Healthcare Complaints
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?
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 should you do?
- 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.
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