Waiting for health services
-Automatic translation
The waiting time for health services in Iceland, such as surgical procedures, is often long, but prioritisation within the health system is based on medical considerations and other professional criteria.
The persons with the most urgent need for health services are prioritised, for example, due to severe emergencies, life-threatening diseases, and accidents. Thus, individuals who need treatment for minor illnesses and accidents may have to wait.
Some waiting within the health system can be expected. Healthcare institutions must plan their activities, such as staffing, supplies, and operating room utilization. Waiting can be different between healthcare institutions and physicians. In addition, patients often have to take various measures before getting health services, such as undergoing surgery, regarding family and work. Patients themselves, in consultation with their physician, can postpone a surgical procedure, but this will increase the waiting time.
Criteria for waiting for health services
Waiting time is the time that elapses from when the patient contacts the health service due to symptoms or when the need for the relevant service is identified. (This time limit does not apply in an emergency or to the diagnosis and treatment of malignant diseases.)
The general criteria of the Directorate of Health are:
Same-day contact with primary health care.
Visit a general physician within five days.
An examination by a specialist within 30 days.
Specialist surgery/treatment within 90 days of diagnosis.
According to the Patients' Rights Act, physicians must explain to their patients why they are waiting for surgery or other treatment. They are also obliged to provide information on the estimated waiting time and the possibility of having the necessary treatment performed sooner elsewhere.
The right to receive healthcare services from other countries within Europe
Health-insured individuals can receive health services in another member state of the EEA Agreement in exchange for reimbursement of costs from health insurance, provided that certain conditions are met. More information can be found on the Icelandic Health Insurance website (Icelandic).
Waiting for healthcare - recommendations on minimum recording. Published 2023. (Icelandic)
Laws and regulations
Service provider
Directorate of Health