The UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee that most people who apply for a visa must pay in order to use the National Health Service (NHS) while they are in the UK. This cost can add up quickly for international students, skilled workers, and family visa applicants—often by several hundred pounds each year.
But not everyone uses their visa as planned, and in some cases, applicants may be able to get a refund for the healthcare surcharge. This brings up the important question: Who can get a refund for the UK healthcare surcharge?
In this in-depth guide, we will explain:
- What the IHS is and why it was made
- The types of applicants who can get their money back
- Who can’t get a refund
- How to apply for a refund
- Helpful advice on how to keep your money
You’ll know exactly what the refund rules are and how they might apply to you by the end.
What is the UK Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)?
Most people who apply for a visa have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of their application. It lets people in the UK use NHS services at the same price as people in the UK.
- Students usually pay £776 every year.
- In 2024, workers and other people applying for a visa will usually pay £1,035 a year.
- You pay the fee in full before the visa starts.
Visa applicants would have to get private insurance or risk having to pay a lot of money for medical care in the UK if they didn’t make this payment.
Who Can Get a Refund for the UK Healthcare Surcharge?
Not all applicants automatically get their money back, but some do. Let’s take a look at each one.
1. Refusal of Visa Application
If your visa application is denied, the IHS will automatically be returned. You don’t have to apply again.
- For instance, if you applied for a Skilled Worker visa but were turned down, the extra fee will be sent back to your account in a few weeks.
2. Paying twice or too much
Sometimes, problems with technology make people pay the IHS twice. In these cases, the Home Office automatically gives back the extra money.
- Refunds go back to the bank account or card that was used to pay.
3. The visa was shorter than what was asked for.
If you asked for a longer visa but only got a shorter one, you might get some of your money back for the years you didn’t use.
- If you asked for a 3-year work visa but only got 2 years, you would get back one year of IHS.
4. Workers in healthcare and social care
This is one of the biggest groups of refunds. You might not have to pay IHS at all if you work in health or social care. You can ask for a refund if you already paid.
Requirements for eligibility are as follows:
- You have to work for an employer that meets the requirements, like the NHS, an NHS supplier, or in social care.
- You have to work at least 16 hours a week for six months in a row.
- Dependents of healthcare workers can also get refunds.
This rule was put in place to help workers on the front lines, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Tier 2 Medical Professionals (Before 2020)
You can get your money back if you were a doctor, nurse, or paramedic with a Tier 2 visa and paid IHS after March 31, 2020. You might be able to get partial refunds for payments made earlier.
6. Special cases for students with EU health insurance
Students with valid European Health Insurance Cards (EHICs) may be able to get their money back in some cases, but only if they meet strict eligibility requirements.
Who is NOT eligible for an IHS refund?
It’s just as important to know who can’t get a refund so you don’t get your hopes up.
- You will only get your money back for full years that you didn’t use, not partial months, if your visa is granted but is shorter than you thought.
- You won’t get your money back if you cancel your visa on purpose, like if you leave the UK early.
- If your visa is taken away because you broke the rules or did something wrong, you won’t get your money back.
- You can’t get your money back if you use NHS services and then cancel your visa.
How to Get a Refund for a Healthcare Surcharge
Some refunds happen automatically, but others need to be requested. This is how:
Step 1: See if you qualify
Make sure you meet one of the requirements for a refund, such as being denied a visa or being a healthcare worker.
Step 2: Get the papers together
You might need:
- IHS number
- Number for visa application
- Proof of employment (for people who work in health or care)
- Payment information for banks
Step 3: Fill out the online application
Fill out the refund request form on the official UK Government website. Every six months, healthcare workers have to apply again for reimbursement.
Step 4: Wait for the processing to finish.
- Normal refund time: 6 to 12 weeks
- Refund for healthcare workers: usually up to six weeks
Most of the time, refunds go back into the same account that was used to make the original payment.
Ways to Keep Your Money Safe
- Before you pay, make sure that your visa route is not subject to IHS.
- Keep your IHS reference number safe.
- If you work in healthcare, don’t wait until your visa runs out to ask for refunds.
- If your visa is denied, check your bank account for refunds within 12 weeks before you complain.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get an IHS refund?
Most refunds take between 6 and 12 weeks, but refunds for healthcare workers usually happen faster, in about 6 weeks.
2. Are students able to get an IHS refund?
Students can only get their money back if their visa is denied, cut short, or they paid twice. Some EU students with EHICs may also be eligible.
3. Are family members of healthcare workers eligible?
Yes. Dependents of health and social care workers who are eligible can also get refunds.
4. What if I paid too much by accident?
If you pay too much, the Home Office will automatically give you your money back.
5. If I leave the UK early, can I get my money back?
No, you can’t get a refund if you leave on your own.
Final Thoughts
The UK’s Immigration Health Surcharge is meant to let immigrants use NHS services, but not everyone has to keep paying it. Students, workers, and families who want to save money need to know who can get a refund on the UK healthcare surcharge.
You may be able to get some or all of your IHS back if you work in healthcare, have dependents, or your visa was denied or cut short. But voluntary cancellations and breaking the rules won’t count.
You can make sure you never pay more than you need to for healthcare in the UK by staying up to date, having your paperwork ready, and applying on time.
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