If you’ve paid the IHS fee for your UK visa, you might be wondering if it’s refundable. This guide will explain when you can receive a full or partial refund and how to go about getting it.

Is the IHS fee refundable? Here are the scenarios you can get back your money

Yes, while the IHS fee for UK is designed to give you access to the National Health Service (NHS), there are certain situations where you may be eligible for a refund (full or partial).

When can you get a full IHS fee refund?

You will get a full refund for the UK visa fee in the following situations:

• You paid twice: If you accidentally pay the IHS twice for the same visa, you will be refunded the extra amount.

• Visa application is refused: If your visa application is refused, you can get a full refund.

• You withdraw your application: If you decide to withdraw your visa application before a decision is made, you’ll be refunded.

When can you get a partial IHS fee refund?

In some cases, you’ll only get a partial refund. Here are some examples:

• Shorter visa: If your UK visa is approved but for a shorter period than you requested, you’ll get a refund for the unused months. For example, if you paid for 2 years but only get 1 year, you’ll be refunded for the second year.

• Dependants' visas refused: If you applied for visas for your dependants (family members) and their visas are refused, you’ll get back the IHS you paid for them.

• You paid twice for the same period: If you accidentally pay the IHS twice for the same period when you’re applying to extend or switch your visa, you’ll get back the extra amount. For example, if you paid for 15 months but only need 12 months, you’ll get a refund for the extra 3 months.

• S1 healthcare certificate: If you have an S1 certificate from an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you may be able to get a refund for your IHS.

Special cases for UK visa refunds

There are a few special situations where you might qualify for a refund:

• IHS refund for Health and care workers: If you work in health or care and have a visa, you may be able to get a refund. You must have worked in health or care for at least 6 months. If you worked for less than 6 months, you won’t get a refund.

• IHS refund for Students with European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC): If you’re a full-time student in the UK with an EHIC from the EU or certain other countries (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein), you might be able to get a full or partial refund of the IHS.

  • The refund applies if:

    • You’re studying full-time in UK higher education.

    • You don’t work while studying.

    • Your visa started on or after January 1, 2021.

  • The refund depends on the country that issued your EHIC:

    • EU or Norway: From January 1, 2021.

    • Switzerland: From November 1, 2021.

    • Iceland or Liechtenstein: From January 1, 2024.

Credit: Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion

When you won’t get an IHS refund

There are a few situations where you won't be able to get an IHS refund, such as:

• Withdraw after visa granted

• Don’t travel to the UK

• Leave the UK early

• Asked to leave the UK

• Apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR)

• Switch to a visa exempt from IHS

• Applicant dies before arrival

How to get a refund from IHS?

To get your IHS refund, you don’t need to do anything if you qualify for one. The refund will be automatically processed and sent to the same account or card that you used to pay the IHS. If someone else paid on your behalf, they will receive the IHS refund.

IHS fee refund processing time

Refunds usually take about 28 days after a decision is made on your visa. If your application is refused or you appeal the decision, it could take longer.

• Inside the UK: If you appeal or ask for a review, you’ll get the refund up to 28 days after the appeal is dismissed.

• Outside the UK: If your visa is refused, you’ll get the refund up to 28 days after the refusal.