Standard rate: £1,035 per person per year. Reduced rate: £776 per year for students, Student dependants, Youth Mobility Scheme applicants and applicants under 18. Eligible Health & Care Worker applicants and their dependants are 100% exempt.
What the Immigration Health Surcharge Actually Covers
The Immigration Health Surcharge is an immigration fee required for visas lasting over 6 months. If you have paid the IHS and your visa is valid, you can generally access relevant NHS hospital and secondary care services on broadly the same basis as an ordinarily resident UK citizen.
Generally Included
Relevant NHS hospital care, emergency treatment, and secondary care services can be accessed without overseas visitor charges.
Normal Charges Still Apply
Paying IHS does not make NHS prescriptions, dental treatment, optical care or assisted conception automatically free.
2026 IHS Rates Breakdown
The exact IHS amount depends on the precise visa start and end dates granted by the Home Office. Part-years are rounded up to 6-month or 1-year blocks.
Registering With an NHS GP in England
In England, GP registration is free for everyone. You do not need proof of address, photo ID, or proof of immigration status to register with a GP surgery.
Find a local GP surgery
Use the official NHS GP finder service to locate surgeries in your postcode area that are taking new patients.
Submit GP registration form
Fill in form GMS1 or the surgery online registration portal. Basic personal info (name, date of birth, current address) is required.
No immigration check required
Surgeries cannot turn you away or refuse registration simply because you cannot produce a passport, visa card, or utility bill.
Access NHS App & medical services
Once registered, you can request repeat prescriptions, book routine appointments, and view your digital health record via the NHS App.
NHS Charges in England (2026/27 Rates)
| Service | 2026 Official Charge | Important Statutory Rule |
|---|---|---|
| NHS Prescriptions | £9.90 per item | England rate; free in Scotland & Wales. Prepayment certificates available. |
| NHS Dental Band 1 | £27.90 | Covers exam, diagnosis, advice, X-rays, scaling & preventive care. |
| NHS Dental Band 2 | £76.60 | Covers Band 1 plus fillings, root canals, tooth extractions. |
| NHS Dental Band 3 | £332.10 | Covers Band 1 & 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges & lab work. |
| GP Surgery Registration | Free (£0) | Universal right in England; no immigration documents required. |
| NHS Sight Tests & Glasses | Varies by eligibility | Not automatically free because IHS was paid; optical criteria apply. |
Frequently Asked Questions (6 Detailed FAQs)
Official 2026 NHS & GOV.UK Sources
International Money Transfer & FX Rates
Sending funds for tuition, rent, or immigration fees? Retail banks sneak 2.5%–4% into exchange rates. Check today's real mid-market rate first.
Newcomer & Expat Emergency Health Cover
Waiting for NHS, OHIP, or state healthcare to activate? Protect against uninsured hospital bills before your official health card arrives.
2026 IHS & NHS Reference
England 2026 NHS Dental Bands
From 1 April 2026. Free in Scotland & Wales for prescriptions.