Iceland Health
Am I entitled to accident compensation?
Accident compensation is paid to those who meet the following:
An individual was in an unexpected accident.
An individual is insured against accidents.
The accident is liable for compensation according to the Social Security Accident Insurance Act.
The accident is reported in a timely manner.
Medical expenses are not reimbursed if they have already been paid by a health fund, insurance company, or other parties.
If a refund is applied for with incorrect information, the applicant can be demanded for reimbursement with penalty interest.
The applicant must have been involved in an unexpected accident.
An unexpected accident refers to an event that:
Is sudden and unexpected.
Causes injury to the body.
Happens without the will of the injured person.
Cannot be traced to the underlying diseases of the injured person.
There is a deviation from the course of events that could be expected.
A viewer can realize that has happened.
Accidents subject to compensation can be:
Accidents at work.
Accidents during vocational training.
Accidents during rescue work.
Accidents during sports activities.
Accidents while housework (if you apply for insurance on your tax return).
Accident insurance also applies to occupational diseases. Occupational diseases are illnesses that occur because of work or work environment.
Car accidents are not liable for compensation.
Work-related accidents
A work-related accident is considered liable for compensation if the person in question was at work at the time of the accident and was paid wages or calculated remuneration for the work. The injured person is at work if he/she is:
At the workplace during working hours (also applies to meal and coffee breaks).
In same-day missions for the workplace.
On same-day trips between workplace and home.
On longer trips if the employee is on pay during the trip.
Marine accidents
Marine accidents are liable for compensation if the person in question was paid wages for work or calculated remuneration for the work.
Accidents during housework
Accidents during housework may be liable for compensation if the insurance was checked on the appropriate tax return.
The accident insurance is valid from 1 June in the year in which the tax return is submitted until 31 May the following year. It is not possible to apply for accident insurance after the tax authorities have received your tax return.
The housework must have been carried out in Iceland in the insured person's home or summer cottage in which he/she is staying (including in garages, storage rooms, a designated garden, or driveways).
Household chores that are insured against accidents include:
Traditional household chores such as cooking and cleaning.
Care of the sick, elderly and children.
Maintenance projects and repairs.
Traditional gardening work.
Accident insurance does not cover accidents during daily activities (dressing, bathing, and eating) and accidents while travelling.
Accidents during sports
Athletes' accidents are covered if the injured person is 16 years of age or older, participates in sports activities and is injured during training, exhibitions, or competitions.
Sports activities mean that the person in question trains regularly with a sports club within the auspices of the National Olympic and Sports Association of Iceland (ÍSÍ).
Accidents during rescue work
Accidents during rescue work are insured against accidents if the injured person was working to rescue people from danger or to protect against other imminent major damage.
Accidents during vocational training
Accidents that occur during practical time or during work related to apprenticeship or other studies may be liable for compensation if the premise of an unexpected accident is met.
Occupational diseases
Illnesses caused by work or the work environment are also considered accident insured, even if they are not directly accidents. Compensation is applied for as if it were an accident.
Employees are insured against accidents if they:
Work and receive wages in Iceland.
Work on board a ship or aircraft, Icelandic or operated by Icelandic parties, and receive wages in Iceland.
Self-employed persons are insured against accidents if they:
Are employers in agriculture (spouses and their 13–17-year-old children are also insured).
Work independently in industries other than agriculture.
Vessel owners who are also crew members.
Students are insured against accidents if they are in:
Certified apprenticeship.
Internship in health sciences or other sciences (practical studies at a university).
Others who are insured against accidents in the event of an accident:
Athletes if the accident was during sports.
Rescue team members if the accident was during a rescue.
Those who are injured while doing housework and ticked the appropriate box on their tax return.
As a rule, all accidents must be reported within one year. If it is difficult to get the employer's signature on the notification, assistance can be sought from the police.
If more than a year has passed from the date of the accident until the accident is reported, but less than ten years, a report may be considered as long as:
The circumstances of the accident are quite clear.
The delay does not complicate data collection on issues that matter.
It is possible to assess the causal relationship between the accident and the damage to the health of the injured person.
If you cannot find the information you need, you can send an inquiry to Iceland Health