Pay for UK Healthcare

Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application 

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge (called the ‘immigration health surcharge’ or IHS) as part of your immigration application. 

Whether you need to pay depends on the immigration status you are applying for. 

When you must pay 

If you are making your immigration application online, you pay the surcharge as part of your application or when you book an appointment. 

If you are applying by post, you pay the surcharge online before you send your application. You will need to include the IHS reference number on your application form. 

When you can start to use the NHS 

You can start using the National Health Service (NHS) when both: 

  • you have paid the healthcare surcharge (or are exempt from paying it) 
  • your visa or immigration application is granted 

You will still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests (external link)and assisted conception. 

When you access healthcare in the UK, you may need to: 

  • Provide your biometric residence permit, if you have one  
  • Prove your status online using a share code, if you have a digital immigration status 

See also: