Healthcare in Norway

Right to healthcare services when you live in Norway

In Norway, everyone is entitled to necessary healthcare. This covers many services, from immediate assistance to regular doctor’s appointments (GP consultations) or examinations and treatment by a specialist.  Usually, you need to talk to a GP first. Your doctor will help you, and can refer you to a specialist for evaluation, if you need it. 

Payment for healthcare services 

Healthcare is not free in Norway, but it usually doesn't cost much to get help. You must pay a small amount (deductible) at the doctor’s office and in hospitals. If you have received a lot of healthcare or paid a lot for medication at the pharmacy during a calendar year, you are entitled to an exemption card. The exemption card means that healthcare and medication are free the rest of the year (until New Year). All children under the age of 16 and all pregnant women get free healthcare.

Where to get healthcare

If you have any problems with your health, book an appointment with your GP first. In some countries, GPs are referred to as ‘family doctors’, and you go to the same doctor every time you need help. You can change GPs twice in a calendar year. 

Health services in the municipality

In some cases, you must contact the municipality where you live to get the necessary healthcare. 

The municipality is responsible for providing many health and care services to those who live there.

Here are some of the services organised by the municipality: 

• Prenatal care
• Health center for kids (0-5 years old)
• School health service 
• Health centre for young people 
• Home nursing care
• Safety alarm
• Nursing home

Help and treatment for mental health problems

Many good services are available if you need mental healthcare.

It is important that you seek help if you have been subjected to torture, violence or abuse. You can also get help if you have an alcohol or drug problem.

Your GP can refer you to the help you need. 

Information about mental health (Helsenorge)

Information for those who have fled from war and who are responsible for children (Helsenorge)

Information about suicidal thoughts and suicide (Helsenorge)

Sickness benefit

If you have an injury or illness that makes you unable to work, you may be entitled to sickness benefit. Sickness benefit replaces your income. NAV decides whether your sick note entitles you to sickness benefit. There are different rules depending on what kind of work you have or what situation you are in.

You may be entitled to sickness benefit if you meet the following general conditions:

• You are a member of the National Insurance scheme or an EU/EEA citizen working in Norway.
• You are under the age of 70.
• You have received a sick note from a doctor, dentist, chiropractor or manual therapist.
• You are on sick leave for at least 20 per cent of your total working hours.
• The work must provide income you receive as pay and pay tax on (pensionable income).

Read more about sickness benefit in Norwegian and English (nav.no)

Do you need an interpreter? 

You should receive information about your own health and treatment in a language you understand. If you have difficulty understanding and speaking Norwegian, you have the right to an interpreter in the language you prefer. It is the health service’s responsibility to book an interpreter. The interpreter has a duty of confidentiality and is impartial. The interpreting service is usually free.