Iceland - Accidents at work
This section contains information on accidents at work.
In what situation can I claim?
Accident insurance is an important part of the Icelandic social security system.
If you suffer an accident while working in Iceland, you should, as a rule, be insured and be entitled to compensation.
There are, however, some exceptions. Those who are self-employed are also insured while working, providing they pay a social insurance fee from their income.
Homemakers can request to be insured while engaged in housework by applying for such insurance on their tax return.
What conditions do I need to meet?
- An accident that occurs in the workplace, during working hours and in connection with the work;
- The accident insurance applies whenever an employee is at the workplace during working hours, during meal and coffee breaks and during travel on behalf of a company. If an employee is injured due to toxic materials, radiation or the like while working, the employee should be insured for the illnesses that can be traced to the poisoning.
What does the accident at work insurance cover?
Medical expenses
You may be entitled to reimbursement of the fees that persons with health insurance have to pay when they seek the assistance of a physician (see section on health insurance).
Per diem cash benefits
Per diem cash benefits are paid as of the 8th day after you have missed 10 days of work due to the accident. Per diem cash benefits are a fixed payment per day, and a supplement is paid for children under the age of 18. Accident per diem cash payments are paid for a maximum of 52 weeks.
Disability pension
If the occupational accident causes permanent disability, you may be entitled to disability pension.
- If the disability is greater than 75%, you are probably entitled to a full disability pension;
- If the disability is less than 75%, your entitlement to disability benefits is calculated proportionally.
- In addition, you may be entitled to child pension if certain conditions are met.
Disability pensions in general are discussed in greater detail in section 9.
Death grants
If the occupational accident leads to the death of the injured person within two years of the accident, the spouse is entitled to death benefits. Death benefits are a fixed payment paid for eight years to survivors. Child pensions are paid to children under the age of 18 if a parent dies as the result of an occupational accident. If the deceased has neither a spouse nor children, a specific minimum amount is paid to the estate of the deceased.
What am I entitled to and how can I claim?
The occupational accident is reported to Icelandic Health Insurance (see form on right side of page).
The occupational accident must be reported no later than one year after its occurrence.
Jargon busters
Work capability A person who is healthy enough to work either part-time or full-time is capable of working. A person who, due to their health, cannot work, either full-time or part-time, is unable to work, either partially or wholly. Physicians are responsible for assessing work capability.
Forms you may need to fill in
Various forms on the website of Icelandic Health Insurance (near bottom of page)
- Accident Report
- Application for disability pension due to accident
- Follow-up certificate due to accident
- Reimbursement of medical costs due to accident
- Injury certificate due to accident
Know your rights
The following websites provide information on your rights. They are not, however, operated by the EU Commission and do not reflect the Commission's views:
- Information on occupational accidents from Icelandic Health Insurance http://www.sjukra.is/slys/
- Information on death allowance from the Social Insurance Administration https://www.tr.is/
- Information on child pension
- http://www.sjukra.is/slys/slysabaetur/danarbaetur/ in connection with disability caused by an accident.
Publications and websites operated by the EU Commission:
Who do you need to contact?
Icelandic Health Insurance
Vínlandsleið 16 (see map)
113 Reykjavik
Tel: 515 0000
E-mail: sjukra@sjukra.is
www.sjukra.is
Social Insurance Administration (Tryggingastofnun)
Hlíðasmári 11
201 Kópavogur Iceland
Tel: + 354 560 4400
E-mail: tr@tr.is
https://www.tr.is/