The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) for a UK Spouse Visa is £1,560 for the main applicant as of 2026, covering the duration of the visa.
How much is the UK immigration Healthcare surcharge?
The UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £624 per year for most visa applicants, including Spouse Visa holders.
This fee gives you access to NHS services, though it doesn’t cover prescriptions, dental care, or vision tests unless you qualify for an exemption. For a standard 2.5-year Spouse Visa, expect to pay £1,560 total. Dependents pay the same amount. You must pay the surcharge when submitting your visa application online—skip this step and your application could face delays or outright refusal. The UK government’s IHS calculator is handy for figuring out your exact fee based on visa length.
How much is health insurance for UK visa?
For most UK visa applicants, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) replaces private health insurance and costs £624 per year as of 2026.
You don’t need a separate health insurance policy when you pay the IHS. The surcharge covers NHS healthcare, including hospital treatment and GP visits. Students and Youth Mobility Scheme applicants pay £470 per year instead. If your visa gets refused, you can request a refund. Always double-check your specific visa type on GOV.UK—rates change, and you don’t want to overpay.
Do you have to pay health surcharge for ILR?
You do not pay the Immigration Health Surcharge when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British Citizenship.
The IHS only applies to temporary visas like Spouse, Student, or Work visas. Once you get ILR, you qualify for full NHS access without the surcharge. But if you later apply for a replacement BRP or switch to a different visa, you might need to pay the IHS again. Always verify your current immigration status before submitting a new application—mistakes here can be costly.
Do you pay Immigration Health Surcharge?
You usually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge if applying for a UK visa or immigration permission lasting more than 6 months.
This includes most work, family, and student visas. Even if you’re applying inside the UK for a visa extension, the surcharge is required no matter how short your stay. Fees range from £470 to £624 per year, depending on your visa type. Before you apply, check the GOV.UK fee calculator. Skip the payment, and your visa could be refused—simple as that.
Who is exempt from health surcharge?
Certain groups are fully exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge, including refugees, asylum seekers, and specific humanitarian protection holders.
Children under local authority care and those receiving section 95 support also qualify. Diplomats and visiting armed forces members don’t have to pay either. If you worked in UK health or social care for at least six months without gaps, you might be eligible for a refund via GOV.UK. Rules can shift, so always confirm your status before applying.
Is healthcare free in UK for immigrants?
Healthcare access in the UK is not automatically free for all immigrants; most must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge to access NHS services.
Refugees, asylum seekers, and those under humanitarian protection get free NHS care without the surcharge. Victims of modern slavery and individuals under section 95 support may also qualify for exemptions. Even if you’re exempt, prescriptions, dental treatment, and eye tests usually aren’t covered unless you meet additional criteria. Always review your status and any applicable exemptions on NHS guidance.
How much is health insurance for UK student visa?
The Immigration Health Surcharge for UK Student Visa applicants is £470 per year, covering the visa duration.
Pay this fee with your visa application, and it grants you access to NHS healthcare. A 5-year student visa would cost £2,350 in IHS fees. Dependents must also pay the same surcharge. Just remember, the surcharge doesn’t cover prescriptions, dental, or vision costs unless you qualify for an exemption. You don’t need a separate private health insurance policy when you pay the IHS.
How much savings do I need for UK spouse visa?
You need at least £18,600 in annual income or £62,500 in cash savings to meet the UK Spouse Visa financial requirement.
If you’re relying on savings, they must have been held for at least 6 months. Savings between £62,500 and £16,000 can be combined with income. Self-employed applicants face stricter documentation rules. Use the GOV.UK financial requirement checklist to make sure your proof is valid. Miss this requirement, and your visa is almost certain to be refused.
How much is UK visa fee in Nigeria 2021?
The UK Student Visa fee in Nigeria was US$486 (₦199,260) in 2021, though fees have increased since then.
As of 2026, fees vary by visa type and location. Check the GOV.UK visa fee page for current rates. Exchange rates and fees update frequently, so always verify the amount in Nigerian Naira using a reliable converter. Dependents typically pay the same fee as the main applicant.
How much is the NHS surcharge?
The NHS surcharge, officially the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), is £624 per year for most adult visa applicants.
Applicants under 18, students, and Youth Mobility Scheme visa holders pay £470 per year. You must pay this fee upfront with your visa application. It funds access to NHS services, but prescriptions and dental care aren’t included unless you qualify for an exemption. The exact amount depends on your visa length—use the IHS calculator on GOV.UK to confirm.
What is NHS health surcharge?
The NHS Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that funds access to NHS healthcare for most visa holders in the UK.
It doesn’t cover individual treatment costs like prescriptions, dental treatment, or eye tests unless you qualify for an exemption. You pay the surcharge when applying for a UK visa, and the amount is calculated based on your visa length. As of 2026, the standard rate is £624 per year for adults. Check your exact fee and pay online via the GOV.UK IHS portal.
Do I need health insurance for UK visa?
You do not need separate health insurance if you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) with your UK visa application.
If your visa is for 6 months or less, or if you’re making short visits, the IHS may not apply. In those cases, private medical insurance is a smart move—NHS charges for non-emergency care can add up fast. The NHS handles emergencies and necessary care, but you might still get billed for routine treatment. Check your visa type and duration on GOV.UK to know exactly what you’re responsible for.
Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
