Financial support for assistive devices in Iceland

If you live in Iceland, are a citizen of another Nordic country and need assistive devices, you have the same right to apply for public support as other health insured persons in Iceland.

If you have health insurance in Iceland, you can apply for support from Icelandic Health Insurance both for the assistive devices that a person needs for their daily life and for care and treatment.

An application is sent electronically via the data portal Gagnagátt or medical record Saga by a healthcare professional. It must include:

• justification for the need for an assistive device based on capacity, disability and health;

• information from the medical record about diagnoses (ICD number) and medical history in the case of a first application.

• In the case of the first application, a review and/or capacity assessment by a healthcare professional is necessary. If there is a change in the medical condition/disability, a new opinion from the relevant healthcare professional may be required.

Assistive devices for cars

Icelandic Health Insurance pays for or participates in the purchase of necessary assistive devices according to certain rules.

These include a variety of equipment for vehicles that is necessary for disabled drivers. For example, support for automatic transmission, special modifications to the brakes and the accelerator, and car lifts for wheelchair users.

Assistive devices for use in schools

Icelandic Health Insurance is authorized to provide grants for two assistive devices of the same type for severely disabled children and adolescents who, due to their schooling (preschool and primary school) or stays in training and day care institutions, would otherwise have to be without their assistive devices during the day.

Communication aids

Icelandic Health Insurance pays for communication aids for individuals with major difficulty in oral and/or written communication according to certain rules.

These include various solutions to facilitate communication, including simple solutions such as writing equipment, communication books and picture cards.

Assistive devices for use in shared housing

Persons who live in shared housing and are covered by health insurance have the same right to personal assistive devices as those who live in private homes, including mobility aids, specially equipped beds, tableware and assistive devices for dressing.

Assistive devices in health care institutions, residential and care institutions

Icelandic Health Insurance does not contribute to assistive devices for persons admitted to medical institutions.   The same applies to institutions for the elderly, dependent or disabled, and children, as well as other similar institutions. In such cases, the hospital or institution in question must provide residents with all assistive devices.

If you would like further information regarding aids, you can contact the customer service of Icelandic Health Insurance at +354 515-0000. You can also find a large amount of information on the website of Icelandic Health Insurance.