Emergency Numbers & Access
ICE-SAR (volunteer rescue teams) handle backcountry emergencies. Helicopter rescue available. Landspítali is the only major hospital.
Response time: 10-15 minutes in Reykjavik; helicopter rescue for remote areas
Cost: Free with EHIC; co-pay ISK 6,600 (~$47) for insured; ISK 20,000-100,000+ without
Healthcare System
Iceland has an excellent universal healthcare system. Landspítali (National University Hospital) in Reykjavik is the main facility. EU/EEA citizens can use EHIC. Healthcare outside Reykjavik is limited — remote highland areas have no facilities.
Designed for: Residents and EHIC holders
GP Access & Costs
EU citizens use EHIC at health centres (heilsugæslustöð); others pay out-of-pocket
Typical wait: Same-day urgent; 1-5 days routine
Availability: Good in Reykjavik; health centres in larger towns; nothing in highlands
GP Visit
ISK 2,500-6,600 co-pay (~$18-47); full cost ISK 15,000+ (~$107+)
Private GP
€80-150
ER Without Insurance
€200-2,000+ (rescue operations can cost thousands)
Medication
Medications expensive. Pharmacies (apótek) available in towns. Bring any regular medications.
Health insurance is strongly recommended
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; limited weekend hours
OTC: Limited range; many medications require prescriptions
Controlled substances: Carry prescriptions and documentation for all medications.
Practical Tips
- Register your travel plan at safetravel.is before exploring remote areas
- ICE-SAR handles rescue — save 112 and download the 112 Iceland app
- Bring all medications — pharmacies are scarce outside Reykjavik
- Travel insurance with search and rescue coverage is essential for F-road/highland travel
- Hot spring burns are a real risk — always test water temperature
Who can get care in Iceland?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Iceland treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
Visitors get partial public cover — usually emergencies only, with routine care paid privately.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
EU citizens use EHIC at health centres (heilsugæslustöð); others pay out-of-pocket Typical cost: ISK 2,500-6,600 co-pay (~$18-47); full cost ISK 15,000+ (~$107+) Typical wait: Same-day urgent; 1-5 days routine
Insurance needed for entry or visa
It depends on nationality and visa route — several routes require proof of medical cover.
Documents worth having ready
- EHIC (EU citizens)
- Passport
- Travel insurance with rescue coverage
Local contacts in Iceland
Emergency services
112
ICE-SAR (volunteer rescue teams) handle backcountry emergencies. Helicopter rescue available. Landspítali is the only major hospital.
Pharmacies
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm; limited weekend hours
Limited range; many medications require prescriptions
What is the emergency number in Iceland?
112 in Iceland. ICE-SAR (volunteer rescue teams) handle backcountry emergencies. Helicopter rescue available. Landspítali is the only major hospital.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Iceland?
ISK 2,500-6,600 co-pay (~$18-47); full cost ISK 15,000+ (~$107+) Private consultations: €80-150.
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Sources: Sjúkratryggingar Íslands, WHO Iceland, safetravel.is
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare
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