Iceland Health Insurance

The Republic of Iceland is an island nation located in the North Atlantic Ocean. Iceland has a land mass totaling 103,000 square kilometers and it has an approximate population of 320,000 people, two thirds of whom live in the capital city Reykjavík and the surrounding area. Despite its close proximity to the Arctic Circle, Iceland’s climate is directly affected by the Gulf Stream and contrary to the country’s image, it enjoys a temperate climate. Iceland is situated along the Mid Atlantic Ridge and in terms of volcanic activity it is one of the most volcanically active countries in the world. Fishing and agriculture were traditionally Iceland’s strongest economic sectors but diversification into services and manufacturing such as biotechnology, software development and financial services have propelled strong economic growth. The global economic crisis that began in 2008 resulted in severe problems within the Icelandic banking industry although with a change in government and financial support from international donors, Iceland is expected to regain its position as one of the wealthiest and most developed countries in the world.

Iceland Health Care and Insurance

Iceland has one of the most comprehensive health care systems in Europe and all citizens are entitled to access universal health care services. The Ministry of Health and Social Security is responsible for the delivery of health care and it provides a well established level of care based on the Nordic welfare model. The public health care system is administered by the State Social Security Institute (SSSI) which collects user contributions for distribution across the network of public health facilities. A pre-determined list of treatments is covered by the SSSI at no cost to the patient with the exception of some specialist or complicated services. Expatriates and foreign nationals legally resident in Iceland and who are employed by an Icelandic company for a minimum of six months are entitled to join the SSSI. Applications are known to be complicated and a number of criteria such as medical history and employment details are taken into consideration. Applications can take a number of months before approval; therefore, expatriates seeking comprehensive coverage are advised to purchase an international Iceland health insurance policy.

Health care facilities in Iceland are predominantly operated by the state. Primary health care services are available at the country’s health centers and these facilities are often located in close proximity to hospitals. Health centers are in most cases operated by a general practitioner (GP) and their staff and they are the first point of contact for patients seeking medical assistance. GPs provide general consultations and all citizens and their families are required to register with their local GP. Iceland’s hospital network provides secondary and tertiary health care along three levels, namely community, general and specialized hospitals. Hospitals at each level are capable of providing a wide range of health services and treatments and the Landspítali University Hospital in Reykjavík is the country’s largest and best equipped facility. It has a capacity of 950 beds and due to the high number of specialists working at the hospital it can effectively deal with complex or difficult medical cases.

Given the high standard of public health care available in Iceland, the private health sector has traditionally been quite small and restricted to physicians who operate independently or as part of a group of GPs. The sector has seen impressive growth in recent years and there has been a large increase in the number of private health centers and clinics. These facilities are capable of providing general primary health services and consultations although surgery and other complicated procedures require referral to one of the country’s public health hospitals. Expatriates, tourists and foreign nationals wishing to use either public or private health facilities will be required to pay in cash before treatment will be administered. Purchasing an international Iceland health insurance policy is therefore strongly encouraged.

Iceland Travel Insurance Concerns

Iceland’s health care system can adequately provide sufficient levels of care and treatment to its citizens. With a large proportion of the population congregated in Reykjavík and the surrounding area, health facilities in this part of the country tend to be extremely busy and lengthy waiting times are common. In contrast, health facilities in rural areas cater to fewer people and health facilities may be basic or limited, while the standard of health care available in rural areas can vary greatly from region to region. Highly trained and specialist health personnel generally work at the larger health facilities in and around Reykjavík meaning that many treatments and services are simple unavailable in rural parts of the country.

Iceland is geographically very diverse with many mountains, plains, fjords and glaciers. There are also three national parks which attract large numbers of international visitors. Expatriates and tourists who while visiting these isolated attractions require medical assistance may need to be evacuated to the nearest health facility, often over difficult terrain. In many cases air evacuation, although expensive, may be the only viable option. When purchasing an international Iceland health insurance policy, it is important to include an emergency air evacuation benefit.

Holders of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) who seek medical attention while in Iceland can avail of free or reduced cost treatment and consultation at public health facilities. This treatment is restricted to emergency assistance and a general consultation. EHIC holders who require multiple or prolonged consultations are required to pay in cash for additional services. It is therefore important to possess international Iceland health insurance to supplement your EHIC cover.

Iceland Expat Health Insurance

All expatriates, foreign nationals and tourists in particular should note that cash payments are expected in advance of medical treatment being received in Iceland. Medical costs can be expensive, particularly those at private health facilities and possessing an international Iceland health insurance policy which covers you for the entire duration of your stay is advised. Expat Medical Insurance can assist you determine which policy is best suited to your individual needs. For more information on international Iceland health insurance, global health insurance policies or to receive a free quote, please contact one of our advisors today.