WHO IS ENTITLED?

The general rule is that all those legally residing in Iceland must have health insurance. There are 3 types of health insurance:

1. National Health Insurance- for those who have been legally residing in Iceland for more than 6 months.
2. Private Health Insurance- for those who are legally residing in Iceland but have not been here for 6 months. This insurance is an important requirement for all those applying for residence permits in Iceland and is designed to cover the individual for sickness costs while not yet insured by Tryggingastofnun. Either the individual or the employer purchases it.
3. Health insurance for citizens of European member states- E104 forms, etc. (In the winter of 2005 some countries began issuing cards instead of forms.)

A person who is a legal resident in Iceland and has been for the last six months is regarded as having health insurance coverage. It is important to note that insurance coverage by the state begins 6 months from the date that a legal address is established and not from the date of entering Iceland. The State Social Security Institute (Tryggingastofnun Ríkisins) determines whether an individual is regarded as insured in Iceland.

    Children and adolescents, 16 years old and younger, are covered by the health insurance of their parents.

HOW TO OBTAIN BENEFITS

After receiving residence permits in Iceland, there is a waiting period of six months before the person is covered by health insurance. Periods of insurance, employment or residence in another EEA Member State are taken into account in order to fulfill this six-month qualifying condition. When moving to Iceland from another EEA member country, an E 104 form should be obtained from the insurance institution where the person was last insured. The form should be submitted to the health insurance department of tryggingastofnun or its agencies.

Those that are insured by Tryggingastofnun should request a health insurance card. This is done at their main office.

BENEFITS

The insurance comprises hospitalization, including hospitalization in maternity clinics, hospitalization abroad (under certain circumstances), general medical assistance outside a hospital by the patient's physician with whom the SSI has contracted, all necessary examinations and treatment carried out by specialists and institutions with whom the SSI has contracted. It also covers medicine, x-ray examinations and radiation, per diem sickness benefits, midwife assistance in cases of births at home, dental and orthodontic treatment, transport costs, travel costs, nursing in the patient's home, aid apparatus, treatment for psoriasis patients, physiotherapy and nursing homes for the elderly. The extent of patients’ participation of costs in the aforementioned varies according to the service in question.

IS THERE A FEE FOR HEALTH SERVICES?

The patient pays a minimum fee for the services of a general practitioner or of a specialist, outside of a hospital, while the rest is covered by insurance. This applies to most services. Old-age pensioners, invalidity pensioners and children with disabilities pay a lower fee. It is important to note that after patients have paid over a certain amount for health services in a year they are eligible for a discount.

DISCOUNT CARDS

Discount cards (afsláttarkort) are available to persons who have, during one calendar year, paid a certain amount for physician and health care services, and medications. As of July 5th, 2004 patients who have spent over 18,000 kr. for themselves or over 6,000 kr. for their children are eligible for a discount card. Pensioners, invalids, and those receiving unemployment benefits for at least 6 months are eligible for a discount when they have spent more than 4,500 krona. To receive a discount card you must take the pink receipts you receive from the health care provider to Tryggingastofnun and fill out an application. For this reason remember to always save receipts from all health care payments. Patients with a discount card must present it when they are seeing a physician or other health care server. Holders of discount cards pay a lower fee.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS FOR RESIDENT PERMITS

The physical examination for a Residence permit is expensive. The price is about 20,000 krona and up to 30,000 krona if you need an interpreter. To make an appointment contact:

• The health clinic for the greater Reykjavík area (Heilsugæsla höfuðborgarsvæðisins) in Álfabakki 16, 5851300
• Children under 18 years of age are examined at Barnaspítali Hringsins, Hringbraut, 543 3730.
• Those not living in the greater Reykjavik area may turn to their local health clinic for this examination.

HEALTH CARE CLINICS (HEILSUGÆSLA) AND GENERAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS (HEIMILISLÆKNAR)

In the health clinics there are general medical practitioners or “family doctors” that in general see to preventative medicine and medical care in cases of illness. Health clinics also see to maternity care, newborn baby and children’s health services, mental health, drug prevention, sexually transmitted disease prevention, health education and also see to sending school nurses to the primary schools. Health clinics and their doctors give health examinations and usually have a good overview of their patient’s health history. Clinics are usually the first place people call when they are sick and “heimilislæknar” treat most of the common ailments that people face during their lifetime. Remember to request an interpreter if you need one.

In Reykjavík it is possible to call 1770 for information regarding all aspects of the health care system. The information centre is open Mondays-Fridays, between 08:00-17:00. An experienced nurse that can give your information about where to turn if you are sick, or tell you about your rights within the system answers the phone.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A CLINIC (HEILSUGÆSLA)?

There are health centres in most neighbourhoods and individuals are free to choose which clinic and doctor they prefer. If the clinic in your neighbourhood is full and not taking any new patients call the SSI at 560-4460 to receive a list of available doctors. There are certain clinics, especially in downtown Reykjavík that are currently full and are not taking any new patients. In that case individuals are free to sign up at any clinic with openings. Make sure that the family practitioner or specialist you choose is contracted with Tryggningastofnum ríkisins. Doctors that are not contracted with Tryggingastofnun may be more expensive and the social insurance system will not participate in any reimbursements.

WHERE CAN I FIND BIRTH CONTROL?

While various birth control devices, such as condoms, may be purchased in pharmacies and most shops it is a good idea to seek advice and information about birth control and what is available here in Iceland at you local clinic. Clinic doctors and specialists issue prescriptions for birth control devices not available for purchase without a prescription.

DO I NEED A REFERRAL TO SEE A SPECIALIST (SÉRFRÆÐINGUR)?

Individuals needing specialized medical care may be referred to a specialist by their general practitioner. However, individuals are free to seek help directly from a specialist if they wish. Many specialists have offices outside the hospital and see patients by appointment only.

WHAT DO I DO IF I AM SICK AND DON’T HAVE A CLINIC OR FAMILY DOCTOR?

Those that have not yet found a clinic may call their local clinic and make an appointment for after 17:00 on the same day when patients are seen on an emergency basis or on short notice. These appointments must be made on the same day. This service is open to all regardless of availability.

WHAT IF I GET SICK AFTER THE CLINICS ARE CLOSED?

For medical problems that arise after the closing time of the clinics there is a service called Læknavakt. On weekends, evenings and holidays it is possible to call 1770 for medical services.

• Open on a walk-in basis from 17:00-23:30 weekdays, and from 09:00-23:30 on weekends and holidays.
• Telephone lines are open for advice and house call requests between 17:00-08:00 on weekdays, and is open 24 hours on weekends and holidays.

Læknavakt serves residents of Reykjavík, Seltjarnarnes, Garðabær and Hafnarfjörður. The læknavakt doctors on call will treat your illness, refer you to a specialist for further examinations, or refer you to a hospital. All hospital admissions require a referral from a physician.

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK AND THE CLINICS ARE CLOSED?

If your child becomes sick and you cannot get in contact with your family doctor or clinic you may call Læknavakt, or you may wish to call a pediatrician. If you wish to call a specialist call Pediatric Services (Barnalæknavakt) at Domus Medica at 563 1010. It is important to note that as they are specialists they are more expensive than Læknavakt.

WHEN SHOULD I GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AT THE HOSPITAL?

Emergency and trauma services (Slysa- og bráðamóttaka) are located at the National University Hospital (Landspítali-háskólasjúkrahús) at Fossvogur. Located at 108 Reykjavík just off Bústaðavegur. If you have a severe burn, a cut or laceration, broken bones or other injuries requiring immediate medical attention you should go to emergency and trauma services.

    If you are not sure if your injury is an emergency you may call the hospital at 543 2000 and ask them for advice. If you need immediate assistance or an ambulance then call 112. Be prepared to state your name, what the problem is and your location.

POISON CONTROL

There are many dangerous substances in an ordinary home. It is not always obvious where there is a danger. It might come as a surprise to many that in regular homes you can find substances that can cause severe poisoning. The youngest members of the family are at the highest risk of poisoning. About 60% of all calls to the Icelandic Poison Centre concern children younger than 6 years old. The most common chemicals in these cases are, detergents, soaps, medicine, plants, perfumes, colognes and other cosmetics.

When poisoning occurs the safest thing to do is to call the Icelandic Poison Centre tel.: 543 2222 and get advice from professionals.

MATERNITY CARE

Women legally residing in Iceland are entitled to free maternity care. Hospitalization is ensured for as long as necessary along with medical care, medicine and other health services.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I SUSPECT I AM PREGNANT?

Pregnancy self-test kits are available in most shops. You may also make an appointment at your local clinic, an obstetrician (kvensjúkdóma/fæðingarlæknir) or call the miðstöð mæðraverndar. If you are pregnant, or suspect that you are pregnant it is important to seek professional advice and care as soon as possible.

CANCER SCREENING AND PREVENTION

Women who are insured by Tryggingastofnun are encouraged to participate in regular cancer screening and prevention. The Cancer Detection Centre (leitarstöð) of the Icelandic Cancer Society (Krabbameinsfélagið) is located in Reykjavík but screening is done on a regular schedule all around Iceland in the health care clinics.

The two important types of screening are cervical cancer-screening and breast cancer screening.

• Cervical cancer screening consists of a gynecological examination and taking a pap smear. This is done at 2-year intervals on all women over 20 years of age. The objective of the screening is to diagnose cervical cancer in its early stages.
• Breast cancer screening consists of an examination of the breasts and a mammography. This is done at 2-year intervals on all women between the ages of 40-69. The objective is to find breast cancer in its early stages. It is also important to note that self-examination of the breasts is very important and should be done at home on a regular basis. Women should ask for a physical examination if they are uncertain as to whether they have any symptoms or signs of breast disease. Women that are not familiar with self-examination should seek advice and instruction at the cancer centre or their local health clinic.

To make an appointment in the greater Reykjavík area, call the Cancer Detection Centre (leitarstöð) at 540 1919. The centre is located at Skógarhlíð 8, 105 Reykjavík. Women not in the Reykjavík area should call their local health clinic for information.

For further information on any of the topics covered in this section, contact:

• The Intercultural Centre at 530 9300, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
• The State Social Security Institute or SSI (Tryggingastofnum Ríkisins) at 560 4460, www.tr.is.
• Landlæknisembættið, Austurströnd 5, 170 Seltjarnarnes, at 510 1900, fax: 510 1919, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it