Healthcare & Pharmacies in Iceland: Doctors, Medicine & Insurance for Visitors

Can I buy painkillers in Iceland?

Yes, but only at pharmacies (Apótek). Painkillers and other common medications are not sold in supermarkets or convenience stores.

Do I need travel insurance for Iceland?

Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended. The EHIC card does not replace travel insurance.

Can I get an inhaler or prescription medication in Iceland?

Inhalers and prescription medications require a valid prescription from a doctor. Bring enough supply or carry your prescription. In urgent cases, Læknavaktin (after hours medical service) can issue a temporary prescription.

Can I buy contact lens solution in Iceland?

Yes, but only at pharmacies (Apótek) and it sits behind the counter, not on open shelves. It is not sold in supermarkets, convenience stores, or 10-11. Stock is inconsistent and pharmacies close early with limited weekend hours. Pack more than you think you need and bring a backup bottle. If you run out, try Lyfja Smáratorg or Apótekarinn Austurver, both open until midnight, and call ahead to confirm stock.

Is there a pharmacy at Landspítali hospital?

Yes. There is an Apótek pharmacy at the Landspítali University Hospital campus in Reykjavík, open during regular business hours.

What is the medical advice phone number in Iceland?

Call 1700 for non-emergency health advice. For emergencies, always call 112. Læknavaktin (after hours doctor) can be reached through the same system.

What does health insurance cover in Iceland for visitors?

EU/EEA visitors with an EHIC card get partial coverage but should still carry travel insurance. US and other international visitors generally pay out of pocket. Travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly recommended.

What if I have a food allergy in Iceland?

Fish, dairy, and shellfish appear in many Icelandic dishes, including soups, sauces, and snacks you might not expect. Tell your server clearly in English. If you need epinephrine, bring your own auto-injector, as replacements require a prescription here.

Is a pharmacy open on Sundays in Reykjavik?

Yes, several. In the Grandi area, Lyfja Granda (Fiskisloð 3) and Apotekarinn Granda (Fiskisloð 1) are both open Sundays 11:00 to 19:00, a short walk or drive west of the centre. Downtown, ÍslandsApotek (Laugavegur 53b) opens Sundays but only 12:00 to 16:00, and Lyfja Hafnarstræti (Hafnarstræti 19) keeps short weekend hours. For the longest and most reliable Sunday hours, Lyfja Lagmuli (Lagmuli 5) is open 08:00 to 24:00 every day, and Apotekarinn Austurveri (Haaleitisbraut 68) opens 09:00 to 24:00. Hours can change, so call the branch to confirm before you set out.

Can I buy paracetamol or ibuprofen in Iceland?

Yes. Small packs of common painkillers like paracetamol (ask for Panodil or Paratabs) and ibuprofen (Íbúfen) are sold over the counter at pharmacies (Apótek), not in supermarkets or convenience stores. Tell the pharmacist the generic name, most speak excellent English and will point you to the right product.

What common medicines can tourists buy at Icelandic pharmacies?

Pharmacies stock the usual over-the-counter range: painkillers (paracetamol, ibuprofen), antihistamines for allergies, cough and cold medicine, nasal spray, diarrhoea tablets, motion sickness tablets, heartburn relief, and oral rehydration salts. Everything is bought at the pharmacy counter, so tell the pharmacist your symptom or the generic name and they will help.

Do I need a prescription to buy medicine in Iceland?

It depends. Common over-the-counter items (painkillers, allergy tablets, cold medicine) do not need one and are bought at the pharmacy counter. Antibiotics, inhalers, and most regular prescription medications require a valid prescription. If you run out, Læknavaktin (the after-hours doctor) can issue a temporary prescription.

Can I buy throat lozenges in Iceland?

Yes. Pharmacies sell throat lozenges (ask for hálsbragðarefur), and you will often find basic sore-throat sweets in supermarkets and convenience stores too. The range is limited, so if you rely on a specific flavor or ingredient such as ginger, strong menthol, honey lemon, or a particular herbal blend, bring your preferred kind from home.

Can I travel to Iceland with my prescription medication?

Yes. Keep medication in its original labelled packaging and carry a copy of your prescription or a doctor's letter, especially for controlled medicines such as strong painkillers, ADHD medication, or sedatives. Bring enough for your whole trip plus a few extra days in case of delays, and keep it in your hand luggage. For specific rules on controlled substances, confirm with the Icelandic Medicines Agency (Lyfjastofnun) or your embassy.

Can I bring vitamins, supplements or herbs into Iceland?

Yes. Everyday vitamins and mineral supplements (multivitamin, D3, B12, magnesium, iron, fish oil and similar) in normal personal quantities are fine at customs. Keep them in original labelled packaging. A few herbal ingredients are restricted in Iceland and the EU (for example ephedra, kava, comfrey), and high-dose melatonin is prescription-only, so if you take something unusual, check the active ingredient with Lyfjastofnun before you fly. CBD in any form (oil, gummies, creams) is not legal in Iceland, even if legal at home. Leave it.

Is healthcare free in Iceland for tourists?

No. Iceland does not provide free healthcare to tourists. EU/EEA visitors with a valid EHIC card get the same subsidised rates as residents but still pay a patient fee. Everyone else generally pays out of pocket, so travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care via 112 is given to anyone regardless of insurance, but you may still be billed afterwards.