🇮🇸 Iceland Healthcare Guide
Landspitali in Reykjavik is Iceland's main hospital and it's excellent, but outside the capital region, healthcare facilities are sparse — the entire north coast has only the small hospital in Akureyri. A routine GP visit costs around $100, making Iceland one of the most expensive places in Europe to see a doctor, so having your medical history and current medications saved and accessible offline ready before you travel saves time at facilities that won't have access to your home records.
Quick facts
- Emergency number: 112
- Healthcare system: universal-public
- Average GP visit: $100 USD
- EHIC/GHIC accepted: Yes
- Language barrier: low
Healthcare overview
Iceland’s public healthcare is based at Landspítali University Hospital in Reykjavík, the country’s only major hospital. EHIC holders pay co-payments of ISK 2,500–5,600 (€15–35) per visit. Outside Reykjavík, health centres (heilsugæslustöð) in towns like Akureyri and Ísafjörður provide primary care, but diagnostic capabilities drop sharply in remote areas. Having your health summary saved and accessible offline is worth doing before exploring the Highlands or Westfjords, where connectivity is limited.
Remote area limitations
The Highlands and Westfjords have no permanent medical facilities. The nearest care may be hours away on unpaved roads.
Co-payments with EHIC
EHIC covers the public system, but co-payments of ISK 2,500–5,600 apply per visit. Emergency care co-payments are higher.
Vaccinations
Recommended
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- Typhoid
Prescriptions and pharmacies
Reykjavík’s pharmacies (aptek) carry standard European medications, but prices are high and the range is narrower than in larger European countries. Pharmacies outside Reykjavík may have reduced hours and limited stock. Carry your full medication supply plus a buffer, particularly for trips outside the capital region.
High medication prices
Medications in Iceland cost more than in most of Europe. Carry everything you need rather than relying on local purchase.
Tips for travellers
Landspítali in Reykjavík is the only facility equipped for specialist chronic care, covering cardiology, endocrinology, and oncology. Some complex cases are still referred to Copenhagen for subspecialty treatment. Having your treatment plan saved and accessible offline means Landspítali’s specialists can assess your needs without delays, particularly if you present after an incident outside the capital.
Copenhagen specialist referrals
For subspecialty care beyond Landspítali’s scope, Iceland refers patients to Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen.