NHS Fee in United Kingdom

What is the NHS Surcharge?

The NHS Surcharge is a mandatory fee for international students applying for a UK student visa. It allows you to access the UK's National Health Service (NHS) for healthcare services during your stay.

Why Do You Need to Pay the NHS Surcharge?

The surcharge grants you access to essential medical services, such as doctor’s appointments, hospital care, and emergency treatment, ensuring your health needs are met while studying in the UK.

How Much Does the NHS Surcharge Cost?

As of 2025, the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) costs £470 per year for international students. The surcharge amount depends on the length of your study program.

Example: If your course lasts 2 years, you will pay £940 (£470 x 2 years) as part of your visa application.

Who Needs to Pay the NHS Surcharge?

The NHS Surcharge applies to most international students. You will need to pay the surcharge if:

• You are a non-EEA student applying for a student visa to study in the UK for more than 6 months.
• You are bringing dependents with you (spouse or children).

Exemptions: Some short-term courses and students from the EU/EEA/Switzerland may have different arrangements.

What Does the NHS Surcharge Cover?

Once you pay the NHS surcharge, you will have access to a range of healthcare services, including:

• Doctor's visits (GP) - Free of charge
• Emergency services - Free
• Hospital treatments - Free for medically necessary services
• Maternity care - Covered
• Mental health services - Provided

Note: The NHS surcharge does not cover dental or optical care. You may need private insurance for these services.

How to Pay the NHS Surcharge?

The NHS surcharge is paid as part of your visa application. Here’s how:

1. When you apply for your visa, the system will automatically calculate the surcharge based on your course duration and number of dependents.
2. You will make the payment online during your visa application process.
3. You will receive a confirmation email once the payment is complete.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay the NHS Surcharge?

If you don’t pay the NHS surcharge, your visa application may be refused, and you will not be able to access NHS services during your stay in the UK. It’s crucial to pay this fee to ensure you can receive healthcare while studying in the UK.

Are There Any Refunds?

You may be eligible for a partial refund if you leave the UK early or your course duration changes. Be sure to check the Home Office guidelines for further details.

Conclusion

Paying the NHS Surcharge is an essential part of your UK student visa process, ensuring that you can access healthcare services throughout your stay. If you have any questions or need help with your visa application, feel free to contact us for further assistance.