All inhabitants of Iceland have the right of access to the best possible health service at any given time for the protection of their mental, social and physical health. The law ensures that there is no discrimination against patients on the grounds of sex, religion, beliefs, nationality, race, skin colour, financial status, family relations or status in other respect.

The health service in Iceland is primarily financed by central government. Financing is mainly based on taxes or 85% and 15% is fee for service.

The country is divided into healthcare regions, each with their own primary healthcare centres, some of which are run jointly with the local community hospital. The primary healthcare centres have the responsibility for general treatment and care, examination, home nursing as well as preventive measures such as family planning, maternity care and child healthcare and school healthcare.

Hospitals in Iceland may be ranked as specialized teaching hospitals, general hospitals and community hospitals. Hospitalisation is free of charge. The specialised hospitals perform most operations and procedures in all specialist medical fields. The health service is staffed by trained and qualified professional groups.