Travel insurance for Iceland
Key takeaways
Travel insurance for Iceland is not required, but recommended due to its unpredictable weather and remote locations
European travel insurance policies usually include Iceland, but you should always check
You will probably need to buy insurance add-ons to be covered for adventurous activities like hiking and glacier exploration, and for disruptions caused by volcanic activity
Do I need travel insurance for Iceland?
Travel insurance is not a legal requirement. But without it you will be personally responsible for paying all the costs if something goes wrong with your trip. Travel insurance can financially protect you if your holiday to Iceland is unexpectedly cancelled, you have a medical emergency while travelling, or your belongings are lost or stolen.
If a travel insurance policy covers Europe, does this include Iceland?
Iceland is a European country so generally a travel insurance policy that covers Europe will cover Iceland, although you should always double check what your specific insurance covers.
Although Iceland is in Europe, it not part of the European Union (EU). It is part of the European Economic Area (EEA).
What type of travel insurance do I need for Iceland?
Standard travel insurance is often suitable for your trip to Iceland. It will usually cover:
Illness and accidents
Trip and activity cancellations
Lost luggage
Theft
Personal liability
You may need to buy specialised travel insurance or add-ons if you want to cover:
Adventurous activities (scuba diving, hiking etc.)
Winter sports (skiing, snowboarding etc.)
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Which travel insurance add-ons should I consider for Iceland?
Adventurous sports cover
Standard travel insurance might not include activities like glacier hiking, ice climbing, or snowmobiling.
Additional medical insurance for remote areas
If you’re planning to spend time in areas far from medical facilities consider choosing a policy that offers a high amount of medical cover and includes things such as evacuations.
Natural disaster cover
Volcanic activity in Iceland has severely disrupted holidaymakers travel plans in the past, and many standard travel insurance policies do not cover natural disasters.
Car rental insurance and roadside assistance
Renting a car is a great way to explore the country but also means driving an unfamiliar vehicle on unfamiliar roads and possibly driving in worse weather or less populated areas than you may be used to.
Do I need a visa to travel to Iceland from the UK?
Visa requirements for a country can change. For the most up-to-date information, check the UK government’s foreign travel advice for Iceland.
If you are a UK passport holder you do not need a visa to enter Iceland if:
Your visit will not mean you have spent more than 90 days in the Schengen area within a 180-day period
the purpose of your visit is a holiday or to see friends and family
the purpose of your visit is for limited, short-term work or study purposes, such as to attend a business meeting
Rules for visiting Europe have changed for British passport holders post-Brexit. If you overstay your 90-day visa-free limit you can be banned from entering any Schengen country for three years.
The countries that make up the Schengen area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
If you think you might need a visa for Iceland, you should contact the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration.
All UK travellers to Iceland must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from Iceland.
Are European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) still valid for travel to Iceland?
Yes, if your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) has not expired you can still use it to get state healthcare in Iceland and in other European Economic Area (EEA) countries.
However, EHICs are now being replaced with UK Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC). UK residents can get a GHIC for free from the NHS website. The cards are valid for up to 5 years.
The UK government and the NHS advise Britons with EHICs and GHICs to still take out comprehensive travel insurance when they visit Europe, as the health insurance cards do not cover all medical situations and costs.
Does travel insurance cover volcanic eruptions and volcanic ash disruption?
While some travel insurers cover extreme weather events, many standard policies will not pay out for such ‘force majeure’ or ‘acts of god’ events.
If you want this kind of protection, look for a travel insurance policy or add-on that includes travel disruption cover or natural disaster cover.
