All you need to know about
health insurance in Iceland

Mutuelle Islande: Understanding expatriate health cover

Iceland, with its breathtaking scenery and high quality of life, appeals to many French expatriates. Before moving to Iceland, it’s essential to understand how the local healthcare system works. It’s also important to choose a mutual insurance company that will provide you with health cover tailored to your specific needs.

The Icelandic healthcare system

Iceland has a tax-financed public healthcare system, offering quality medical care to its residents. Citizens and permanent residents enjoy full access to the Icelandic healthcare system. Expatriates, on the other hand, must take out their own health insurance to ensure optimum protection.

Health cover options for expatriates

1. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

French citizens can use the EHIC to access medical care in Iceland during a temporary stay. This card covers basic medical care, but does not cover scheduled treatment or treatment in the private sector. For full coverage, we recommend that you take out supplementary health insurance.

2. International health insurance

For more extensive coverage, many companies offer international health insurance tailored to expatriates in Iceland. These insurances cover all medical care, including private and scheduled care. International health insurance plans for Iceland are available for the 1st euro, or as a supplement to the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE).

Choosing the right health cover

The choice of health cover depends on several factors:

• Length of stay: for a temporary stay, the EHIC combined with travel insurance may be sufficient. For long-term expatriation, international health insurance is more appropriate.
• Medical needs: if you have specific or pre-existing medical needs, comprehensive coverage is recommended.
• Budget: international health insurance policies vary in cost. It’s important to compare offers to find one that suits your needs and budget.

Administrative procedures

Before you leave, it’s important to take a few precautions to guarantee your health cover. Start by applying for an EHIC from your health insurance fund in France, to benefit from basic coverage in Iceland. It is also advisable to take out supplementary health insurance to fill any gaps, by comparing the available offers and choosing the one that best suits your needs. Insurance comparators, such as Santexpat.fr, can guide you in your choice. Finally, if you are already covered by a mutual insurance company in France, don’t forget to inform it of your departure, so that it knows how you will be covered during your expatriation.

Expatriate health insurance for Iceland

Although Iceland offers a high-quality healthcare system, it’s crucial for French expatriates to take out comprehensive health cover. By combining the EHIC with a suitable international health insurance policy, you can ensure optimum protection for the duration of your stay in Iceland.