Dental Care in Iceland
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Icelandic Acts of the Althingi, statutory instruments, and official guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Dental care coverage in Iceland varies significantly by age group:
- Children (under 18): Iceland Health pays 100% of general dental treatment. An annual fee of ISK 2,500 is paid on the first visit. Orthodontic treatment is also covered when deemed necessary.
- Adults (18–66): Dental services are not covered — adults pay according to the dentist's price list.
- Seniors (67+) and disabled persons: Iceland Health pays 50% of general dentistry. 100% coverage for seniors and disabled persons who are chronically ill and in institutional care.
- Congenital defects/accidents/diseases: Iceland Health covers 95% of costs for dental treatment resulting from serious congenital defects (e.g., cleft palate), accidents, or diseases.
When does it apply?
- You or your child needs dental treatment in Iceland.
- You are aged 67+ or have a disability and need dental care.
What to Do If You Are Facing High Dental Costs and Need to Know Your Subsidies in Iceland
- Register children with a general dentist — this is required to access free care.
- If you are 67+ or disabled, ask your dentist to apply the 50% subsidy from Iceland Health.
- For congenital defect or accident-related dental work, consult your dentist about the 95% coverage.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't assume adult dental care is covered — it generally is not (ages 18–66).
- Don't skip children's dental check-ups — preventive care is fully covered and helps avoid costly treatment later.
Common Questions
Is dental care free for children in Iceland?
Yes. Iceland Health pays 100% of general dental treatment for children under 18. An annual fee of ISK 2,500 is paid on the first visit. Orthodontic treatment is also covered when deemed necessary. Register children with a general dentist to access free care — preventive check-ups help avoid costly treatment later.
Is adult dental care covered in Iceland?
Not for ages 18–66. Adults in this range pay according to the dentist's price list, with no public subsidy for general dental services. For seniors (67+) and disabled persons, Iceland Health pays 50% of general dentistry. Seniors and disabled persons who are chronically ill and in institutional care get 100% coverage.
Is Icelandic dental care covered after an accident?
Yes, mostly. Iceland Health covers 95% of costs for dental treatment resulting from serious congenital defects (such as cleft palate), accidents, or diseases. Consult your dentist about the 95% coverage if your dental work is related to one of these causes, and ask them to apply it when billing Iceland Health.
When does it apply — dental care?
You or your child needs dental treatment in Iceland.You are aged 67+ or have a disability and need dental care.
What should I do if I need dental treatment and want to know what Iceland Health covers in Iceland?
Register children with a general dentist — this is required to access free care.If you are 67+ or disabled, ask your dentist to apply the 50% subsidy from Iceland Health.For congenital defect or accident-related dental work, consult your dentist about the 95% coverage.
What should you NOT do — dental care?
Don't assume adult dental care is covered — it generally is not (ages 18–66).Don't skip children's dental check-ups — preventive care is fully covered and helps avoid costly treatment later.