Insurance requirements for studying in Iceland
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
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.
No worries, we've got you covered. Together with our partner Aon, we are going to make sure you get the perfect insurance package. Your study abroad adventure will be awesome, but insured for all risks, including health care.
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.
- Tuition Fee Insurance for international students what is it and why its useful
Free quote from Aon
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 is an ideal destination for international students seeking tuition-free degrees in Engineering, Computer Science, and Social Sciences. Regardless of their country of origin, students can benefit from this opportunity. Moreover, tuition fees for other disciplines are significantly lower compared to other European countries, ensuring affordable education. The quality of education in Iceland is commendable and meets international standards. Additionally, students can avail themselves of various scholarships to pursue their studies in this incredible country known as 'The Land of Ice and Fire'. Iceland takes pride in generating almost 100% of its electricity and heat from renewable sources, making it a pioneering nation in sustainability. In their leisure time, students can explore Iceland's awe-inspiring landscape, which showcases breathtaking glaciers and active volcanoes.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance
(European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu))
An EHIC gives the student the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
When you are in possession of a valid EHIC during your study period in Iceland, it only provides coverage for emergency medical expenses. Please note that this does not include any costs for medical evacuation, physical therapy, acupuncture or emergency dental expenses. You are also not covered for your personal possessions, liability, legal aid, emergency assistance and extra travel expenses.
The validity of the EHIC depends on your home country and your insurer in your home country. It may not cover the full period of studies. Please verify the validity of your EHIC with your insurer in your home country for your study period abroad in Iceland.
However, the coverage of the European Health Insurance Card or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially in case of repatriation and specific medical intervention. In that case, a complementary private insurance might be useful.
Taking out an additional insurance during your study abroad in Iceland is specially needed for the risks that are not covered for with your EHIC. This to be certain that you are properly insured during your study period.As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country like Iceland.
