Healthcare in Iceland

Iceland maintains a universal healthcare system, under which all legal residents are covered by the Icelandic social insurance system. Sjukratryggingar Islands (Icelandic Health Insurance) administers the health insurance. An individual who has insurance pays less for health services. All hospital admissions are paid for by this system, as are most of the costs of outpatient appointments. There is a fee to see General Practitioners (GPs) and specialists, with fees for the latter being considerably higher.

“The work of public health and preventive medical services are an important part of improving or maintaining good health and increasing well-being in Iceland”

Who is insured under the Icelandic health insurance system?

Everyone who has been legally resident in Iceland for six months automatically becomes a member of the Icelandic social insurance system, regardless of nationality.

You will need to purchase the health insurance before submitting your visa application. Alvotech purchases the insurance for its employees.

More information about this can be requested from international@sjukra.is

How does the Icelandic Health Insurance system work and what does it cover?

A fee is paid for each medical consultation and other services, which is fixed by regulations. The extent of patient participation in the costs of the health care services varies according to the service in question. Discount cards known as afsláttarkort  are also issued once you have spent over a specified amount. This figure is subject to change from year to year and based on healthcare costs in one calendar year. You do not need to apply for the discount card as it is added automatically.

What to do if I am sick? 

Health care clinics: The Primary Health Care system of the Capital Area operates fifteen health clinics and four additional specialized centers in Reykjavik and the vicinity. The Health Centers are open from Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:00. The health clinics are focused on neighborhood services and are expected to serve inhabitants of particular parts of the capital city area. Here is a link to a map showing locations and service areas. You will need to call to book a doctor’s appointment.

Beyond these hours most healthcare clinics offer an afterhours service that costs considerably more. However, this means you can usually see a doctor that day. At most clinics you need to call between specific hours to book an afterhours appointment, you will need to call your local clinic to find out how this works as it varies between each clinic.

“In an emergency you should call 112”

Psychiatric assistance and domestic violence

If feeling depressed or anxious it is important that you seek help. The most logical starting point would be to visit the health center (Heilsugæslan). A doctor at the health centre can advise you to find an English-speaking psychologist. For an immediate serious mental you can go or seek an assistance for yourself or a family member at the walk-in department of the Psychiatric ward of the National hospital (Landspítali Íslands).

If your partner or someone close to you is showing violent behaviour you should start by calling the police in 112. The police will assist you with the next steps. Partners who experience domestic violence or any other type of violence can get an assistance quite easily, for example at the Women´s shelter and Bjarkarhlíð.