UK Healthcare Surcharge (IHS): Costs and How to Pay
In 2023, 3.40 million visas were granted to foreign nationals to live, work, and study in the UK. The majority of these visa holders paid the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) fee, which helps fund healthcare costs during their stay.
Although the IHS was introduced in 2015, there have been significant changes since its inception. Therefore, if you plan to live, work, or study in the UK, you must understand the current costs of the UK healthcare surcharge and how to pay the fee.
This article breaks down the current costs and steps to pay the fee. But first, let’s explain the UK Immigration Healthcare Surcharge.
What Is the UK Healthcare Surcharge?
The UK Healthcare Surcharge, also known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), funds the National Health Service. It’s a mandatory fee introduced in April 2015 to ensure immigrants contribute to healthcare costs when they apply for temporary permission to live in the UK. When you pay the surcharge, you gain access to essential healthcare services such as doctor appointments, hospital treatments, and emergency care—all at no extra cost.
Who Needs to Pay the IHS Fee?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) applies to anyone applying for a UK visa and plans to stay in the UK for more than six months. This includes:
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Students
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Workers
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Family members joining UK residents
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Non-Swiss nationals
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Non-European Economic Area nationals
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Individuals applying for a visa extension or switching visas
Who’s Exempted From Paying the UK Healthcare Surcharge
Individuals under the following categories are exempted from paying the UK healthcare surcharge:
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Visitors staying less than six months
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Diplomats and their families
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Some Australian and New Zealand citizens
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British Overseas Territories citizens
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Those applying for indefinite leave to remain
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NHS workers and their families
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Refugees and asylum seekers
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Children in local authority care
Cost of UK Healthcare Surcharge
The following are the current costs of the UK healthcare surcharge as of 2024:
1. £776 per year for students and their dependents. A 2-year student visa would cost £1,552 (£776 x 2).
2. £776 per year for Youth Mobility Scheme.
3. £776 per year for children under 18
4. £1,035 per year for all other visa and immigration applications. A 3-year visa would cost £3,105.
These are the current rates based on visa type and length of stay.
How to Pay the UK Health Surcharge and Visa Fee
Paying your UK IHS and visa fee is simple. You can complete your payment online using a trusted cross-border solution like the Pay4Me App. Pay4Me is a reliable payment solution for paying visa and immigration fees abroad.
When you download the app from the Play or App Store, you’ll be required to verify your identity. Once completed, navigate to “Payments,” select visa fee, and log your payment information. Here’s all the information you need to complete your payment:
Information needed for payment
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Your full name, email address, and phone number
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The type of visa you’re paying for
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Your appointment date
Once you’ve entered these details on the Pay4Me App, proceed to payment and pay with instant transfer. Please note that you do not need a credit or debit card to complete this payment since the app supports local currencies, including GHS, Naira, UGX, and others.
Once payment is completed, you will receive a confirmation email for the IHS and visa fees. Keep the payment receipt for records.
How Nigerians Can Pay UK IHS Fee
Nigerians can pay the UK IHS fee using the Pay4Me App, which offers the best exchange rates and supports local currency payments using the Naira. You can download the app from the App or Play Store, create an account, and initiate your payment. Once completed, you’ll receive an instant email confirmation and a copy of your payment receipt. Return to the UK immigration website to complete your visa application.
Is the UK Health Surcharge Mandatory?
Yes, the UK health surcharge (Immigration Health Surcharge or IHS) is mandatory for most foreign nationals applying to stay in the UK for more than six months. This includes international students, workers, and family members joining someone in the UK.
Is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge Refundable?
The UK immigration health surcharge (IHS) is refundable in some cases.
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You get a full refund if your visa is denied.
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You get a refund if you withdraw your application.
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Overpayments are returned automatically.
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If you paid but are exempt, you can claim a refund.
That said, please note that you won’t get a refund if your visa is granted but you don't travel to the UK or you leave the UK before your visa expires.
How to Get Your IHS Payment Receipt?
Once you pay your IHS fee, you'll receive an email receipt to confirm your payment. Check your spam folder if you don’t see the confirmation in your inbox.
How to Claim a Refund
If you're eligible for one, you'll receive an automatic refund. The UK immigration office will notify you when the refund is processed. However, if your refund isn't processed automatically, you can manually claim it by contacting the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department. Ensure you provide your IHS reference number, payment confirmation, and visa details to facilitate the process.
Conclusion
The UK Healthcare Surcharge gives you access to the NHS during your stay in the UK. While it's an extra cost, it provides peace of mind for your health needs. Plan ahead and use the Pay4Me App to ease the payment process. It’s instant and offers the best exchange rates.
FAQ on UK Healthcare Surcharge (IHS)
Q1. Can I pay my UK visa fee with my naira card?
You can pay your UK visa fee and IHS with Naira. To do that, create an account on Pay4Me, verify your identity, and initiate your payment. You’ll be directed to the checkout page, where you can pay using Naira.
Q2. Can I pay my UK visa fee with a debit card?
The Pay4Me app allows you to pay your UK visa fee with a debit card. Download the app from Play or the App Store and begin your transaction.
Q3. Who’s eligible for IHS refunds?
Those whose visas were denied or withdrawn. You can also get a refund for overpayment.