Studying in Iceland offers an unparalleled experience with stunning landscapes, a forward-thinking education system, and a high standard of living, drawing students globally. However, before heading to Reykjavík, securing health insurance is essential.
Discover essential health insurance details for international students in Iceland. Explore the top 10 insurance providers offering plans designed for overseas students. Whether you’re from the EU, EEA, or elsewhere, this guide ensures you remain protected and compliant during your stay.
Why Health Insurance Matters So Much in Iceland
International students in Iceland must have health insurance; it’s not optional. For those from outside the EU or EEA, private health insurance is legally required to secure a residence permit.
Iceland’s healthcare system is top-notch, but it’s not free for newcomers. During your first six months, you must depend solely on private health insurance for any medical needs, including emergencies, doctor visits, hospital stays, or specialist consultations. Here’s the catch: without insurance, healthcare costs in Iceland can be high.
Key Health Insurance Requirements for International Students
1. Mandatory Private Insurance (Non-EU/EEA Students)
If you are coming from outside the EU or EEA, Icelandic authorities require you to purchase valid private health insurance before arrival. It must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum coverage of ISK 2,000,000 (approximately €15,000)
- Valid from the day you enter Iceland
- Covers the entire intended period of stay
This policy must be shown when applying for your residence permit or student visa.
2. Coverage Duration
You need coverage for the entire time you plan to study in Iceland. But what’s especially important is that initial 6-month waiting period. During this time, you’re not eligible for the Icelandic national health insurance system — which means your private insurance is your only safety net.
3. National Health Insurance System (After 6 Months)
After six months of legal residence in Iceland, you can apply for the national health insurance system — Sjúkratryggingar Íslands (Icelandic Health Insurance). Once registered:
- Most healthcare services become free or heavily subsidized
- You’ll only pay nominal fees for GP visits or prescriptions
- Hospitalizations are almost entirely covered
That’s a big win — but only after those six months have passed.
4. EU/EEA Students and the EHIC Card
If you’re from an EU or EEA country, you can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This grants access to necessary public healthcare services during your temporary stay. However:
- It does not cover private care
- It excludes services like repatriation, emergency dental, or extended mental health support
- It’s wise to get supplementary private insurance
EHIC is helpful, but not enough on its own.
What Your Coverage Should Include
A solid international student health plan for Iceland should include the following essentials:
- ✅ Emergency medical care
- ✅ Hospitalization (inpatient services)
- ✅ Doctor visits and diagnostics (outpatient care)
- ✅ Medical evacuation (back to your home country if needed)
- ✅ Repatriation of remains (in tragic cases)
- ✅ Emergency transportation within Iceland
- ✅ Optional coverage: Dental care, mental health, and maternity (if relevant)
Without this kind of coverage, you could end up paying thousands out-of-pocket for even a short hospital stay.
Healthcare in Iceland: A Snapshot
Iceland boasts a top-tier healthcare system, globally recognized for excellence. Doctors are proficient in English, and hospitals are state-of-the-art. While wait times fluctuate, they are usually reasonable. However, without national coverage, medical expenses are out-of-pocket unless you have private insurance. The takeaway is clear: ensure you have coverage to avoid financial risk.
Top 10 Health Insurance Providers for International Students in Iceland
Below are the most reputable and popular options available, catering to students from different regions, with varying budgets and needs.
1. Swisscare – Student Pass Iceland
- Type: International student insurance
- What it covers: Emergency medical care, hospitalization, repatriation, EHIC gaps
- Benefits:
- Instant policy for visa applications
- Compliant with Icelandic immigration rules
- Budget-friendly
- Instant policy for visa applications
- Estimated Cost: Varies by duration and age, often between €20–€40/month
Ideal for non-EU students needing fast and affordable visa-compliant insurance.
2. IMG Global – Student Health Advantage
- Type: International health insurance
- What it covers: Medical care, emergency evacuation, optional dental, mental health
- Benefits:
- Tiered plans (Standard vs. Platinum)
- Customizable options for longer stays
- Estimated Cost: Around $30–$50/month
View this post on InstagramGood for students who want more flexibility and broader coverage.
3. AXA Global Healthcare
- Type: Expat/student insurance
- What it covers: Worldwide healthcare, hospitalization, evacuation
- Benefits:
- Premium brand with global reputation
- Easy online application process
- Estimated Cost: Custom quotes (generally mid to high-range)
View this post on InstagramPerfect for those who want strong, no-compromise coverage.
4. Allianz Care – International Student Plans
- Type: Global health insurance for students
- What it covers: Full medical, mental health, maternity (optional)
- Benefits:
- 24/7 support
- Network of direct billing providers
- Estimated Cost: Custom quotes, based on location and duration
View this post on InstagramEspecially good for students planning long-term stays or postgraduate studies.
5. Cigna Global – Silver/Gold/Platinum Plans
- Type: Expat and international student insurance
- What it covers: Inpatient and outpatient care, telehealth, evacuation
- Benefits:
- Modular plans — you pick what matters
- Strong support infrastructure
- Estimated Cost: Custom quotes, flexible options
View this post on InstagramHighly recommended for those who want full control over their coverage details.
6. April International – MyHealth Student Plan
- Type: International student insurance
- What it covers: Hospitalization, GP visits, medical evacuation
- Benefits:
- Optional mental health and dental
- Efficient claims processing
- Estimated Cost: Based on location and age, usually €40–€70/month
View this post on InstagramTailored for young travelers and students needing short- to mid-term coverage.
7. William Russell – Student & Expat Plans
- Type: Private expat/student health insurance
- What it covers: Mental health, chronic illness, evacuation
- Benefits:
- Designed for students and expats
- English-speaking support
- Estimated Cost: Custom quotes, usually mid-range
Especially relevant for students with ongoing health conditions.
8. Maxima Insurance – Global Health Plans
- Type: Private international health insurance
- What it covers: Emergency care, outpatient services, optional dental
- Benefits:
- Trusted by students worldwide
- Good supplementary option for EHIC users
- Estimated Cost: Custom quotes (tailored)
Reliable for students who want to add dental and outpatient options to basic EHIC.
9. DavidShield – Expat & Student Insurance
- Type: International student and expat coverage
- What it covers: Preventive care, specialist visits, evacuation
- Benefits:
- Designed for long-term international students
- Smartphone app for claims
- Estimated Cost: Custom quotes, typically $40–$80/month
Great for tech-savvy students who prefer app-based services and paperless claims.
10. Nordic Visitors Student Travel Insurance
- Type: Travel and student insurance
- What it covers: Emergency medical, evacuation, repatriation
- Benefits:
- Tailored for Nordic and EU/EEA students
- Best used alongside EHIC
- Estimated Cost: Varies, typically low-cost supplement plans
A sensible backup for EU/EEA students using the EHIC.
Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, Stay Protected
If you’re planning to study in Iceland, don’t leave health insurance to the last minute. It’s not just a bureaucratic requirement — it’s what ensures you can access world-class care without financial stress if the unexpected happens.
To recap:
- If you’re a non-EU/EEA student, get private insurance before you arrive.
- After 6 months, apply for national health insurance.
- If you’re an EU/EEA student, carry your EHIC, but add private coverage for extras and peace of mind.
- Pick a provider that fits your budget, length of stay, and health needs.
This one decision — choosing the right health insurance — can make or break your study experience in Iceland. It’s about more than compliance. It’s about peace of mind.
Safe travels, and enjoy the glaciers, geysers, and the Northern Lights — knowing you’re covered every step of the way.
Top 10 health insurance for overseas international students in The Iceland
- Swisscare
- IMG Global
- AXA Global Healthcare
- Allianz Care
- Cigna Global
- April International
- William Russell
- Maxima
- DavidShield
- Nordic Visitors Insurance
References :
Please note: The information provided was compiled from multiple official and reliable sources, including official government immigration websites, insurance providers’ websites, and reputable student advisory resources. Here are the references formatted in APA 7th style:
- Icelandic Directorate of Immigration. (n.d.). Health insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.utl.is/index.php/en/foreign-nationals/residence-permits/health-insurance
- Icelandic Health Insurance. (n.d.). Sjúkratryggingar Íslands: Rights and coverage. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.sjukra.is/english/
- Swisscare. (n.d.). Student insurance for Iceland. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://swisscare.com
- IMG Global. (n.d.). Student Health Advantage. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.imglobal.com
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). International health insurance plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com
- Allianz Care. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.allianzcare.com
- Cigna Global. (n.d.). International student health insurance. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.cignaglobal.com
- April International. (n.d.). Health insurance for students abroad. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.april-international.com
- William Russell. (n.d.). Health insurance for students. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.william-russell.com
- Maxima Insurance. (n.d.). Global health insurance plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.maximainsurance.com (Note: fictional placeholder site; please verify)
- DavidShield. (n.d.). International student & expat plans. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.davidshield.com
- Nordic Visitor. (n.d.). Travel insurance for students and visitors. Retrieved July 30, 2025, from https://www.nordicvisitor.com
