Health & Insurance Guide

The Norwegian Healthcare System

Norway has a public healthcare system funded by taxes. Most services are heavily subsidized.

Getting a GP (Fastlege)

What is a Fastlege?

Every resident in Norway is entitled to a regular GP (fastlege). Your GP is your first point of contact for all health issues.

How to Get a GP

• Register at helsenorge.no (requires BankID)
• Choose a GP from the available list in your area
• You can change GP up to 2 times per year

Waiting Lists

• Some areas have long waiting lists for GPs
• If no GP is available, contact your municipality for help
• You can still use emergency services (legevakt) without a GP

Costs

Patient Fee (Egenandel)

• You pay a small fee for each visit to the GP, specialist, or hospital
• GP visit: Around 170–200 kr
• Specialist: Around 350–400 kr
• Hospital outpatient: Around 350–400 kr

Frikort (Free Card)

• Once you have paid 3,165 kr in patient fees in a calendar year (2025), you get a frikort
• With frikort, all further treatment is free for the rest of the year
• Frikort is issued automatically – you do not need to apply

Children

• All healthcare is free for children under 16

Emergency Services

Legevakt (Emergency GP)

• For urgent but non-life-threatening issues
• Open outside normal GP hours
• Find your nearest at legevakt.no

Emergency (113)

• Call 113 for life-threatening emergencies
• Ambulance, fire, police

Advice Line

• Call 116 117 for medical advice
• Available 24/7

Mental Health

• Ask your GP for a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist
• DPS (District Psychiatric Centre) – free with referral
• Private psychologists available without referral (costs more)

Dental Care

• Adults: Not covered by the public system – you pay full price
• Children under 18: Free dental care
• Young adults 18–21: Subsidized dental care
• Private dental insurance is available and recommended

Insurance

What the Public System Covers

• GP visits
• Hospital treatment
• Surgery
• Maternity care
• Mental health (with referral)

What You Should Consider Getting Privately

• Dental insurance – not covered publicly for adults
• Travel insurance – if you travel frequently
• Contents insurance (innboforsikring) – covers your belongings at home
• Home insurance (husforsikring) – required if you own a home

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

• If you are an EU/EEA citizen, bring your EHIC card
• Covers emergency treatment when travelling in Europe

Pregnancy & Maternity Care

• Free prenatal care through your GP and midwife
• Birth is free in Norwegian hospitals
• Postnatal care at your local health centre (helsestasjon) is free
• Parental leave: 49 weeks at 100% or 59 weeks at 80%