Introduction
The Immigration Health Surcharge, or IHS, is an additional charge levied on most visa applications as a means of increasing contributions from migrants to the cost of healthcare. It was introduced by the UK government to help fund the National Health Service (NHS) and has been subject to several increases since its introduction in 2015. This post provides an up to date guide to the IHS: why we have it, who needs to pay it, how much it costs, how to pay it and how to get a refund if your application is refused.
Why Do I Have to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
Section 38 of the Immigration Act 2014 grants the Home Secretary permission to require payment of an immigration health charge in order to access NHS healthcare as a migrant. The IHS itself was first introduced on 6 April 2015 by The Immigration (Health Charge) Order 2015, specifically section 3 of the Order.
The IHS grants you full access to all NHS treatment free at the point of use from the date your visa is granted until it expires. It is important to note that this does not include services that permanent residents also have to pay for, such as prescription charges in England, eye tests, and dental treatment.
Who Needs to Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
Most people need to pay the IHS covering the duration of the leave period applied for as part of their immigration application, on top of the application fees. If required, you must pay the IHS covering the duration of the immigration permission you apply for in order for your application to be successful. This is the case even if you will be paying National Insurance contributions whilst you are in the UK.
This payment is not optional and there is no provision for opting out on the basis that you do not anticipate using the NHS during your permission. This is true even if you have private health insurance that you would use instead of the NHS.
If you are an applicant outside of the UK, applying for a period of leave of more than 6 months, you will need to pay the IHS unless you are covered by an exemption. If you are applying from inside the UK and do not fall under an exemption, you will need to pay the IHS irrespective of your period of leave, unless you are applying for indefinite leave to remain, in which case no IHS payment is required. Those applying to extend their leave are required to pay for the extension period applied for.