6 February 2024 and are unchanged in 2026. Always confirm the current figure on GOV.UK before you apply.
How the total is calculated
You pay for the whole length of your visa at once, not year by year. The amount is worked out by rounding your visa length:
- A part-year of six months or less is charged at half the yearly rate.
- A part-year of more than six months is charged as a full year.
For example, an adult on a two-and-a-half year visa pays £1,035 for each of the two full years, plus £517.50 for the final six months, giving £2,587.50. Each family member pays their own surcharge.
Who is exempt
Some applicants do not pay the IHS. The main exemption is for Health and Care Worker visa holders and their dependants. Short visit visas do not include the surcharge, because visitors are not entitled to free non-emergency NHS care. Rules on exemptions can change, so check your specific route.
Refunds
You may get some or all of the IHS back if you paid too much, if your application is refused or withdrawn, or if you are granted a shorter visa than you paid for. Refunds are usually processed automatically, but you can contact UK Visas and Immigration if you believe you are owed one.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge in 2026?
It is £1,035 per adult per year on most routes, and £776 per year for students, child dependants and Youth Mobility applicants, paid upfront for the full length of your visa.
Do I pay the IHS every year?
No. You pay the whole amount in advance when you apply, covering the entire visa period.
Does my family pay too?
Yes. Each dependant, including children, pays their own surcharge at the rate for their category.
Can I get a refund if I leave early?
Often yes. If you are granted less time than you paid for, or your application is refused or withdrawn, you can be refunded the unused portion.
For how this fits with the wider cost of a visa, see the UK visa guide for newcomers and the Skilled Worker visa guide.
