Indeed...
"To live in the UK for more than six months, you usually need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This fee gives you access to the National Health Service (NHS) on the same basis as a permanent resident, though you still pay for standard extras like prescriptions or dental care.
Current Annual Rates (as of February 2026)
The surcharge is paid upfront for the entire duration of your visa.
Standard Rate: £1,035 per year for most adult visa categories (e.g., Skilled Worker, Family visas).
Discounted Rate: £776 per year for:
Students and their dependants.
Youth Mobility Scheme applicants.
Children under the age of 18 at the time of application"
One wonders how much the indigenous 'benefit scroungers' cough up to access their 'free at the point of access' NHS