Healthcare entitlement
: 30. December 2024
Here you can read about which healthcare services you are entitled to when you live in Norway.
Select the situation that applies to you (for multiple target groups)
Healthcare entitlement can vary depending on your residence status and the country you come from. Helsenorge.no has specific pages for foreigners in Norway where you can read about rights for tourists, employees, students, refugees, asylum seekers and persons without legal residence.
Right to healthcare services when you live in Norway
Everyone living in Norway is entitled to emergency healthcare.
More on healthcare (helsenorge.no)
Your GP – your most important contact
Everyone who is registered as resident in a Norwegian municipality is entitled to a doctor known as a general practitioner (GP). Those with D-numbers are normally not entitled to a GP.
Your GP will typically be your first point of contact. In some countries a GP is referred to as a ‘family doctor’. You will go to the same doctor every time you need help. Your doctor will help you and can refer you to a specialist for evaluation, if you need it. You can change GPs up to twice per calendar year.
Find information about GPs in Norway (helsenorge.no).
Payment for healthcare services (deductibles and exemption cards)
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.
Healthcare for children and young people
Children under 16 do not pay to visit the doctor or for emergency care and are eligible for free vaccinations. You can receive free dental care up to the age of 18 and reduced prices until you are 24. Health centres and school health services can help you.
More on healthcare for children and young people
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
There are many good services available if you require mental healthcare. Your GP can refer you to the help you need.
Information about mental health issues (helsenorge.no).
Information about suicidal thoughts and suicide (helsenorge.no)
It is important that you seek help if you have been subjected to torture, violence or abuse.
Information about violence and abuse(helsenorge.no)
Experiencing and fleeing from war can result in mental and physical issues. If you experience problems sleeping or other issues that affect your quality of life, you should seek help.
Information for people who have fled from war and have childcare responsibilities (helsenorge.no)
You can also get help if you have alcohol or substance abuse issues.
Information on substance abuse and addiction (helsenorge.no)
Work and sickness
Are you losing income due to unemployment, sickness or an injury, or because your employer cannot pay you? You may be entitled to funds from the Norwegian Labour Welfare Administration (NAV). Here is some brief information and links regarding unemployment benefit, NAV Wage Guarantee, sickness benefit and occupational injuries.
Information on support when you lose income, are sick or injured (nav.no)
You may be able to have costs for medical assistance, X-rays, dental help, medication and physiotherapy in the event of an occupational injury or illness covered.
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.