Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory charge that applies to visa applications.

The UK has a healthcare system which is paid for through taxes. This means that all UK nationals and most residents may have equal access to the NHS without being charged each time they visit a doctor or hospital. 

A visa holder that has paid IHS will be able to access NHS healthcare treatment on broadly the same basis as a permanent UK resident for the duration of their immigration/visa permission. 

 

IHS Reimbursement if studying inside the UK and from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland

Full-time students from the EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland studying inside the UK may be eligible and want to apply for a reimbursement of their immigration health surcharge (IHS).

The online guidance explains all eligibility criteria for the IHS reimbursement process, work and healthcare implications, and the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) contact details, which manage this scheme.

Email NHSBSA at: nhsbsa.ihsstudents@nhsbsa.nhs.uk

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IHS and Healthcare for EU/EEA/Swiss nationals

Please see the official online reimbursement guidance below: