Medical Cost Insurance
Those who move to Iceland must have legal residence in the country for six months before becoming eligible for public health insurance. This applies to both foreigners coming to Iceland and Icelanders who have moved their legal residence abroad and are returning.
If you are in this situation, we recommend purchasing Medical Cost Insurance, which helps bridge this gap. Medical Cost Insurance is valid for six months and provides comparable coverage to health insurance.
Applicants with electronic ID or access to an Icelandic online bank
You can purchase Medical Cost Insurance for yourself and others. If you have electronic identification or access to an Icelandic online bank, you can apply on behalf of individuals who do not have an Icelandic ID number, either one or multiple individuals at a time.
When applying for someone without an Icelandic ID number, a scanned copy of their passport must accompany the application.
Guardians can also apply on behalf of their children.
Applicants without electronic ID or an Icelandic bank account
You can purchase Medical Cost Insurance for yourself or your child. Please note that you can only purchase insurance for one individual at a time.
A scanned copy of the passport of the person for whom the application is made must accompany the application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information regarding the insurance
What type of insurance is this?
The medical expense insurance is meant to bridge the gap from an individual‘s arrival in the country until they can enter the social security system. The insurance is mandatory according to the Act on Health Insurance nr. 112/2008.
What is covered? | What is not covered? |
|---|---|
| The insurance covers expenses for: | The insurance does not cover expenses for: |
Hospitalisation on the advice of a doctor. | Treatment for a disease that first showed symptoms or an accident that happened before the insurance took effect. |
General medical care outside the hospital. | Pregnancy, obstetrical care, or illness that can be traced to pregnancy or miscarriage. |
Essential medicine for the insured. |
Any limitations on what the insurance covers?
The insurance does not cover any other part of medical expenses than that which would have been covered by the Icelandic Health Insurance.
Where is the insurance valid?
The insurance is valid in Iceland.
What responsibilities do I have?
You must report any damage as soon as possible and no later than one year from the date of the damage.
You must ensure that all the information in the insurance policy is accurate.
You must inform us of any changes in your address, telephone number, and email address.
You must follow all the precautions in the terms of the insurance policy.
When and how do I pay the premium?
The premium must be paid on the due date. When the insurance policy is issued or renewed an electronic claim is created in your online bank. You have the option to distribute the premium payments by:
Credit card payment, where the premium is charged monthly to a credit or debit card.
Direct payment, where your bank account is debited monthly.
Corporate distribution, where the premium can be paid in monthly payments.
When does the insurance start and when does it end?
The insurance takes effect when your application is received, provided it is accepted, and is valid for 6 months unless otherwise agreed.
How do I cancel the insurance?
Individuals and companies with fewer than five full-time positions can cancel the insurance at any time and it will expire at the end of the following month after the cancellation is received. Other companies can cancel their insurance one month in advance before the end of the insurance period.
The cancellation must be in writing, for example with an electronic signature.