Home/Iceland/Icelandic Health Insurance (Sjukratryggingar Islands)

public

Icelandic Health Insurance (Sjukratryggingar Islands)

Sjukratryggingar Islands

82Score

★★★★☆4.0

Customer satisfaction · 390K members

Universal Coverage: All Residents (After 6-Month Wait)(2025)

Icelandic Health Insurance is the universal, tax-funded public healthcare system covering all 390,000 legal residents after six months of continuous residence. It operates through two major hospital hubs (Landspitali in Reykjavik and Akureyri Hospital), seven health regions, and approximately 60 local health centres. Co-payments apply but are capped monthly and annually to prevent catastrophic expenses.

Overall Score

82/100

Founded

1936

Headquarters

Reykjavik

Type

public

Visit Website→

No obligation. Compare personalized rates.

Key Metrics

Coverage

Universal (after 6-month residency)

Co Payments

Monthly and annual cost caps

Hospitals

Landspitali (Reykjavik) + Akureyri Hospital

Health Centres

~60 local health centres across 7 regions

Editorial Ratings

Universal Coverage: All Residents (After 6-Month Wait)(2025)

Rating: Universal government health insurance for all residents (max: Sole provider)

82FME

Coverage Highlights

✓Universal comprehensive coverage for all legal residents
✓Co-payment model with monthly and annual cost caps
✓Two major hospital hubs: Landspitali (Reykjavik) and Akureyri Hospital
✓Seven health regions with ~60 local health centres
✓Covers GP, specialist, hospital, maternity, and subsidized prescriptions

Pros

✓Universal comprehensive coverage for all residents
✓Cost caps prevent catastrophic expenses
✓High quality of care
✓No private hospital complexities

Cons

✗6-month waiting period for new residents
✗Co-payments can add up before reaching caps
✗Limited specialist availability outside Reykjavik
✗Long wait times for some procedures

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to wait for Icelandic health insurance?

New residents must wait six months of continuous legal residence before becoming eligible for Icelandic Health Insurance. During this gap, private insurance is recommended.

Are there private hospitals in Iceland?

No. Iceland has no private hospitals. Private healthcare is limited to specialist clinics near Reykjavik. The two main public hospitals are Landspitali (Reykjavik) and Akureyri Hospital.

How do co-payments work in Iceland?

Residents pay co-payments for most services, but monthly and annual cost caps prevent catastrophic expenses. Once you reach the cap, further services are free or heavily subsidized for the remainder of the period.

Quick Summary

InsurerIcelandic Health Insurance (Sjukratryggingar Islands)

Country🇮🇸 Iceland

Overall Score82/100

Satisfaction4.0/5

Members390K

Typepublic

Founded1936

Other Insurers in Iceland

VIS Insurance

private

/ 100

TM Insurance

private

/ 100

Sjova General Insurance

private

/ 100

Ready to get covered?

Visit Icelandic Health Insurance (Sjukratryggingar Islands) to learn more about their plans.

Visit Website→