Norway is widely recognized for its exceptional quality of life, and its healthcare system is a key contributor to this reputation. If you are an expatriate, you might wonder about the services and medications available and the formalities involved. This guide provides an overview of Norway's healthcare system, its advantages, and how to navigate it as part of your new life in Scandinavia.
Introducing the Norwegian healthcare system
Norway's healthcare system – accessible by paying taxes in Norway, Norwegian citizenship, or registration in the National Population Register – is universal and primarily funded through taxes.
All Norwegian residents are entitled to free or low-cost healthcare, including consultations with general practitioners, hospital care, and most medical treatments. The system operates on three levels:
- Primary healthcare services: general practitioners (GPs) and home care services;
- Regional hospitals;
- Specialized institutions.
How the Norwegian healthcare system works
Finding your General practitioner (Fastlege)
You can find a general practitioner (fastlege) in your municipality and register with them, provided they have availability on their patient list.
General practitioners (GPs) in Norway work under agreements with municipalities and manage a fixed number of patients. Once you register with a GP, they become your main point of contact for medical services, handling examinations, diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions. For specialist care, a referral from your GP is necessary.
Specialist appointments can take several months unless it is an emergency.
If you are dissatisfied with your GP or relocate, you can switch to another GP twice a year.
Consultations and prescriptions
To schedule an appointment, contact your GP's clinic directly. While many doctors speak English, it's not guaranteed. If you do not speak Norwegian, you can request an interpreter, a right available to all patients.
A small fee is charged for consultations (around NOK 180 or €15), which may be higher if the GP has a specialization. Once your annual healthcare expenses reach NOK 3,165 (€270, as of November 1, 2024), you will receive an exemption card (frikort) covering additional healthcare costs for the rest of the year.
If your GP prescribes medication, costs depend on the type of prescription:
- Blue prescriptions: Cover chronic or long-term medications. You pay 50% of the cost, with a maximum of NOK 520 for a three-month supply.
- White prescriptions: For short-term treatments, the full cost is borne by the patient as these are not reimbursed.
Healthcare benefits for expats in Norway
Expatriates residing in Norway enjoy the same access to healthcare as Norwegian citizens, provided they register with the National Population Register (Folkeregisteret) in their municipality – a process that opens up their access to the healthcare system.
For EU/EEA citizens, registration is straightforward. Non-EU citizens may need to complete additional formalities, such as obtaining a residence permit, proving stable residence, and demonstrating employment or sufficient financial resources.
Norway's healthcare system caps annual healthcare expenses through the “frikort”. After reaching the cap, additional costs for consultations, prescription drugs, and other treatments are covered by the state to help alleviate the high costs. However, dental care is not included in public health coverage and can be expensive.
Furthermore, the Norwegian high-end healthcare system boasts efficient practitioners and modern facilities, much to the satisfaction of expats. The country additionally prioritizes minimizing waiting times for non-urgent care, ensuring a more efficient healthcare experience.
Preventative care is also emphasized, with regular screening programs for diseases such as cervical, breast, and colon cancer offered to all residents.
Hospitals and clinics in Norway
Major hospitals in Norway
Norway has an extensive network of hospitals, most of which are public. University hospitals, such as Oslo University Hospital and Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen, make them the preferred choice for complex treatments and advanced surgical procedures.
The former in Oslo is Norway's largest hospital, specializing in cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery, while the latter in Bergen is known for its advancements in medical research and intensive care.
Private clinics and public health centers
General practitioners, or fastlege, play a central role in providing regular patient care and, when necessary, coordinating referrals to specialists. In such cases, they issue a referral letter that is sent directly to the specialist. GPs typically prioritize directing patients to state-funded public healthcare centers, which are part of the national healthcare system, accessible to all residents, and typically involve minimal out-of-pocket costs.
In contrast, private clinics operate on a fee-for-service basis without public subsidies. They generally provide faster – albeit more pricey – access to specialists or diagnostic tests, making them an attractive alternative to the sometimes lengthy wait times in the public system.
Who is eligible for healthcare in Norway?
Eligibility for Norwegian healthcare depends on residency status. Expatriates working or studying in Norway with a personal identification number (personnummer) are automatically enrolled in the system. Temporary residents can obtain a D-number, granting access to basic healthcare.
EU/EEA citizens enjoy similar coverage to Norwegians, while third-country nationals may need private health insurance or public enrollment to access care.
The first step is to register with a GP through the Fastlege system. Registration can be done online at Helsenorge.no. Notify NAV (the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration) of any changes to your status or address to maintain uninterrupted healthcare access.
Expatriates should also acquaint themselves with Norway's co-payment system. While basic healthcare is state-subsidized, some consultations and treatments may involve out-of-pocket expenses. The amount varies based on the type of care, but once the annual cap, known as the "frikort," is reached, all further costs are fully covered by the healthcare system.
How to choose your health insurance in Norway
Public health insurance covers most medical needs in Norway, but private insurance can supplement gaps such as expensive dental care and specialist consultations or faster access.
Popular private health insurance providers like Gjensidige, IF, and Storebrand offer comprehensive plans that often cover specialized care, wellness services, and overseas treatments. These policies are especially advantageous for expatriates with specific medical requirements or those seeking to bypass waiting times in the public healthcare system.
Subscribing for international health insurance is another convenient option to consider before relocating to Norway. Leading providers include:
Good to know:
Check if your private insurance covers medical care abroad — an essential consideration if you travel frequently or make regular trips to your home country. Additionally, take advantage of supplementary services like digital health apps and online consultations, which can greatly simplify managing your healthcare while living in Norway.
Medication in Norway
Availability
Norwegian pharmacies stock a wide range of medications, but some specific drugs might be unavailable or require a prescription. It is thus possible to avail yourself of both prescribed medications (“med resept”) and without prescription. Expatriates from non-European countries might find certain familiar medications unavailable in Norway.
Prescription drugs are subsidized – and hence covered in part – though specialized or non-reimbursed medications can be costly. Check the availability of your usual medications before moving and consult a Norwegian doctor for local alternatives if necessary.
Restrictions and unavailability
Over-the-counter medications in Norway are limited to basic products such as mild painkillers, antihistamines, and some supplements. More specialized medications require a prescription, even if they are typically available without one in other countries. Additionally, some medications—especially those for chronic conditions—may not be available in the same formulations as abroad, with local alternatives often provided. A common example is paracetamol, which is often available in 500 mg tablets.
Chronic illness treatment in Norway
Patients with chronic conditions are granted strong support by Norway's healthcare system, with consistent follow-up care and coordinated treatment plans. General practitioners play a central role in managing these conditions, often in collaboration with specialists.
Chronic diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease patients receive tailored treatment plans that include regular check-ups, follow-up tests, and adjustments based on the condition's progression. Additionally, Norway has specialized clinics dedicated to chronic disease management, working closely with hospitals to provide integrated and comprehensive care.
For expatriates with chronic illnesses, it is crucial to register with a general practitioner as soon as possible and share a thorough medical history to maintain continuity of care. If specific medications are required that are unavailable in Norway, it is recommended to consult with your GP about local alternatives.
While Norway excels in treating a wide range of chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory disorders) through dedicated services, access to some specialized services (e.g., rehabilitation for rare conditions) may be limited, sometimes requiring patients to seek treatment abroad.
If you have complex medical needs, it may be wise to consider supplementary insurance that covers international treatment. This can be especially valuable if the specialized services you require are either unavailable or limited in Norway.
Emergency numbers in Norway
Norwegian medical emergency numbers are as follows:
- 113: For medical emergencies requiring an ambulance.
- 116 117: For the on-call medical service outside of general practitioners' office hours.
- 112: The European emergency number for police, fire, or medical emergencies.
These numbers are free from landlines and mobiles and available 24/7.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
Comments
1some updates to this information: First, when you arrive and are registered in the system, a fastlege is usually assigned to you automatically. You can then change if you want. The cap on amount you spend before you get the "frikort" is now 2460 NOK in 2021.