Safety is of utmost importance to Erasmus+. It is easier for participants to enjoy and benefit from their Erasmus+ experience, both personally and professionally, when they can do so safely. In Icelandic
Gather information about the destination country, city and organisation, for example by contacting those who have already been there on an Erasmus+ project, if possible.
Make sure all insurance is in order before departure
Erasmus+ does not offer special insurance for participants. Project managers and individuals who participate in Erasmus+ projects should make sure they have all the information about insurance that pertains to them.
European Solidarity Corps supplies insurance to volunteers in the programme, but other participants need to supply their own insurance.
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is for citizens of the EEA-countries. The card is valid within the public health care sector and covers medical care that becomes necessary during a stay in another EEA country, considering the nature of the medical care and the expected length of the stay. It is important to bring the card abroad for the insurance to work. The card can be obtained from Sjúkratryggingar Íslands. It is valid for 3-5 years at a time and can be renewed 6 months or less prior to the expiration date.
Individuals with a citizenship from countries outside the EEA and have health insurance in Iceland need to inform themselves specifically on the rules pertaining to them.
The
National Agency recommends that project managers draw the attention of
participants to the situation in the country receiving them in their Erasmus+
project. Whether it is informing them about accessibility issues or the
political landscape that might affect participants (such as the attitude of
authorities towards LGBTQIA+ groups, or towards people with disabilities,
etc.).
This could be anything from informing the participants about the situation to providing information about relevant stakeholders or other organisations that could be helpful contact points for the participants during a longer stay.
Get acquainted with the emergency numbers of the country of destination as well as the emergency services available within the receiving organisation.
Contact the emergency services in the country if a participant's safety is threatened.
Icelandic citizens: Contact the Emergency Consular Services Hotline of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, after having contacted the emergency services in the country of destination. The phone number is open 24/7: +354 545-0112 and the email is help@mfa.is.
Non-Icelandic citizens: We encourage participants to get familiar with the emergency services offered by their country of citizenship.
Iceland does not have embassies in all countries and therefore it can be helpful to look up information on the nearest embassies, consuls or other embassies which represent Iceland in each country.
Participation in Erasmus+ projects normally happen without incidents. If something does come up which effects the stay abroad, we encourage the participant to immediately contact their project manager (international officer or another contact person responsible for the stay abroad), in order to get support and information, for example concerning any effects it may have on the grant. Project managers are encouraged to maintain communication with the relevant staff of the Erasmus+ National Agency. For larger projects with many partners, it can be useful to have an emergency plan in place for unexpected situations before they occur.
Important information on the safety of participants, by the European Commission
Special instructions from the Icelandic National Agency regarding Covid-19
Website of the Emergency Consular Service Hotline (in Icelandic)
Website of the Icelandic Health Insurance (ICI)
