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The Immigration Health Surcharge
When you apply for a Student visa you pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. For students it is £776 for each year of your visa. It lets you use the National Health Service (NHS) in the same way as UK residents.
Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026.
This is general information, not immigration advice. For your own situation, speak to your university's international student adviser, UKCISA, or a regulated immigration adviser. Rules change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.
How much
- £776 a year for students and their dependants.
- Your visa may last longer than your course, so you pay for the full length of the visa.
- If part of your visa is 6 months or less, you pay half the yearly amount for that part (£388).
- If you apply from outside the UK for 6 months or less in total, you do not pay the surcharge.
When you pay
You pay it online when you apply for your visa, by debit or credit card, and get a reference number to include in your application.
You still pay if you have insurance
You must pay the surcharge even if you have private medical insurance.
What it covers
You can use the NHS, including seeing a GP and going to hospital. Some things, such as prescriptions in England, dental treatment and eye tests, may still cost money. Register with a GP near your university soon after you arrive.
Sources
Quick answers
How much is the Immigration Health Surcharge for students?
£776 for each year of your visa, paid when you apply.
Do I pay the health surcharge if I have private insurance?
Yes. The surcharge is required even if you have private medical insurance.