Travel Insurance for Iceland

Travel Insurance for Northern Lights Holidays. Cover designed for Iceland adventures and winter escapes.

From chasing the Northern Lights across dramatic winter landscapes to soaking in the famous Blue Lagoon, Iceland offers unforgettable adventures at every turn. Whether you're exploring volcanic beaches, discovering waterfalls or taking a road trip along the Ring Road, Iceland is a destination unlike anywhere else.

With Holiday Extras travel insurance for Iceland, you can travel with confidence knowing support is there if things don't go to plan. From unexpected flight delays and lost luggage to emergency medical treatment abroad, your policy is designed to help when you need it most. Choose from our Bronze, Silver and Gold cover levels and travel with confidence from the moment you book to the moment you get home, all subject to the terms and exclusions of your policy.

Do I Need Travel Insurance for Iceland?

While travel insurance isn't a legal requirement for UK travellers visiting Iceland, it is highly recommended. Unexpected events such as cancelled flights, lost baggage, illness or injury could become expensive and disruptive to your holiday. Whether you're planning a winter adventure, a Northern Lights getaway or a summer road trip around the island, Holiday Extras travel insurance can help protect you against unforeseen circumstances. Cover can include emergency medical treatment, trip cancellation, delayed departures and lost or stolen belongings, helping you enjoy your Iceland holiday with greater peace of mind. Subject to terms, conditons and exclusions of your policy.

You can choose a Single Trip policy for a one-off holiday or an Annual Multi-Trip policy if you travel regularly throughout the year.

Our Iceland travel insurance helps cover things like lost luggage, illness and flight delays. It can also support you if your plans change unexpectedly, so you can focus on enjoying everything Iceland has to offer. Please read your policy documents carefully for full details of what is and isn't covered.

Iceland Entry Requirements

UK passport holders can visit Iceland for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for tourism purposes.

Before travelling, make sure your passport:

• Was issued less than 10 years before your arrival date.
• Has at least three months validity remaining after your planned departure date.
• Is in good condition and free from significant damage.

As Iceland is part of the Schengen Area, travellers should ensure they meet all current entry requirements before departure. Rules can change, so it's always worth checking official guidance before you travel.

Am I covered for pre-existing medical conditions?

Yes, you may still be able to get travel insurance for Iceland if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Holiday Extras offers cover for a wide range of medical conditions, helping many travellers find a policy that suits their needs before they travel. When getting a quote, it's important to declare all medical conditions honestly and accurately so your cover can be tailored to your circumstances. This can include conditions such as heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, arthritis and many other ongoing or previously diagnosed medical conditions.

Depending on your medical history and individual circumstances, your policy may cover pre-existing medical conditions once they have been declared and accepted as part of your cover. With Holiday Extras travel insurance for Iceland, you'll also have access to AnywhereGP, powered by Air Doctor, giving you 24/7 access to qualified doctors while you're abroad. Having the right travel insurance in place can help provide support if you need emergency medical treatment during your trip, allowing you to explore Iceland's glaciers, waterfalls and volcanic landscapes with greater peace of mind. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply, so always check your policy documents carefully before travelling. Check out our page dedicated to pre-existing medical conditions for what is and isn't covered.

Can I Use My GHIC Card in Iceland?

Yes, UK travellers can use a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) in Iceland. A GHIC may give you access to state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay, often on the same basis as Icelandic residents. However, a GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance. It does not cover everything that could go wrong during your trip, including trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage, mountain rescue, repatriation to the UK, or certain private medical treatments. Check the latest healthcare advice for Iceland if you're unsure.

That's where Holiday Extras travel insurance for Iceland can help. While your GHIC may provide access to some state healthcare services, Holiday Extras travel insurance can offer additional protection for a range of unexpected situations before and during your trip. Depending on your chosen level of cover, this can include emergency medical expenses, cancellation cover, delayed departures, lost baggage and 24/7 emergency assistance. Cover, limits, exclusions and eligibility criteria apply. Please refer to your policy documents for full details.

Iceland is known for its dramatic landscapes and outdoor adventures, from glacier hikes and volcanic tours to driving the famous Ring Road. If you become ill, have an accident or need emergency assistance, travel insurance can provide valuable additional protection beyond what a GHIC offers. Holiday Extras travel insurance for Iceland can help cover a range of unexpected situations, including emergency medical expenses, cancellation costs, delayed departures and lost belongings. Having both a valid GHIC and travel insurance in place can help ensure you're prepared for whatever your Iceland adventure brings.

As cover levels and benefits vary, always check your policy documents carefully to understand what is and isn't covered. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

Does Travel Insurance for Iceland Cover Activities?

From whale watching off the coast of Húsavík to searching for the Northern Lights beneath Iceland's dark winter skies, Iceland is packed with unforgettable experiences. There's so much to see and do, from exploring waterfalls and volcanic landscapes to relaxing in geothermal lagoons and discovering ice caves. With the right travel insurance in place, you can enjoy your Iceland adventure knowing you've got support if things don't go to plan. Standard cover can include a range of popular activities such as whale watching, sightseeing tours and guided nature excursions. Many lower-risk activities, including walking tours and exploring Iceland's famous landmarks, may also be covered as standard.

Winter Sports

Iceland is a brilliant destination for winter adventures, from snowy trails to frozen landscapes and scenic outdoor activities. Many sightseeing tours and guided excursions are included as standard, but if you're planning to take part in winter sports such as ice skating, snow-shoeing or Langlauf, also known as cross-country or Nordic skiing, you'll need to add Winter Sports cover for an additional premium. This helps make sure you have the right cover in place before you travel. Always check your policy documents if you're not sure what activities are covered.

Extended Risk add-on

If you're planning to take part in more adventurous activities during your trip, such as bungee jumping or abseiling (within the organiser's guidelines), you'll need to add Extended Risk Activities cover for an additional premium. This optional add-on can provide extra protection while taking part in higher-risk activities, helping you enjoy your Iceland adventure with greater peace of mind.

Use our handy activity checker to see whether your chosen activity or sport is covered as standard, or if you'll need to add extra cover.

Iceland Travel Tips:

Iceland's weather can change in minutes, so it's best to be prepared for all conditions. Pack waterproof clothing, warm layers and sturdy footwear, even in summer. Checking the weather forecast each morning can help you plan your day and make the most of your trip.

Iceland is largely cashless, and most places accept credit and debit cards, including restaurants, attractions and petrol stations. It's still a good idea to have a small amount of Icelandic Króna (ISK) for emergencies, smaller purchases or places where card payments may not be available.

Hiring a car is one of the best ways to explore Iceland, especially beyond Reykjavik. Before setting off, check local weather and road conditions, as they can change quickly. Be prepared for gravel roads in some areas and remember that headlights must be used at all times, even during daylight hours.

Daylight hours can vary hugely depending on when you visit. In summer, you can enjoy almost 24 hours of daylight, giving you extra time to explore. In winter, daylight is limited, so it's worth planning sightseeing and longer journeys earlier in the day to make the most of the available light and avoid travelling after dark where possible.

Iceland uses European two-pin plugs, so UK travellers will need a travel adaptor. Free Wi-Fi is widely available, and local SIM cards from providers such as Síminn, Nova and Vodafone Iceland can be bought at Keflavík Airport and convenience stores. Many travellers also choose an eSIM before they travel so they're connected as soon as they land.