Healthcare Complaints 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?
If you have a complaint about healthcare in Iceland, there are two separate paths:
Professional complaint (Directorate of Health):
- Submit a written, signed complaint to the Directorate of Health (Landlæknir): Katrínartún 2, 105 Reykjavík ([email protected]).
- Time limit: Generally within 4 years of the incident.
- The Directorate evaluates care quality but does not determine liability or award compensation.
Compensation claim (Patient Insurance Act No. 111/2000):
- This is a no-fault compensation system — you do not need to prove negligence.
- For harm at state healthcare institutions: apply to Iceland Health.
- For harm by self-employed practitioners: apply to the practitioner's insurance company.
When does it apply?
- You received substandard care, experienced a medical error, or suffered harm during treatment.
What to Do If You Received Substandard Medical Care or Were Harmed During Treatment in Iceland
- For a quality complaint, submit a written complaint to the Directorate of Health.
- For compensation, apply under the Patient Insurance Act — through Iceland Health or the practitioner's insurer.
- Keep copies of all medical records and correspondence.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't wait too long — the Directorate may dismiss complaints filed more than 4 years after the incident.
- Don't confuse the two paths — the Directorate assesses quality; the Patient Insurance Act handles compensation.
Common Questions
Where do I complain about Icelandic medical care?
Submit a written, signed complaint to the Directorate of Health (Landlæknir): Katrínartún 2, 105 Reykjavík, or email [email protected]. The Directorate evaluates care quality under Lög nr. 41/2007. It does not determine liability or award compensation — for money damages, you use a separate no-fault process under the Patient Insurance Act.
What is Iceland's no-fault medical compensation system?
The Patient Insurance Act (Lög nr. 111/2000) gives a no-fault compensation path — you do not need to prove negligence. For harm at state healthcare institutions, apply to Iceland Health. For harm by self-employed practitioners, apply to the practitioner's insurance company. Keep copies of all medical records and correspondence to support the claim.
How long do I have to complain about Icelandic medical care?
Generally within 4 years of the incident. The Directorate of Health may dismiss complaints filed more than 4 years after the incident under Article 12 of Lög nr. 41/2007 and Article 28 of the Patients' Rights Act. Don't confuse the two paths: the Directorate assesses quality of care, while the Patient Insurance Act handles compensation.
When does it apply — healthcare complaints?
You received substandard care, experienced a medical error, or suffered harm during treatment.
What should I do if I think I received negligent medical care or was injured during treatment in Iceland?
For a quality complaint, submit a written complaint to the Directorate of Health.For compensation, apply under the Patient Insurance Act — through Iceland Health or the practitioner's insurer.Keep copies of all medical records and correspondence.
What should you NOT do — healthcare complaints?
Don't wait too long — the Directorate may dismiss complaints filed more than 4 years after the incident.Don't confuse the two paths — the Directorate assesses quality; the Patient Insurance Act handles compensation.