Travel Insurance Expert and Head of Communications
Last updatedDecember 11 2025
10 min read
With beautiful landscapes and natural wonders, Iceland offers thrilling experiences at every turn. Planning on hunting the Northern Lights or relaxing in the Blue Lagoon? Our travel insurance for Iceland has you covered.
What is Iceland travel insurance, and do you need it?
Iceland’s tourism has surged in recent years, with 3.5 million visitors expected by 2030. It’s not surprising either. Iceland is famous for its iconic landscape and culture.
However, with these wonderful sights come erratic weather conditions and even volcanic activity. Any number of surprises could impact your travel plans. Plus, your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) won’t cover you for things like ambulance airlifts, trip cancellations, adventure sports, or lost belongings.
With travel insurance, you can put any worries aside. You’ll be covered for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost or stolen luggage and delays. Plus, you can add our winter sports insurance add-on. Ideal if you’re looking to hit the slopes or go snowmobiling across glaciers.
Below are some reasons why travel cover in Iceland is essential:
Repatriation cover. While no one likes to consider the worst-case scenario, accidents and injuries can happen. The cost for repatriation from Iceland to the UK can be upwards of £3,000, not including flight costs. These expenses are not covered by your GHIC. Travel insurance for Iceland, however, does cover this.
Cover for natural disruptions. Iceland’s landscapes come with their own set of risks, including volcanic activity and erratic weather. For example, the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption resulted in more than 100,000 flights being cancelled. If your plans are affected by a natural event like this, travel insurance can keep you covered if you have natural disaster cover included. This includes cancellations or delays.
Pre-existing medical conditions. Are you living with pre-existing medical conditions? Our policies cover your medical conditions with no upper age limit. However, without Iceland travel insurance, medical bills can quickly add up. For example, if you needed repatriation from Iceland back to the UK, this can cost upwards of £,1995, not including flight costs.
Lost or stolen valuables. Iceland has held the title of safest country in the world since 2008. However, theft or loss can still occur. Our travel insurance provides cover for your belongings, including baggage, cameras, passports and more.
We will consider all pre-existing medical conditions. Find out more about medical travel insurance. The excess and amount of cover available varies depending on the level of travel insurance you buy. Check the policy wording to see the full terms and conditions.
What’s not covered?
Each provider will have different things it can or cannot include in a policy. However, there are some situations in which travel insurance will not cover. For example:
You cannot cover events or reasons to claim that took place before you booked the trip or purchased insurance. Insurance exists to cover unexpected events outside of the insured’s control
Claims which are less than the excess for that section of cover. For example, you cannot claim a £40 lost item if your baggage excess is £60
All of our travel insurance policies include cover for cancellation of your trip. There may, however, be some exclusions. For example, you won’t be covered to cancel if you simply decide not to go
The best travel insurance for Iceland
Hoping to soak in Reykjavík’s culture? Braving a taste of fermented shark? Or perhaps you’re exploring the Golden Circle? Whatever your plans, having the right cover means you can enjoy Iceland’s wonders to the fullest. Take a look at our optional extras below:
Family trip to see the Northern Lights? Our family travel insurance covers everyone under one policy. Plus, you can add gadget cover for all your essential devices.
Embarking on a whale-watching cruise? Our cruise cover protects against missed departures or unexpected disruptions at sea. If you’re cycling along Iceland’s scenic routes, our insurance can cover biking holidays, too.
Staying for a while?Single trip travel insurance lets you explore for up to 365 days. If you’re planning multiple adventures this year, our annual multi-trip insurance has you covered for each one.
Planning multiple trips this year? Our annual multi-trip insurance covers all your Icelandic and European adventures. This lets you explore as often as you like.
Feeling adventurous?Hiking Iceland’s glaciers, exploring volcanoes, or even diving between tectonic plates at Silfra. We have you covered for every adventure. You can also add extreme sports cover for more daring activities like ice climbing or snowmobiling.
We’re here to protect you with options that fit your Nordic journey. To find out what is and isn’t included in these options, read our policy wording.
Choose a cover level to suit your travel needs
Black
Gold
Silver
Medical expenses and repatriation
Unlimited
£15 million
£10 Million
Cancellation and curtailment
£10,000
£7,500
£5,000
Travel delay
Up to £650
Up to £540
Up to £450
Personal belongings
£5,000
£2,500
£2,000
Legal Expenses
£60,000
£50,000
£15,000
Standard Excess
Nil
£50
£60
Travel insurance for Iceland with pre-existing medical conditions
We’ll show you your quote, then all you have to do is decide if you want to buy it now or save it for later.
Our experts say…
“Breathtaking landscapes. Thrilling activities. Iceland is a dream destination for travellers. Our Iceland travel insurance covers any unexpected costs. That includes medical emergencies and even adventure sports. With InsureandGo, you can enjoy Iceland’s natural wonders, knowing we cover every step.”
While it isn’t mandatory, travel insurance for Iceland is highly recommended. The country is known for its safety, but unpredictable weather can lead to trip disruptions or accidents. Travel insurance ensures you’re covered for medical emergencies. We’ll also cover costs from delays, lost luggage, and other unexpected incidents that could occur during your visit.
Is Iceland classed as Europe for travel insurance?
Yes, most travel insurance providers, including InsureandGo, classify Iceland as part of Europe. Even though it’s not part of the European Union. This means you can select European cover when purchasing your travel insurance for Iceland.
Is Iceland covered by the GHIC?
Post-Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will not work in Iceland. Travel insurance, however, will cover the costs of any unexpected medical treatment.
Do I need a visa to visit Iceland?
If you’re a British citizen, you don’t need a visa to visit Iceland for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is because Iceland is part of the Schengen Area. However, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from the Schengen Area.
For longer stays, such as work or study, you may need a visa or permit. Be sure to check the requirements before travelling.
Does travel insurance cover the Iceland volcano?
Yes, our travel insurance covers you from incidents surrounding natural disasters if you have the necessary add-on. This includes disruptions caused by volcanic ash clouds and eruptions. This includes flight cancellations or delays if you’re stranded due to an eruption.
How much is travel insurance for Iceland?
The cost of travel insurance for Iceland depends on several factors. For example, your age, trip length, and any optional extras like winter sports or adventure cover.
Other factors include the type of policy:
The level of policy cover you go for
Whether you want an annual or single trip policy
Any policy add-ons you need
Any pre-existing medical conditions
Your age
The length of your trip
Can I get assistance if I fall ill or injure myself while in Iceland?
Yes. If you need emergency medical treatment while in Iceland, our 24-hour assistance team is on hand to help you. All our travel insurance policyholders can contact our specialised team.
Does standard travel insurance cover adventure sports in Iceland?
Standard travel insurance often includes basic activities like hiking. However, it may not cover more extreme adventure sports, such as glacier hiking, snowboarding, or rock climbing.
For these types of activities, you’ll likely need to add our winter sports option to your policy. This will ensure you’re fully covered for injuries or accidents while participating in high-risk activities.
Who can buy an InsureandGo Iceland travel insurance policy?
All our Iceland travel insurance policies are available to UK residents, meaning:
You must have lived in the UK or the Channel Islands for at least six of the last 12 months.
You need to be in the UK when purchasing the policy.
Travel Insurance Expert and Head of Communications
Letitia is a Travel Insurance expert with more than 20 years experience in helping people find specialist insurance. As Head of Communications at InsureandGo, Letitia cares about making it easy for people who love travel to get the cover they need.
* Discount based on the premium amount: 5% off premiums £0-£49, 10% off £50-£249, & 20% off £250+. Discount excludes any premium generated to cover medical conditions or optional extras. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Discount ends 23:59 on 29th January 2026. See Terms and Conditions for more details. All quotes from 19th December 2025 to 23.59 on 29th January 2026 will be included in the prize draw. Terms and Conditions apply.
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Based on 1,692 responses, correct as of 24/07/2025.
Based on 1,692 responses, correct as of 24/07/2025.