Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application

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Paying the healthcare surcharge

You’ll pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (IHS) when you apply for your visa. You must complete the payment and return to the immigration application in less than 30 minutes.

You must pay the healthcare surcharge by debit or credit card.

You’ll be asked for:

  • the start and end dates on your certificate of sponsorship, if you have one
  • your course dates, if you’re applying as a student

Family members

When you apply, you’ll need to give your own details and those of your dependants, if they’re applying at the same time.

You’ll also need the details of anyone you’re applying to join or remain with in the UK who is already here, unless:

  • they’re a UK citizen

  • they have EU settled status

  • they have permission to stay in the UK permanently

You’ll need their visa expiry date if you’re joining someone in the UK (or IHS reference number if they have one).

Finish your visa or immigration application

  1. You’ll be sent an email with an IHS reference number. This will also be shown on screen when you’ve paid. You can only use this number once - you’ll need to get another one if you reapply.

  2. Finish your application form and pay your visa or immigration application fee.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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