Co-payment in the provision of interpreting services

Interpreting services for health insured persons.

As of 1 January 2016, Iceland Health pays for the services of interpreters of health insured persons. A list of individuals providing interpreter services can be found on the website of Central Public Procurement, who is health insured in Iceland, has the right to interpreter services.

• Right to interpretation

Interpreting services are intended for individuals who need assistance in understanding information about their health and the health services they need. It is a condition that healthcare practitioners assess the necessity of interpreting services if the individual does not speak Icelandic or use sign language.

The use of interpreter services must be as efficiently as possible by the healthcare practitioner.

Interpreting services may be provided by telephone, telecommunications or on-site. The interpreting service shall cause the least inconvenience to the individual and shall order an interpreter in advance if it is clear that the individual does not understand Icelandic or use sign language.

Iceland Health only pays for interpreter services that are carried out by self-employed healthcare providers. The institutions and healthcare centres shall pay for interpreter services that take place there.

Interpreting for the deaf and hard of hearing

Payment for interpreting services

An interpreter sends an invoice to the Health Insurance every month for the services provided, along with confirmation from the healthcare practitioner concerned of the need for an interpreter for the individual.

If it is necessary to have an interpreter admitted to an institution, this cost shall be borne by the institution concerned. If interpreting services are necessary for an uninsured person, such costs shall be borne by the person himself/herself.