Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application

Skip contents

Overview

Most people need to pay the immigration health surcharge (IHS) as part of their online immigration application.

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

When you can start to use the NHS free of charge

You can start using the NHS free of charge from the date your visa starts. You must have already paid the IHS if you need to. Find out who needs to pay the IHS.

You may need to pay for NHS treatment if the Home Office has not made a decision on your visa yet.

You’ll still need to pay for certain types of services, such as prescriptions, dental treatment, eye tests and assisted conception.

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