Compare travel insurance for Iceland

Do I need travel insurance for Iceland?

While it’s not compulsory, it’s a good idea to get travel insurance for your trip to Iceland.

Brits can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) to receive the same state medical treatment as Icelandic citizens. But it’s still worth buying travel insurance as a GHIC won’t cover private medical treatment, repatriation or other costs according to Gov.uk.

Is Iceland in Europe for travel insurance?

Iceland isn’t part of the main European continental landmass, or a member of the European Union (EU), but it is classed as part of Europe for the purposes of taking out travel insurance.

Customers with pre-existing medical conditions

If you have a serious health condition, your travel insurance is likely to be more expensive. Whatever happens, tell your insurance provider the truth. If you give false information or miss something out, your claim could be rejected.

When you declare any medical conditions on our website, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover them with no exclusions.

If your condition is more serious, MoneyHelper has a directory of insurance providers who may be able to provide quotes over the phone. You can call them on 0800 138 7777.

How much is travel insurance for Iceland?

You can find single-trip travel insurance for European destinations from as little as £7.98 for one week^[1]. To find out how much it will cost you, start comparing travel insurance quotes now.

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The cost of your Iceland travel insurance depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Your age – insurance providers view older travellers as higher risk and more likely to make a claim. This means their premiums are often more expensive.

• What you plan to do – you may need to pay more to cover certain sports and activities.

• Your health – if you have a pre-existing medical condition, you might need to look for specialist cover, which could cost you more.

• Whether you buy an annual or single-trip policy – a multi-trip policy could work out cheaper if you plan to travel more than once a year.

^[1] Based on Compare the Market data for a single trip travel policy for a 20 year old with no pre-existing medical conditions travelling in Europe for 1 week. Prices correct as of July 2026.

What does Iceland travel insurance cover?

Travel insurance policies for Iceland vary, but they typically cover:

• Emergency medical treatment – travel insurance will also normally cover the costs of repatriation, to get you back to the UK in case of an emergency.

• Flight cancellations – in case your flight is cancelled or delayed by more than 24 hours for reasons such as natural disasters, or when your airline is not required to give a refund.

• Damaged, lost or stolen luggage – to help you recoup the costs if your personal belongings are stolen while you’re abroad, or your baggage is lost or damaged by the airline.

• Holiday cancellation – if your holiday is cancelled, delayed or shortened for reasons such as illness or bereavement, you could claim to recover any resulting costs.

Different providers offer different policies and levels of cover. Look at the terms and conditions before deciding which policy to buy.

What won’t Iceland travel insurance cover?

Here are some common exclusions to bear in mind when comparing travel insurance for Iceland:

• Undeclared pre-existing medical conditions – your travel insurance won’t cover medical treatment for any pre-existing medical conditions that you didn’t declare when you took out the policy. When you compare with us, we’ll only show you quotes from insurance providers that will cover all your declared medical conditions.

• Incidents related to alcohol abuse – you’re unlikely to be covered for any accidents that happen, or for belongings that are lost or stolen, while you’re under the influence.

What activities will I be covered for?

When choosing travel insurance for Iceland, it's important you think about the activities you’re planning on taking part in. Here are some activities you should check you’re covered for and arrange additional cover for if necessary:

• Winter sports – if you're visiting Iceland in winter, you might want to make the most of the skiing or snowboarding opportunities in resorts such as Bláfjöll, Skálafell or Hlíðarfjall. Snowmobiling on Langjökull glacier is another exciting option for those looking to get out onto the snow and ice. Ensure your travel insurance covers winter sports.

• Extreme sports – Iceland offers thrilling extreme sports such as ice climbing on the Sólheimajökull glacier and paragliding over the stunning landscapes of Vik. Ensure your policy covers these high-risk activities.

• Adventure sports – for those seeking adventure, Iceland is a paradise. Activities such as hiking in the Landmannalaugar region, exploring ice caves in Vatnajökull National Park, and mountain biking in the Westfjords are popular. Make sure your insurance includes these activities.

• Water sports – Iceland's unique geography provides opportunities for water sports such as snorkelling in the Silfra fissure in Thingvellir National Park, white-water rafting in the Hvítá River, and sea kayaking in the fjords. Check your policy covers water sports.

• Golf – perhaps surprisingly, Iceland has some excellent golf courses, such as the Keilir Golf Club in Hafnarfjörður and the Akureyri Golf Club in the north. If you plan to play golf, make sure your insurance includes cover for golfing activities and equipment.

If you’re likely to try these types of activities, it’s a good idea to read the Safe Travel Iceland guides and download its app for up-to-date information.

Do I need a visa for Iceland from the UK?

No. UK citizens can visit countries in the Schengen area – which Iceland is part of – without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, that means that any time you’ve spent travelling in Europe in the last 180 days counts towards your 90-day limit in Iceland.

Make sure your passport is valid for the length of your stay and for at least three months after you plan to leave. Your passport must also have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before your arrival date.

Changes for travel to the EU and Schengen area

A new Entry/Exit System (EES) for the EU and Schengen region is being introduced. This new system will replace passport stamping in airports, and involves non-EU citizens having their fingerprints and photograph taken when they first enter a Schengen area country.

In 2027, the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is set to come into force. When the ETIAS is introduced, UK passport holders will need to apply for authorisation to enter European countries including Iceland.

You’ll need to provide personal information and details about your trip, and pay a €20 fee, as part of the authorisation process.

More details about the entry requirements, including the new ETIAS rules for Iceland, can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Does the EHIC card still cover travel to Iceland?

Yes, if your EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is still valid, you can use it in Iceland. However, this has been replaced by the GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) for British citizens. You can apply for a free GHIC via the NHS.

Both GHICs and EHICs are valid in Iceland, but neither will cover private treatment or repatriation. The GHIC provides you with the same state healthcare as an Icelandic citizen, but state healthcare is not entirely free: costs are covered by a combination of the state and patient contributions, hence the importance of having a good travel insurance policy.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Iceland operates differently from the NHS and you may need to pay for medical services even if you have a GHIC. This makes having comprehensive travel insurance important, as it should provide for treatment costs that the GHIC doesn’t cover and also include repatriation if necessary.

In the event of a medical emergency, call 112, the emergency services number in Iceland. It's also advisable to contact your travel insurance provider as soon as possible to ensure that any medical expenses will be covered.

Risks of travelling in Iceland

Iceland is generally considered a safe destination for travellers, but it's always wise to be aware of potential risks:

• Natural disasters – Iceland is known for its volcanic activity and eruptions have previously caused significant travel disruptions due to ash clouds. Earthquakes are also common, although they’re usually minor. It's essential to stay informed about current volcanic activity and follow local advice.

• Crime – Iceland has a low crime rate according to Gov.uk, and the 2023 Global Peace Index ranked it the most peaceful country in the world. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft can occur, especially in tourist areas. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 to reach Icelandic emergency services. Keep your travel insurance details handy and know the procedures for making a claim for added peace of mind.

Does travel insurance cover volcanic ash disruption?

The eruption of Eyjafjallajökull in 2010 caused around 100,000 flight cancellations. While it's unusual for an ash cloud to affect so much of Europe, ash is a common problem in Iceland as the country has around 32 active volcanoes.

So, will you be covered if your Iceland holiday is disrupted by ash? Not always – it depends on your insurance provider. If you’re going to Iceland, always check the policy details to see if volcanic ash is covered before you buy. You might be able to add the cover to your policy for an additional premium.

Find out more: Travel insurance that covers volcanic ash

Driving

Driving around Iceland offers a fantastic opportunity to explore its rugged coastline and stunning natural beauty. If you’re planning on hiring a car, here are some things you need to know:

• Driving side – in Iceland, you drive on the right-hand side of the road. This can take some getting used to, so take extra care at roundabouts and junctions. With roundabouts you also need to know that traffic on the inner lane of a two-lane roundabout always has priority over traffic on the outer lane. Check out SafeTravel.is for a handy guide to Icelandic road signs.

• Drink driving – the legal blood alcohol limit in Iceland is 0.02%, much lower than the UK's 0.08%. One drink could take you over the limit, so it may be best not to drive at all if you’re planning to drink. The minimum punishment for a first offence is a fine of at least 100,000 ISK (around £565 at time of publishing).

• Road conditions – the weather in Iceland can be unpredictable, with sudden changes creating risks for drivers. In winter, roads can be icy with snow. Take extra care and consider extra measures such as chains on tyres if necessary.

• Off-road driving – off-road driving is illegal in Iceland. This is to protect the environment.

• Headlights – in Iceland you must keep your headlights on at all times, day and night, throughout the year.

• Mobiles – it’s illegal to use your phone or tablet when driving. You could face a heavy fine if caught.

Nightlife

Iceland offers a vibrant nightlife, especially in the capital city, Reykjavik. However, alcohol is expensive due to high taxes, so budget accordingly. The minimum drinking age in Iceland is 20.

It's important to note that any travel insurance claims for incidents related to alcohol or drugs will likely be rejected. Always drink responsibly and be aware of your surroundings.

Other tips for travelling in Iceland

Here are a few facts to know before you go to the land of fire and ice:

• Language – the official language is Icelandic, but English is widely spoken.

• Currency – Icelandic króna (ISK).

• Tipping – tipping is rarely expected in Iceland as restaurants usually add a service charge. Hotel staff, tour guides and taxi drivers won’t expect a tip, but they’re welcomed if you’ve received exceptional service.

• Culture – Icelandic culture is rich in literature, music and art. The Icelandic Sagas, medieval stories about life in Iceland in the 10th and 11th centuries, are a significant part of the country's literary heritage. Music festivals like Iceland Airwaves and cultural events such as the Reykjavik Arts Festival are also popular.

• Arctic travel – if you’re planning an arctic excursion or cruise as part of your trip to Iceland, check what medical facilities will be available to you while you’re in remote areas and make sure you’re covered by your travel insurance.

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