Insurance requirements for studying at University Centre of the Westfjords
This page has information from University Centre of the Westfjords and Iceland combined. This might have resulted in repetitive info. Please read carefully and in case of questions please contact University Centre of the Westfjords
Insurance information for University Centre of the Westfjords
Insurance is important while studying at University Centre of the Westfjords because it can protect students from financial loss due to unforeseen circumstances such as accidents, illness, or theft. It can also provide coverage for tuition and other school-related expenses in case of emergency or withdrawal from classes. Having insurance can also provide peace of mind and allows you to focus on your studies.
About University Centre of the Westfjords
Friedensau Adventist University is a state-approved university sponsored by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. It was founded in 1899 and can look back on a long tradition and a great deal of experience in study and teaching.

Insurance information for Iceland
If you are going to study and live in Iceland, you want to be fully prepared before starting your adventure. Among other things, you want to make sure your insurance covers everything you need, without paying too much.
Everyone who has resided legally in Iceland for six months automatically becomes a member of the Icelandic social insurance system, regardless of nationality. Residency means a registered domicile based on the length of registration at Registers Iceland.
Note that the Icelandic healthcare system only subsidises health care for beneficiaries but generally does not provide services for free. For most medical services, one can expect to pay a minimal fee.
Students from EU/EEA countries, who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, may use the European Health Insurance Card (see FAQ EHIC). This is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country. Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance .EHIC does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
Nordic Students need only to provide confirmation of insurance in their home country. For example a health insurance card or similar documentation.
Students from outside the EU/EEA
All non-EU/EEA incoming students are required to acquire a private health insurance prior to arriving in Iceland. This is required by the Directorate of Immigration and needs to be arranged before submitting the application of residence permit in Iceland.
Is this enough?
It is important to understand that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not always enough, Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance, and that the local offered health insurance will probably not cover:
- (Additional) medical costs
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- Worldwide cover
You will need an insurance policy also covering, but also arranging for you, for example:
- You returning home if a close relative is seriously ill or dies;
- Up to two close relatives visiting you in if you fall seriously ill;
- Your medical repatriation to your home country for hospitalization or rehabilitation treatment;
- or in the worst possible situation, returning a body home for burial.
Via our partner Aon, you can easily discover details that apply to your specific situation. To get advice and insight in the costs of insurance, you can freely request an instant quote.
About Iceland
Iceland offers tuition-free degrees in Engineering, Computer Science, and Social Sciences for all international students regardless of their country of origin. Tuition fees for other disciplines are much lower than in other European countries, and the quality of education is up to par.Take advantage of the available scholarships and study in ‘The Land of Ice and Fire’, which produces almost 100% of its electricity and heat from renewable sources. In your free time, explore Iceland’s unique landscape, which includes glaciers and active volcanoes.
