Back symptoms
Back and nerve pain can be highly debilitating and have a major impact on daily life. At Klíníkin, we specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of back pain and neuropathic conditions.
With the help of experienced specialists and the latest technology, we work to identify the root of the problem and offer personalised solutions that promote better health and improved quality of life.
Whether you are dealing with chronic pain issues or newly arisen pain, we are here to assist you.
How we can help
Leading experts in their field
The team
Leading specialists and outstanding service.
Prices
An agreement has been reached with Icelandic Health Insurance (SÍ) on coverage of the main back procedures. More details on patient co-payments can be found on the Icelandic Health Insurance website: sjukra.is
Due to high demand for back surgeries and a great need, a referral to Klíníkin is requested in order to prioritise the service as effectively as possible.
Klíníkin also offers surgeries without SÍ coverage, in which case the price list below applies.
Procedure
Price from
Facet joint block, SÍ coverage
depends on the rights of each individual
Herniated disc
1,240,000
Herniated disc, if covered by SÍ agreement
Fully covered by SÍ
Laminectomy
1,700,000
Laminectomy, if covered by SÍ agreement
Fully covered by SÍ
Nerve root block, SÍ coverage
depends on the rights of each individual
Night on the ward
94,000
RFA treatment, 6 levels
257,000
RFA treatment, 8 levels
340,000
How long do I need to wait?
Waiting times for spinal surgery depend on where you are on the waiting list and whether the surgery is paid for by Icelandic Health Insurance (SÍ) or yourself. The Directorate of Health maintains the waiting lists for all institutions and publishes figures on the waiting times for selected surgeries in the dashboard below. It shows the number of people waiting, the number of surgeries performed, and the percentage of those who have waited longer than 90 days – which is the Directorate's benchmark for an acceptable waiting time for surgery.
Source: Directorate of Health – dashboard for waiting times for surgeries. The figures are updated regularly by the directorate and cover all institutions in Iceland. Open the dashboard in full size.
Surgery covered by SÍ
Klíníkin has an agreement with Icelandic Health Insurance (SÍ) for spinal surgeries. If the conditions of Icelandic Health Insurance are met, Icelandic SÍ pays for the surgery and you only pay a visit fee according to the regulation on co-payments for health-insured individuals. In short, the conditions are that a spinal surgeon has assessed that surgery is the correct treatment and you are on a waiting list for surgery, that you are covered by Icelandic health insurance, and that the quota of surgeries under the annual contract has not been exhausted – those who have waited the longest have priority.
We will review your status in the first consultation and tell you immediately if and when you are entitled to SÍ coverage. You do not need to calculate this yourself.
Do you prefer not to wait?
If you have not yet acquired the right to SÍ coverage, you can choose to pay for the surgery yourself and have it performed sooner. Same team, same operating theatre, and same inpatient ward; the only difference is who pays. The price is in the price list above.
Please note that according to Klíníkin's agreement with Icelandic Health Insurance, we are not permitted to perform surgery for self-paying patients who are already entitled to SÍ coverage. We will review your rights with you before a decision is made.
Referral and MRI.
To see one of our back specialists, you must first obtain a referral from a general practitioner.
The referral must be accompanied by the results of an MRI scan performed no more than 12 months prior to submitting the referral.Processing of referrals
Our specialist will evaluate your referral and prioritise your appointment based on several factors, including how likely it is that our treatment options will help you.Due to the high volume of referrals, waiting times for appointments can be long for some, and in other cases, alternative treatment may be recommended instead of a consultation and treatment with us.
Consultation and assessment of treatment
If the referral warrants an appointment, you will receive a phone call to schedule a consultation with a specialist. They will assess your condition and determine which treatment is best suited for you.Please note that Klíníkin is licensed for a specific number/quota of back surgeries funded by Icelandic Health Insurance (SÍ) within each treatment period. Therefore, any surgery must fall within the quota allocated by SÍ. As a result, some time may pass between receiving payment authorisation and when the procedure can be performed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I find out if a specialist has reviewed my referral?
How do I know if I have received a message on Heilsuvera?
Are all back surgeries at Klíníkin covered by Icelandic Health Insurance (SÍ)?
Can I pay for the procedure myself and then apply for a reimbursement from Icelandic Health Insurance (SÍ)?
