Are you going on a trip?

There are a number of things to consider when preparing for a trip abroad. One of them is how to react in the event of illness or accidents while traveling. Health coverage in Iceland comes with significant rights to receive necessary health care when traveling abroad. Nevertheless, it is important that everyone considers their situation and assesses whether it is necessary to acquire additional travel insurance, which often comes with the annual fees of credit cards and which can also be purchased from insurance companies. Such insurance can be important when travelling if there is a need for services that are not covered by the European Health Insurance Card.

Travel within Europe

Iceland Health encourages those who intend to travel within Europe to have the European Health Insurance Card with them. If the card is presented to an official healthcare provider within the countries of the EEA as well as Switzerland and the United Kingdom, the patient must pay the same price for the service as individuals who are covered by health insurance in the country visited. Iceland Health reimburses the foreign state for these costs, and such claims run between states in the thousands each year. This right of the patient to receive necessary services due to illness and accidents that occur during travel applies even if the examination and treatment are in-hospital and/or costly analyses and treatment.

Apply here: European Health Insurance Card | Ísland.is

If the European Health Insurance Card is not presented to a service provider within the public health insurance system, you can apply for co-payment from Iceland Health when you return to Iceland. Iceland Health handles several hundred such claims each year. Further information: Icelandic Tourists' Health Insurance Abroad | Health insurance

Travel outside Europe

The European Health Insurance Card cannot be used when travelling outside Europe. If special travel insurance has not been obtained, the patient must therefore generally pay the cost of health care out of their own pocket, but it is possible to apply for co-payment from the Iceland Health when they return to Iceland. The processing of the refund then varies depending on each case. The same applies if you seek private healthcare within Europe, where the European Health Insurance Card is not valid.

In the case of serious illness, for example with hospitalization and imminent high costs, health insured individuals are advised to contact Iceland Health.

Transport to Iceland by air ambulance

Unfortunately, it happens that individuals fall ill while traveling abroad and there may be a wait for a sufficient recovery to be achieved so that they can return home by public flight. Travellers need to keep in mind that health insurance in Iceland does not entitle you to be repatriated to Iceland by air ambulance. Travel insurance policies of insurance companies and which can also be accompanied by annual credit card fees can, however, cover such costs. It is important that those who are planning to travel abroad keep this in mind before leaving, as insurance coverage is not available after the fact.