Blue Lagoon Iceland and Icelandic Health Authorities Sign Agreement on Increased Services

Siv Friðleifsdóttir, Iceland’s minister of health and Grímur Sæmundsen, Blue Lagoon’s CEO, signed an agreement between the ministry and the Blue Lagoon. The agreement is for the next six years and is valid until the end of 2012.

According to the agreement, Blue Lagoon provides individuals with psoraisis and eczema a treatment covered by the Icelandic health insurance. The Blue Lagoon psoriasis treatment is provided at the Blue Lagoon – Clinic and involves bathing in the treatment lagoon and light therapy. A nurse oversees the light therapy as well as daily care and consultations. A dermatologist oversees the treatment. 

According to the new agreement the ministry will pay Isk 45 millions during the period of six years, Isk 34.4 million for treatment, Isk 9.7 million for day charges and Isk 390.000 for people accompanying children or handicappped individuals for treatment.

The two also signed an agreement for a research fund for the next four years. According to the agreement the ministry will provide Blue Lagoon a grant for research and international marketing of the psorisasis and eczema treatment. The value of the grant is Isk 25 million annually for the next four years.

Grímur Sæmundsen said the new research were an important continuation of the studies that have already been conducted. “The studies are also an important tool for the treatment to gain international recognition,” he said.

Research results show that regular bathing in the Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater combined with light thereapy is in many cases more effective than other treatment options. The treatment is natural and without side effects. Blue Lagoon skin care products are also a part of the treatment. The Blue Lagoon works according to a research plan focused on increasing the knowledge of the Blue Lagoon psoriasis treatment and at the same time strengthen the international competiveness of Icelandic health care.