Health Insurance in Iceland, Europe
Information expatriation
Capital City: Reykjavík
Total area: 103,000 km2
Population: 316,252 (2008)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +354 XXX
Practical Information:
Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk : World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information
Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:
· Iceland has a universal healthcare system financed by taxes collected at national and municipal levels. There are no private health insurance plans.
· The Ministry of Welfare oversees public healthcare services delivered through municipalities and regional health boards.
· Icelanders are registered with a general practitioner who provides primary care and acts as a referral gateway to specialists and hospitals.
· Public hospitals managed by health boards at the regional level provide secondary and tertiary care services.
· Dental care is partially covered for children/teens, while adults may have some coverage through supplemental insurance.
· Pharmaceuticals are subsidized with a cap on annual out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs.
· With a national health database and electronic records system, care is well-integrated and treatment is covered nationwide.
· Iceland spends around 9% of its GDP on public healthcare, higher than most European nations.
· As a result, Iceland consistently ranks among countries with the best health outcomes and life expectancy worldwide.
Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:
· Register with the public healthcare system as a resident. Services are typically free at point of use.
· Upon registration, a general practitioner will be assigned to handle primary care needs.
· Bring any unique/specialty medications from home, as formulations/brands may differ locally.
· Icelanders are generally English proficient but learn basic health phrases to facilitate communication.
· Private international coverage can supplement the basic public system for faster specialist access.
· Dental care may require private insurance or payment for major procedures beyond basic coverage.
· Consider joining Icelandic healthcare unions for additional services like massage therapy, travel vaccine access.
· Stay aware of travel advisories regarding any disease outbreaks within Europe that may seasonally affect Iceland.
· Mental health services face capacity constraints - private counsellors provide alternative options.