Health Insurance Abroad

Medical costs

Medical costs incurred during a temporary stay abroad are also covered by the national health insurance according to specific regulations. A stay abroad of less than one year is regarded as temporary. If the person concerned takes on  paid work abroad, however, the insurance coverage terminates.

Hospitalization abroad

If the insured person urgently requires hospitalization abroad because necessary assistance cannot be provided  in an Icelandic hospital  the expenses are covered by Icelandic Health Insurance.  Before assistance abroad is sought the patient's physician  sends an application to a special committee (Siglinganefnd). The committee assesses the need for the hospitalization abroad, whether required conditions are fulfilled and where the insured person is to be hospitalized.