The UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is an important aspect of the immigration process that ensures migrants have access to the National Health Service (NHS) while living in the UK. Whether you're coming to the UK for work, study, or to join your family, it's crucial to understand how the IHS works, what it covers, and how recent updates may affect your application in 2025.
In this article, we'll explore what the Immigration Health Surcharge is, how much it costs, who needs to pay it, and the key changes that have taken place in 2025. Whether you're a new applicant or someone extending your stay, this guide will help you navigate the IHS with confidence.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) must pay when applying for a UK visa that lasts for more than 6 months. The surcharge helps fund the NHS, allowing immigrants to access a range of medical services, including general practitioners (GPs), hospital treatment, and emergency care.
Paying the IHS gives you access to NHS healthcare services, largely free at the point of use, just like a UK resident. However, certain services, such as prescriptions, dental care, and eye tests, may still require additional payment.
How Much Does the IHS Cost?
As of 2025, there have been some updates to the IHS fee structure, reflecting changes to healthcare funding in the UK. The current rates are as follows:
£1,035 per year for the main visa applicant and their dependents.
£776 per year for students, those on the Youth Mobility Scheme, and their dependents.
These fees are payable upfront when you apply for your visa, covering the duration of your stay in the UK. For example, if you apply for a 3-year Skilled Worker visa, you would pay £3,105 as part of your immigration application. It's important to budget for this cost in advance, as failure to pay the IHS may result in your visa application being delayed or refused.
Who Needs to Pay the IHS?
Most visa applicants applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than six months are required to pay the IHS, including those applying for:
Skilled Worker Visa
Student Visa
Family Visa
Innovator Founder Visa
Graduate Visa
Start-up Visa
Scale-Up Visa
However, certain individuals are exempt from paying the IHS, such as:
Applicants for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or settlement.
Diplomats or members of visiting armed forces.
EEA citizens with an EU Settlement Scheme status.
Victims of domestic violence apply under the family visa route.
Those applying under Health and Care Worker Visas (although their dependents may still need to pay).
What Does the IHS Cover?
Once you’ve paid the IHS, you’ll be entitled to use most of the NHS services, including:
Appointments with your GP (general practitioner).
Hospital treatment, including emergency care and surgery.
Mental health services and therapy.
Treatment for pre-existing medical conditions.
Maternity care, including antenatal and postnatal care.
COVID-19 vaccinations and other preventive health services.
The IHS does not cover the cost of prescriptions in England (which are charged separately at a standard rate), dental treatment, and optical care. These services may require additional payments or insurance, depending on your individual needs.
Updates to the Immigration Health Surcharge in 2025
With the growing demand for the NHS and rising healthcare costs, the UK government has introduced some key updates to the Immigration Health Surcharge in 2025. Here are the most significant changes:
1. Increase in IHS Rates
The IHS rates have increased to £1,035 per year for the main applicants and dependents, up from £624 in previous years. This change reflects the rising cost of healthcare provision in the UK and the government’s commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the NHS.
For students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants, the surcharge has increased to £776 per year, which is still a lower rate compared to other visa applicants, recognizing the limited financial resources of these groups.
2. Expanded Exemptions for Healthcare Workers
The Health and Care Worker Visa continues to be exempt from the IHS, allowing healthcare professionals coming to the UK to work in critical NHS roles to bypass the surcharge. In 2025, this exemption has been expanded to include more healthcare roles, such as mental health practitioners and social care workers, reflecting the growing need for these professions in the UK.
3. New Payment Plans for Low-Income Applicants
Recognizing that the upfront cost of the IHS can be a financial burden for some applicants, the UK government has introduced payment plans for individuals on low incomes. Applicants who meet certain income thresholds can now pay the IHS in installments rather than as a lump sum, easing the financial pressure on families and students.
4. Impact of Temporary and Long-Term Visa Changes
The IHS continues to apply to most long-term visas, but there have been changes to certain short-term visa categories. For example, temporary workers and those on seasonal visas for less than 12 months may not be required to pay the full IHS fee but are still eligible for certain NHS services.
How to Pay the IHS
You’ll be prompted to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge during your visa application process. Once you’ve entered your personal information and visa details, the system will calculate how much you need to pay based on the length of your stay and visa type.
It’s important to ensure that the information you provide is accurate, as incorrect payments could lead to visa delays. Once the payment is made, you’ll receive a reference number, which you’ll need to submit along with your visa application.
What Happens If You Don’t Pay the IHS?
If you fail to pay the IHS or your payment doesn’t go through, your visa application could be delayed or rejected. Additionally, if your visa is granted without paying the IHS, you may not be eligible to access NHS services, which could result in high medical bills for any treatment you receive in the UK.
It’s also worth noting that failing to pay the IHS when required could affect your immigration history, making future visa applications more difficult.
Conclusion
The UK Immigration Health Surcharge is an essential part of the visa process for those coming to the UK for more than six months. While it adds an extra cost to your immigration application, it ensures you can access the NHS for the duration of your stay. With the 2025 updates, it’s more important than ever to understand how much you need to pay, whether you’re eligible for exemptions, and how the new payment options can make the process more manageable.
If you’re unsure about how the IHS applies to your visa type or need assistance with your visa application, it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified immigration lawyer. They can provide personalized advice, help you avoid common pitfalls, and ensure that your application is completed smoothly.
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