Medical complaint — Embætti landlæknis · Iceland

Direct answer

Start with the complaints officer of the hospital or practice — every provider must have one, and most issues are resolved there with an explanation or apology. If not, Embætti landlæknis — kvartanir (510 1900) is the independent body for patient complaints in Iceland: free, and it can investigate. Concerns about a doctor's fitness to practise go to Embætti landlæknis — eftirlit með starfsfólki (landlaeknir.is). For compensation after a treatment error, Sjúkratryggingar Íslands — sjúklingatrygging or a lawyer — and ask for your full medical file first, which you are entitled to.

Call firstEmbætti landlæknis — kvartanir

Report toEmbætti landlæknis — eftirlit með starfsfólki

If that failsSjúkratryggingar Íslands — sjúklingatrygging

🗣️ What to say

"On [date] I was treated at [provider] by [name]. I want to make a formal complaint about [what happened]. I request a written response, and a copy of my complete medical file."

🪜 Step by step

Ask for your fileYou have the right to a copy of your records. Get it before anything else; it is the evidence.
Complaints officer firstIn writing, with dates and names. A response within a set time is mandatory.
Not resolved: Embætti landlæknis — kvartanirThe patient ombudsman or complaints commission investigates independently and free of charge.
Professional conduct: Embætti landlæknis — eftirlit með starfsfólkiThe medical council or disciplinary board deals with the doctor's conduct, not with your compensation.
Compensation: Sjúkratryggingar Íslands — sjúklingatryggingLiability claims run through the provider's insurer or a compensation scheme; deadlines apply from the moment you knew of the harm.

📇 All contacts

Embætti landlæknis — kvartanirReceives complaints about healthcare, issues opinionsWhen the provider did not resolve the complaint📞 510 1900 🔗 www.landlaeknir.is/gaedi-og-eftirlit/notendur-heilbrigdisthjonustu/kvartanir

Embætti landlæknis — eftirlit með starfsfólkiSupervision of health professionals, licencesFor concerns about fitness🔗 www.landlaeknir.is/gaedi-og-eftirlit/heilbrigdisstarfsfolk

Sjúkratryggingar Íslands — sjúklingatryggingNo-fault compensation for treatment injuriesWithin four years of learning about the injury📞 515 0000 🔗 www.sjukra.is/sjuklingatrygging

❓ Frequently asked

Can I switch doctor during the complaint?

Yes, at any time. The complaint does not affect your right to care.

Is there a deadline?

Complaints: usually none, but sooner is stronger. Compensation claims: often 3–5 years from discovery. Ask Embætti landlæknis — kvartanir.

They say the file is "internal"

It is not. Your medical records are yours to read and copy; refusal is itself a complaint for Embætti landlæknis — kvartanir.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

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“complaint about doctor Iceland”
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“medical error compensation Iceland”
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