Children's and Elderly Healthcare
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
Icelandic National Law
What is this right?
Iceland provides enhanced healthcare protections for children and elderly persons:
Children:
- Under 2: No copayments at all.
- Ages 2–18: Reduced monthly copayment maximum of ISK 25,198.
- Free dental care: 100% covered (ISK 2,500 annual fee).
- Reduced prescription costs: Annual pharmaceutical maximum of ISK 41,000.
- Free vaccinations: Full national childhood vaccination programme at no cost — includes rotavirus, DTaP, polio, Hib, pneumococcal, meningococcal ACWY, MMRV, HPV (age 12), and boosters at ages 4 and 14.
Elderly (67+):
- Reduced copayments: Monthly maximum of ISK 25,198.
- Reduced prescription costs: Annual pharmaceutical maximum of ISK 41,000.
- Dental subsidy: 50% (100% if chronically ill and in institutional care).
- Home nursing: Provided free of charge.
- Nursing home care: Governed by Act No. 125/1999 — requires a health and skills assessment before placement.
When does it apply?
- You are a parent or guardian of a child in Iceland.
- You are aged 67 or older and need healthcare services.
What should you do?
- Register children with a primary care health centre and a general dentist.
- Keep up with the childhood vaccination schedule — it is free and recommended.
- For elderly care needs, contact your local municipality — services are administered locally under Act No. 125/1999.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't skip childhood vaccinations — they are free and protect against serious diseases.
- Don't delay seeking elderly care assessments — a health and skills assessment is required before nursing home placement.
Legal Resources
We may earn a commission if you use these services — at no extra cost to you. This supports our mission to make legal information free for everyone.