The IHS Fee in the UK:
Plan Strategically, Avoid Costs
An internship in the United Kingdom is a career booster, but one detail can blow the budget: the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This mandatory state fee of over £1,000 becomes due as soon as the duration of stay exceeds a certain threshold. As a partner of BUNAC & JENZA, we support you in optimizing your project timing so that these costs can be avoided if possible.
What is the Immigration Health Surcharge?
The IHS is a mandatory prepayment for access to the British National Health Service (NHS). For participants in the GAE program, the rate is currently approx. £1,035 per year. The fee is due directly upon visa application – regardless of how often you actually need medical services in the United Kingdom.
The 6-Month Rule: Your Savings
The UK Home Office distinguishes strictly based on the duration stored in the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
You are IHS exempt. Your visa application remains affordable. You only need proof of your private health insurance ($100k coverage).
The full IHS fee (£1,035+) is due immediately. There is no pro-rata calculation for e.g. 7 months.
Expert Advice: Strategic Timing
Often, just 24 hours decide whether you pay over £1,000 to the British state or not. We recommend limiting the internship duration to maximum 6 months if the budget plays a role.
Together with you and your Host Company in the United Kingdom, we check if the Training Plan can be adjusted to stay within the IHS-free zone. The money saved is better invested in your accommodation or travel costs.
Common Questions about IHS
Does travel time count towards the 6-month limit?
Can I legally avoid the IHS payment?
Planning an internship in the UK? Learn about mandatory health insurance for the GAE visa, IHS fees, and sponsor requirements from BUNAC & JENZA.
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