The NHS Surcharge was first introduced in 2015 to combat ‘health tourism’. This accounted for just 0.3% of the government’s budget – and included British people returning to the UK for medical treatment. Applicants will be granted access to the NHS for the full duration of their visa. However, if the visa is withdrawn, the cover will lapse, and payment will be required for NHS services.
How much is the NHS Surcharge?
The Immigration Health Surcharge currently costs £200 per year, per applicant. For a standard Spouse Visa, it would cost £600 to cover three years. Everyone on the application, including dependent children, have to pay the surcharge. For example, a person on a five-year Tier 2 Visa with a child would pay £2,000. A discounted fee of £150 applies to students or those on a Youth Mobility Visa.
In 2018, the government announced that the Immigration Health Surcharge will increase to £400 per year for most visa applicants (£300 per year for students and those on Youth Mobility). These changes are expected in April 2019.
The NHS Surcharge has to be paid before the visa application is submitted. The whole process is done online and applicants must include a reference number from the visa application form or cover letter.
Information required includes:
- Name, nationality, passport information;
- Information about the visa: dates applying for, type of visa;
- Course dates for students.
Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale
For advice on this or any other issues about immigration, call your local experts: Scarsdale Solicitors Rochdale and Scarsdale Solicitors Oldham are proud to serve our clients, combining expert legal knowledge with customer service that is second to none. If you are in need of immigration solicitors Rochdale or immigration solicitors Oldham, call us today on 0161 660 6050.
