Introduction
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a mandatory fee that most visa applicants must pay when applying to live, work, or study in the United Kingdom. In 2026, the UK Government increased the IHS significantly to help fund the National Health Service (NHS). These price increases impact millions of applicants including students, skilled workers, spouses, and dependants applying from abroad.
In this complete 2026 guide, we break down the full IHS fees depending on your visa type, duration of stay, country of application, exemptions, refunds, and common mistakes to avoid. This article applies to applicants from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, UAE, Nigeria, and all other countries. UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) Cost 2026
1. What Is the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
The Immigration Health Surcharge is a fee paid by non-UK residents to access the National Health Service (NHS) while living in the UK for more than 6 months.
It gives the applicant access to:
- GP visits
- Emergency treatment
- Hospital services
- Prescriptions (charged separately)
It does not cover:
- Dental treatment (mostly private)
- Eye tests or glasses
- Medication charges
- Cosmetic procedures
2. UK IHS Fee Updated 2026
The UK government confirmed the latest IHS rates as:
| Category | IHS Fee Per Year |
|---|---|
| Adults (Over 18) | £1,035 per year |
| Children (Under 18) | £776 per year |
| Students | £776 per year |
These fees apply to:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Student Visa
- Spouse Visa
- Health & Care Worker (exempt)
- Youth Mobility Visa
- Innovator & Start-up visas
Source:
Gov.uk – Immigration Health Surcharge: https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
3. IHS Cost for Popular Visa Types (2026)
A. Student Visa
Most students study for 1–3 years.
| Course Duration | Total IHS |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | £776 |
| 2 Years | £1,552 |
| 3 Years | £2,328 |
B. Skilled Worker Visa
Usually given for 3–5 years.
| Visa Duration | Total IHS |
|---|---|
| 3 Years | £3,105 |
| 5 Years | £5,175 |
C. Spouse Visa (Family Route – 2.5 Years)
| Category | IHS |
|---|---|
| Adult Applicant | £2,587 |
| Child Applicant | £1,940 |
D. Post-Study Work Visa (Graduate Route) – 2 Years
| Visa | IHS |
|---|---|
| Graduate Route | £2,070 |
E. Youth Mobility Scheme – 2 Years
| Visa | IHS |
|---|---|
| IHS | £2,070 |
4. Who Is Exempt From Paying the IHS?
Some applicants do not need to pay the IHS in 2026.
You are exempt if you apply for:
- Health & Care Worker Visa
- Visitor Visa (less than 6 months)
- Asylum or refugee protection
- Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
- EU Settlement Scheme applications
- Armed forces exemptions
You are also exempt if:
- You are a dependant of a Health & Care Worker
- You are applying for a visa of less than 6 months
5. When Do You Pay the IHS?
The IHS is paid online during your visa application on Gov.uk.
You must pay:
- Full amount upfront
(Example: 2.5-year spouse visa = £2,587 upfront)
If you fail to pay:
- Your visa will not be processed
- Your application may be delayed or invalid
6. IHS Refunds (2026 Rules)
You are entitled to a refund if:
- Your visa is refused
- You withdraw your application
- You pay IHS twice by mistake
- You are a Health & Care Worker
- Your dependant is exempt but charged
You are not eligible for refunds if:
- Your visa is approved but you leave the UK early
- You do not use the NHS
- You change your mind
Refund Timeline
- Usually 4–8 weeks
- Paid back to the original card
Official link:
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/refunds
7. Country-Specific Examples (Pakistan & India)
A. Pakistan (PKR Approximation)
IHS: £776/year → Approx PKR 270,000 per year
Spouse visa IHS: £2,587 → Approx PKR 900,000
B. India (INR Approximation)
IHS: £776/year → Approx ₹80,000 per year
Spouse visa IHS: £2,587 → Approx ₹260,000
C. Bangladesh
IHS: £776/year → Approx BDT 105,000 per year
8. Common Mistakes Applicants Make
Here are mistakes that can delay or ruin your visa process:
1. Entering incorrect passport details
Causes mismatched records.
2. Paying IHS before starting the visa form
You must pay during the application, not before.
3. Paying for the wrong duration
If the visa is 2.5 years, do not mistakenly pay for 2 years.
4. Not calculating dependants correctly
Each dependant must pay their own IHS fee.
9. How to Calculate Your IHS in Minutes
Use the official calculator:
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application/check-how-much-you-need-to-pay
You simply enter:
- Visa category
- Main applicant or dependant
- Intended stay length
10. Internal Reference Links (Your Website Links)
(When you publish them, link these articles to boost SEO)
- UK Student Visa Cost 2026
- UK Spouse Visa Cost 2026
- UK Visit Visa Cost 2026
- UK Priority Visa Fee Guide 2026
These internal links help your website rank faster on Google.
11. External Trusted References
- Gov.uk IHS information
https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application - NHS information for overseas visitors
https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/ - UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) guidance
https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration
Conclusion
The UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a major part of the visa cost for anyone wanting to live, work, or study in the UK in 2026. With updated fees now in effect, it’s important to calculate the full charges before applying. Applicants should check exemptions, ensure accuracy when filling in their visa application, and be aware of refund rules.
If you’re applying for a UK visa in 2026, make sure you understand the full fee structure including IHS, biometric charges, and application fees. Proper planning saves time, money, and avoids delays.