Travel insurance for the Faroe Islands: why you need it
The Faroe Islands are not in the EU and the European Health Insurance Card does not work there. What insurance you need, what it should cover and who to call.
The Faroe Islands belong to Denmark, but they are not part of the European Union. That has a direct consequence for your health: the European Health Insurance Card does not cover you and you need travel insurance.
What the official source says
According to Visit Faroe Islands:
- Nordic and UK citizens are covered by their countries’ healthcare agreements.
- All other visitors must take out travel health insurance before they leave.
- As the islands are outside the EU, the policy must cover destinations outside the European Union.
This includes EU citizens: the European Health Insurance Card is valid in Denmark, but not in the Faroe Islands.
What your insurance should cover
- Medical care and hospital treatment in the Faroe Islands.
- Repatriation or medical transfer. Serious cases may need a transfer to another country.
- Mountain hiking, if you plan to hike. Some policies exclude adventure activities.
- Cancellations and delays: flights and ferries depend a lot on the weather.
- Luggage, especially if you carry camera or mountain gear.
In an emergency
| Situation | Phone |
|---|---|
| Emergency (police, fire, ambulance) | 112 |
| Medical advice outside GP hours | 1870 |
- For anything non-urgent, you need to make an appointment with a GP.
- Call 1870 before going to A&E.
- Several pharmacies in the country offer out-of-hours service.
If you are heading into the hills, also read how to hike safely.
Frequently asked questions
Is the European Health Insurance Card valid in the Faroe Islands?
No. The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union, and Visit Faroe Islands asks all visitors, except Nordic and British citizens, to have travel insurance with medical cover.
Is travel insurance mandatory?
Visit Faroe Islands says that all visitors who are not Nordic or UK citizens must have valid travel health insurance. Policies are not checked at the border, but without one you will pay for all medical care.
What is the emergency number in the Faroe Islands?
112 for emergencies. Outside GP opening hours, 1870 gives medical advice before you go to A&E.