How much is the healthcare surcharge UK?
The healthcare surcharge, also known as the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), is a fee that non-EEA nationals who are coming to the UK for more than 6 months need to pay. The fee covers the cost of medical treatment while in the UK, and it must be paid upfront as part of the visa application process.
Government policy on the healthcare surcharge
The healthcare surcharge was introduced by the UK government in April 2015, with the aim of ensuring that non-EEA migrants contribute towards the cost of the National Health Service (NHS). The surcharge is applicable to most categories of visa holders and is levied on top of the visa application fee.
Since its introduction, the healthcare surcharge has been subject to many changes due to government policy. In particular, the cost of the surcharge has increased significantly over the years. The healthcare surcharge for applicants seeking a visa for more than six months was £200 per year prior to October 2020. However, following a government review, the cost increased to £624 per year.
MASTERING the healthcare surcharge
To MASTER the healthcare surcharge, one must understand how to calculate the fee. The fee is based on the length of time an applicant intends to stay in the UK. Currently, the surcharge costs £624 per year for students and Tier 5 temporary workers, and £470 per year for all other visa categories. This means that if an individual is applying for a visa for three years, they would need to pay £1,872 for the healthcare surcharge.
It is important to note that the healthcare surcharge fee is non-refundable, even if the visa application is rejected. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all visa requirements are met before submitting the application. Also, if an individual’s immigration status changes while they are in the UK, such as moving from a student visa to a work visa, they may need to pay an additional healthcare surcharge.
Conclusion
In summary, the healthcare surcharge is a fee that non-EEA nationals who intend to stay in the UK for more than six months must pay as part of their visa application process. It covers the cost of medical treatment while in the UK and is levied on top of the visa application fee. The cost of the surcharge has increased significantly over the years, with the current fee being £624 per year for students and Tier 5 temporary workers, and £470 per year for all other visa categories. As such, it is essential to factor in the cost of the healthcare surcharge when planning to move or study in the UK.
