Those who stay six months or less abroad without taking up residence or starting work there generally retain their insurance coverage in Iceland. If a traveler incurs costs due to medical services, the individual may be entitled to a contribution.
Please note that rules on travelers' right to medical assistance abroad do not apply in the case of predetermined medical treatment abroad.
Private insurance
Iceland Health indicates that individuals contact their insurance company regarding travel insurance. Such insurance will pay for more than social security does, for example repatriation costs.
Travel within the EEA and Switzerland
A traveler in another EEA country enjoys certain rights to medical assistance within the public health system in the country concerned. Only essential services in relation to the duration of the stay are covered.
Iceland Health encourages everyone to carry the European Health Insurance Card with them in order to immediately pay the correct price for the medical services in the country concerned.
If an European Health Insurance Card is not presented to a service provider within the national health insurance system, you can apply for co-payment at Iceland Health when you get home.
Travel outside EEA countries
A traveler in a country outside the EEA may apply to receive a contribution from the Iceland Health when they return home.
An application for reimbursement of foreign medical expenses must be submitted along with itemized invoices from the service provider and confirmation of payment. Iceland Health have the right to request further documentation if necessary.
Note that Iceland Health can request that individuals translate documents if they are not in English.
Note that health costs may be included in the insurance that credit card companies offer when paying tickets with credit cards.
In the case of serious illness, e.g. with hospitalization and imminently high costs, health insured individuals are advised to contact Iceland Health.
Declaration of assurance
Iceland Health issues special insurance policies to individuals insured in Iceland who intend to stay abroad for a shorter period in countries outside the EEA area. It states that the person in question is covered by social security in Iceland and what such insurance includes.
Note that when the person concerned presents an insurance statement abroad, he/she must pay full price for the service and then submit an application for reimbursement of foreign medical expenses, together with the documents listed above.
If your bills are very high, you should contact the Iceland Health International at e-mail international@sjukra.is or phone 515-0002.
Individuals who are nationals of non-EEA countries and are health insured in Iceland
No European Health Insurance Card is issued to persons with nationality outside the EEA countries, even though the person is health insured in Iceland. They receive a so-called insurance declaration when they travel, confirming that the person in question is insured under the social security system in Iceland. Applications are available in Réttindagátt.
Service provider
Iceland Health