Health care in Norway

Norway has a public health service funded by taxes and the National Insurance Scheme (folketrygden). There is no separate health insurance premium. You normally become a member when you live in Norway and plan to stay at least 12 months, or when you work here. Members pay fixed user fees (egenandel) for most public treatment until they reach a yearly ceiling. After that, most treatment is free for the rest of the year. The Norwegian Health Economics Administration (Helfo) handles reimbursements. Helsenorge.no is the official portal for booking, prescriptions and your health records.

Your GP (fastlege) and referrals

• Everyone registered as resident in a Norwegian municipality has the right to a regular GP (fastlege). People with a D number usually do not, with some exceptions. You choose or change your GP on helsenorge.no.
• Children can have the same GP as a parent until they turn 16.
• The GP is your first contact for physical and mental health problems. The GP can prescribe medicine, write a sick note (sykemelding) and refer you to a specialist or hospital.
• After a referral, the hospital or specialist must decide within 10 days whether you have the right to examination or treatment. You do not need a referral in an emergency.
• Emergencies: call 113. Out-of-hours medical service (legevakt): 116 117.

User fees and the exemption card (frikort)

User fees for 2026 (adjusted yearly):

• GP consultation: NOK 179 in the daytime and NOK 301 in the evening; an e-consultation is NOK 179. It is NOK 235 in the daytime if the doctor is a specialist in general medicine.
• Specialist at a hospital outpatient clinic: NOK 443. X-ray or ultrasound: NOK 387.
• Annual ceiling: NOK 3,278 (2026). After that you get an exemption card (frikort for helsetjenester) automatically within three weeks. Overpaid fees are refunded to your bank account.
• From 1 August 2026, everyone under 18 is exempt from user fees.

The frikort covers GPs, psychologists, outpatient clinics, X-ray, laboratories, medicine on blue prescription (blå resept) and patient travel. It does not cover medical certificates or the seasonal flu vaccine. Pregnancy check-ups are offered by your GP or the local health centre (helsestasjon). Abortion is free for women resident in Norway.

Dental care

• Children up to 18: free at the public dental service, except braces. The service calls children in for check-ups.
• People who turn 19–28 in the year of treatment pay 25% of the cost at the public dental service. You must contact the clinic yourself.
• Adults: most people pay the full price, and dentists set their own prices. Helfo covers part of the cost only for certain conditions.

Common pitfalls for newcomers

• Your GP or dentist needs a direct-settlement agreement with Helfo for the public rates to apply. Ask before treatment starts.
• If you miss a hospital appointment without cancelling at least 24 hours before, you pay NOK 1,993 (2026). This fee does not count towards the frikort.
• With only a D number you may have no right to a GP. Make sure you are registered as resident.
• Long stays abroad can end your membership of folketrygden and with it your health rights.

Official guidance: Helsenorge: health care in Norway, Helsenorge: payment for health services, Helsenorge: exemption card, Helsenorge: dental bills