1. What Is The Healthcare Surcharge?

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee paid by visa applicants to access the UK's National Health Service (NHS). The current rates are £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for those under 18.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the IHS calculation formula:

Where:

• \( Rate \) — IHS rate per half year (£)
• \( Visa\ Duration \) — Total visa duration in months
• \( \lceil \rceil \) — Ceiling function (rounding up)

Explanation: The calculation divides the visa duration into 6-month periods, rounding up to the nearest whole number of periods, then multiplies by the half-year rate.

3. Importance Of IHS Calculation

Details: Accurate IHS calculation is essential for visa applications to ensure correct payment and avoid delays or refusals. It provides access to NHS services during the stay in the UK.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter the IHS rate per half year (£) and the total visa duration in months. The calculator will automatically compute the total IHS amount payable.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the current IHS rates?
A: The current rates are £1035 per year for adults and £776 per year for applicants under 18 years old.

Q2: How is the 6-month period calculated?
A: The visa duration is divided by 6 months and rounded up to the nearest whole number. For example, 7 months would be calculated as 2 periods.

Q3: Who needs to pay the IHS?
A: Most non-EEA nationals applying for a visa to stay in the UK for more than 6 months need to pay the IHS.

Q4: Are there any exemptions from paying IHS?
A: Yes, certain categories are exempt including health and care workers, asylum seekers, and victims of modern slavery.

Q5: When is the IHS payable?
A: The IHS is paid as part of the online visa application process, before the application is submitted.