Patient insurance provides compensation for damage caused during treatment or research in the health service.
If damage happened on a healthcare institution that is owned by the state in whole or in part, that is in public health services, benefits shall be applied to Iceland Health
If damage occurred in self-employed healthcare, compensation shall be applied to the insurance company of the appropriate party
Please note that patient insurance will compensate for damage caused by vaccinations against COVID-19 in 2020-2023. The condition for the damage is that the damage is caused by the properties of a vaccine or its incorrect handling, including transportation, storage, distribution or vaccination by a healthcare practitioner. The amount must also reach a minimum stipulated in the Patient Insurance Act.
How can compensation be obtained?
To be compensated for damages, you must:
Check that the applicant fulfils conditions of payment
Application is completed and submitted through Réttindagátt
After receiving the application, Iceland Health will handle the collection of data, disability assessment and calculation of compensation for the application. A decision is sent to the applicant regarding compensation payment and disability assessment, but the result of the disability assessment can be expected to take longer than the decision on compensation payments, see application processing time.
Do you need a lawyer's help to apply?
It is up to the applicant to decide whether to seek the assistance of a lawyer, but this is generally not necessary since all data collection and other work on the application is done free of charge by Iceland Health. It should be pointed out that legal costs are entirely paid by the applicant.
Inquiries and data are received at the Iceland Health service and telephone Centre and through Réttindagátt.
Service provider
Iceland Health