Everything You Need to Know About EHIC for Iceland

Are you planning a trip to Iceland? If so, you may be wondering if you need an EHIC, or European Health Insurance Card, for your travels. This article will provide you with all the information you need to know about whether or not you need an EHIC for Iceland.

What is an EHIC?

An EHIC is a card that gives you access to state-provided healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA). This includes all countries within the European Union (EU), as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. The card is free and is valid for up to five years.

Do you need an EHIC for Iceland?

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you will be able to access state-provided healthcare in Iceland with your EHIC. This means that if you become ill or have an accident while travelling in Iceland, you will be able to receive medical treatment at a reduced cost or for free.

If you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you may still be able to use your EHIC in Iceland if your home country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Iceland. However, it is important to note that not all countries have such agreements in place.

Why is an EHIC important for travel?

Even if you are in good health, accidents and unexpected illnesses can happen while travelling. Having an EHIC can give you peace of mind knowing that you will be able to access medical treatment if you need it. It can also save you a significant amount of money in medical expenses, as healthcare costs can be very high without insurance.

How to apply for an EHIC

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you can apply for an EHIC through your national health insurance provider. The process is usually quick and easy, and the card will be sent to you by post.

If you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you will need to check if your home country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Iceland. If so, you may be able to apply for an EHIC through your home country’s national health insurance provider.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are a citizen of an EU or EEA country, it is highly recommended to obtain an EHIC for your travels to Iceland. This will ensure that you are able to access state-provided healthcare if needed, and can save you a considerable amount of money in medical expenses. If you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country, it is important to check if your home country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Iceland before applying for an EHIC.