Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
What it really means
A fee most visa applicants pay as part of their UK visa application. Paying it lets you use the NHS broadly like a UK resident during your visa. The amount and rules are on GOV.UK.
Context, tips & common mistakes
The surcharge is paid per year of visa, upfront, as part of the application — for a three-year visa you pay three years' worth at once, and dependants each pay their own. Paying it entitles you to NHS care broadly like a resident, but it does not make everything free: prescription charges, most dental treatment and optical costs in England still apply, which surprises many students who assume the IHS covers all health costs. Students on courses of six months or more and workers on most visa routes pay a discounted student rate or the standard rate respectively; some groups, such as certain visa categories, can claim refunds or exemptions, and the rules change, so check the official guidance before assuming. Keep your payment reference: occasionally NHS services ask visa holders to demonstrate entitlement, and the reference resolves it quickly. Visitors on short tourist visas do not pay the IHS and are instead chargeable for most hospital care.