NHS Immigration Health Surcharge — What Zimbabweans Pay

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is a fee paid by most visa applicants that gives access to NHS healthcare during their visa. CURRENT RATES: £1,035 per year for most visa categories (Skilled Worker, Family, Graduate, etc.). £776 per year for Student visas and Youth Mobility. Children under 18 pay the same rate as the main applicant. EXEMPTIONS: Health and Care Worker visa holders (including Zimbabwean nurses and carers) are EXEMPT from IHS — this is a significant saving. Asylum seekers are exempt. Survivors of human trafficking are exempt. HOW IT WORKS: You pay the full amount upfront when you submit your visa application. For a 3-year Skilled Worker visa, that is £1,035 x 3 = £3,105 per person. For a family of four on a 3-year visa, that could be over £12,000 in IHS alone. The payment is non-refundable if your visa is refused (though you can apply for a refund). WHAT IT COVERS: Once paid, you access the NHS on the same basis as a UK resident — GP appointments, hospital treatment, prescriptions (free in Wales, Scotland, NI; prescription charge in England). WHAT IT DOES NOT COVER: Dental treatment (NHS dentist charges apply), optical care, and some cosmetic procedures. IHS REFUNDS: If you leave the UK before your visa expires, you can apply for a partial refund for the unused period. If you obtain ILR or British citizenship, you can also claim back the unused portion.