Faroese hospital to charge for foreign patient transfers

The Faroese Hospital Service plans to introduce a repatriation fee of 21,000 DKK for arranging the return or medical transport of foreign patients whose insurance coverage is delayed, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

Foreign patients, already discharged but awaiting insurance approval, often remain in Faroese hospitals longer than medically necessary. The hospital’s international service has repeatedly arranged urgent transfers to Denmark when patients required immediate care beyond local capabilities, diverting staff time and resources.

The fee aims to offset costs when the Hospital Service must advance transport for patients covered by foreign insurers.