Details of Health Surcharge Announced

As anticipated, foreign nationals and their dependents entering the UK for over six months and those applying for extensions that will result in a stay over six months will be subject to a non-refundable £200 per year health surcharge starting April 6, with certain exceptions. The surcharge will apply even to those who are already covered by private medical insurance. 

The fee must be paid upon submission of the visa application, and must cover the entire duration of the visa. Foreign nationals with unpaid fees will not be issued visas or work permits. 

Payment of the surcharge will provide access to National Health Service benefits. 

Exemptions 

Foreign nationals exempt from the health surcharge include:

• Tourists;
• EEA nationals;
• Tier 2 ICT migrants;
• Nationals from Australia and New Zealand;
• Dependents of armed forces; and
• Those making humanitarian applications.

Students will be subject to a reduced surcharge of £150 per year. 

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals 

Foreign nationals and employers who plan to pay the surcharge on behalf of employees should be prepared to pay for the entire duration of their visa or leave to remain upfront. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

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