Pay for UK healthcare as part of your immigration application

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Refunds

You’ll get a full immigration health surcharge (IHS) refund if:

  • you paid the IHS twice for the same visa application
  • your visa application is refused
  • you withdraw your visa application before a decision is made

You’ll get a partial IHS refund if your visa application’s successful but:

  • you get less time on your visa than you asked for
  • any dependants on your visa application are refused a visa - you’ll only get their IHS back
  • you’re applying to extend or switch your visa in the UK and have paid the IHS twice for the same period

If you’ve paid twice for the same period and that period is 6 months or more, you’ll get a partial refund rounded down to the nearest 6 months. For example, if you’ve paid twice for a 15 month period, you will get a refund for 12 months of IHS.

If you have paid twice for the same period of less than 6 months, you will not get a refund.

How you’ll be refunded

If you are due a full or partial refund for these reasons, you do not have to do anything to get it. It will be paid to the account or card you paid with.

If someone else paid the IHS on your behalf, they’ll receive your refund.

When you will not get a refund

You will not get a refund if:

  • you withdraw your visa application after your visa is granted
  • your visa application is successful but you do not come to the UK
  • you leave the UK before your visa ends, for example to make a new application
  • you’re told to leave the UK before your visa expires
  • you’re applying for indefinite leave to remain
  • you’re switching to another visa which is exempt from the IHS

If a visa applicant dies in the UK or before arriving, the IHS will not be refunded.

If your healthcare is paid for by an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein

If you have an S1 certificate

You may get a full or partial IHS refund if you have an S1 certificate registered with the NHS Business Services Authority.

Find out more about applying for a refund.

If you’re a student

You can apply for a full or partial IHS refund if all of the following are true:

  • you’re a full-time student in UK higher education
  • your visa started on or after 1 January 2021
  • you have a European Healthcare Insurance Card (EHIC) issued in an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
  • you do not work and you do not plan to work while you study

If you’re claiming as a full-time student with an EHIC, you can apply for a refund of the IHS you paid to cover any period starting on or after:

  • 1 January 2021 - if your EHIC was issued in the EU or Norway
  • 1 November 2021 - if your EHIC was issued in Switzerland
  • 1 January 2024 - if your EHIC was issued in Iceland or Liechtenstein

Applications open from 1 January 2022.

The amount you’re refunded will depend on the date your EHIC runs out.

Find out more about applying for a refund as an EU or Swiss student.

Apply for a refund as an EU or Swiss student.

If you work in health or care and you have a visa

You and your dependants may be able to get a refund of the IHS.

You’ll only get a refund for periods you worked in health or care for 6 months or more. If you worked in health or care for less than 6 months you will not get any money back.

You will only get a refund for your dependants if their visa covers the same period as yours.

Check if you’re eligible for a refund as a health or care worker.

How long it takes

You usually get your refund within 28 days of getting a decision on your visa application. It can take longer if you appeal or ask for an administrative review after your visa application is refused.

If you appeal or ask for an administrative review

If you applied from:

  • inside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 28 days after your appeal or administrative review is dismissed
  • outside the UK - you’ll get your refund up to 28 days after your visa application is refused

You’ll have to repay the IHS if your appeal or administrative review is successful and you’ve already got your IHS refund.

You might have to repay a different amount if:

  • the length of your stay changes
  • you get less time on your visa than you asked for

Contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if your refund is not paid within 28 days.

View a printable version of the whole guide

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