Emergency 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?
All persons are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Iceland, regardless of insurance status:
Copayment system (monthly maximums):
- General population: Monthly maximum of ISK 37,794.
- Elderly, disabled, rehabilitation pension recipients: Monthly maximum of ISK 25,198.
- Children ages 2–18: Monthly maximum of ISK 25,198.
- Children under 2: No fee.
After reaching the monthly maximum, a reduced flat fee applies:
- General population: ISK 6,299/month.
- Elderly/disabled/children under 18: ISK 4,331/month.
Inpatient care is generally free of charge for insured persons.
When does it apply?
- You need emergency medical treatment in Iceland.
- Non-residents must typically pay in full unless covered by EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or bilateral treaties.
What to Do If You Need Emergency Medical Care in Iceland
- Call 112 for emergencies — ambulance, fire, and police.
- Go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
- Track your copayments — once you reach the monthly maximum, you are eligible for reduced fees.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't avoid the ER because of cost — emergency care cannot be denied, and copayments are capped.
- Don't assume care is free — copayments apply for most services (except inpatient care and children under 2).
Common Questions
What number do I call for emergencies in Iceland?
112 — for ambulance, fire, and police. All persons are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Iceland regardless of insurance status. Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you can, or call 112 if you cannot travel safely. Don't avoid the ER because of cost — emergency care cannot be denied and copayments are capped by law.
How much does emergency care cost in Iceland?
It depends on your category. Monthly copayment maximums are ISK 37,794 for the general population, ISK 25,198 for the elderly, disabled, and rehabilitation pension recipients, ISK 25,198 for children aged 2–18, and no fee for children under 2. After reaching the monthly maximum, reduced flat fees apply — ISK 6,299 for the general population and ISK 4,331 for reduced groups.
Are tourists covered for emergencies in Iceland?
Not automatically. Non-residents must typically pay in full unless covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or bilateral treaties. EEA nationals with an EHIC are entitled to necessary care during temporary stays under the same conditions as Icelandic residents. Tourists without EHIC should rely on travel insurance for emergencies. Inpatient care is generally free for insured persons.
When does it apply — emergency care?
You need emergency medical treatment in Iceland.Non-residents must typically pay in full unless covered by EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) or bilateral treaties.
What should I do if I have a medical emergency in Iceland?
Call 112 for emergencies — ambulance, fire, and police.Go to the nearest hospital emergency department.Track your copayments — once you reach the monthly maximum, you are eligible for reduced fees.
What should you NOT do — emergency care?
Don't avoid the ER because of cost — emergency care cannot be denied, and copayments are capped.Don't assume care is free — copayments apply for most services (except inpatient care and children under 2).