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 social security system comprises insurance such as pension insurance, occupational injury insurance, health insurance and maternity insurance. Iceland's health service is primarily financed by the central government. Hospitalization is free of charge.
Specialized hospitals perform most operations and procedures in all specialist medical fields.
Primary health centres provide general health care and treatment, home nursing and preventive measures, such as health care for pregnant women, babies and school children. The health service is staffed by trained and qualified professional groups. Average life expectancy at birth for females is 81.3 years and for males 76.5 years. Infant mortality is among the lowest in the world, 5.5 per 1,000 live births.