Healthcare System in Norway: Everything you need to know

How does the Norwegian Healthcare System work?

Norway allocates a big part of their annual budget to their healthcare system, which is considered one of the best ones across the world. It is administered by the Helfo or Helseøkonomiforvaltningen, an institution that has a budget of around 35 thousand million Norwegian kroner. 

Everyone under the age 16 has the right to get health related attention and treatments for free. After that age, they have to get an exemption card in order to get free attention. This card is given after exceeding the maximum amount one can allocate to these kinds of attention, which is 200 euros. Once exceeding that amount, you won’t have to pay for the rest of the year. 

Everyone in Norway gets a family doctor assigned, who is in charge of attending them first before referring them to a specialist or specific hospital. 

Even though healthcare attention is mostly public, there are still some private centers. These aren’t cheap, but can help reduce the waiting times of the attention in the public ones, which can be of more than 4 weeks. Hiring complementary health insurance can help cover these expenses.

How does the system work for foreigners?

As we mentioned before, public healthcare attention in Norway can imply long waiting periods. Therefore, if you’re planning on living there as an Expat, it is ideal to hire international health insurance to help you pay for the access to the private system in case you need to seek attention fast. On InternationalHealth.com you'll be able to find the best international health insurance for you, sou you can be protected not only in Norway, but anywhere you might go. 

https://internationalhealth.com/en/Compare? 
 

Another thing you need to keep in mind is the language barrier you might face when seeking attention if you don't know the local language. Hiring international health insurance can allow you to access telemedicine services in your language or even translation services, depending on the insurance you hire, that will help you get the attention you need even when you aren’t fluent in norwegian. 

If you’re a resident of the EU, you’ll be able to access medical attention in Norway with your European Health Card, but just like Norway’s residents, you'll have to pay an amount for the attention (around 20 or 30 euros). If you plan on seeking treatment, you will have to live there for over 12 months. 

¿Cómo accedo a un Centro de Salud en Noruega?

If you’re a resident of Norway -or are planning to become one- you’ll have to be signed up in the country;s population registry. Once you’ve completed said procedure, you’ll have access to health related attention just as if you were from Norway.

In case you’re traveling as a tourist, it is recommended that you count with health or travel insurance to help you pay for any emergencies or repatriation. It can also help you with any language barriers you may face if not fluent in the local language, and with the elevated costs of seeking private attention. 

If you have a European Health Card (EHC), you won’t be able to access medical treatments until you’ve spent 12 months living in Norway. This is a measure taken to avoid health tourism. 

Health centers in Norway operate from 8 am to 3 pm, and you can easily get a same-day appointment by calling. You need to be aware that, if you’re late to your appointment, you will not only lose it but will also have to pay for it.

What should I do in case of an emergency while in Norway?

The phone number you should call in case of any life risk emergencies or situations that require an ambulance or on-site medical attention is 113. Other numbers you should keep in hand are local police (112) and firefighters (110).

How do pharmacies in Norway operate?

Prescribed medicines are only sold in pharmacies, and the prescription can be found online by a pharmacist at a central database. That way, you can pick up prescribed medicines in any pharmacies across the country by presenting a valid ID, or a notarial form signed by whom the medicine was prescribed to and a copy of that person’s ID.

Given that medical attention is provided in the local language, and the fact that you’ll need a valid prescription to buy certain medicines, it is recommended that you take any medicines you might need with you from your country of origin. Remember to carry the prescription for the medicines you’re taking with you on your travels, with all details on treatment and quantity.

Common medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be found over the counter either at pharmacies or other stores.

Entry Requirements

There are currently no restrictions regarding Covid-19. Depending on your country of origin, you might need a visa to enter Norway. You can find more about your specific case by visiting your local Norwegian embassy or consulate’s website.