Healthcare benefits during a temporary stay in Norway

On this page you will find an overview of which healthcare rights you have during a temporary stay in Norway if you are from another EU/EEA country or Switzerland. It is advisable that you bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. The card serves as proof of your entitlement to necessary treatment covered by the Norwegian national health service.

Mann with a suitcase about the enter a train

Illustration: Morten Rakke / Helfo

You cannot use your European Health Insurance Card in Norway if you are a citizen from a country outside of the EU/EEA or Switzerland. This applies even if you are currently living in the EU/EEA or Switzerland. In this case, you need a private health insurance.

Doctors

  • Consult a Public General Practitioner within normal opening hours.
  • To receive acute and essential treatment outside normal opening hours, you must consult a Public Emergency Room («legevakt»). All municipalities in Norway have a Public Emergency Room which is open day and night. Call 116 117 to get in contact with the closest Public Emergency Room.
  • Present your EHIC or other identification. You might also be asked to show your passport.
  • You will be charged a patient fee depending on the treatment given. Patient fees are not refundable and may vary. If you, due to a mistake, pay more than the patient fee, remember to keep the receipt for reimbursement from your country of residence.
  • Treatment of children under the age of 16 is free of charge.
  • To see a specialist, you must be referred by a doctor, and you will have to pay applicable standard patient fees.
  • If you consult a private doctor without a reimbursement agreement, you will have to pay full costs.

Hospital treatment

  • In case of an emergency, dial 113.
  • In case of an emergency, you can get treatment from the nearest public hospital.
  • For other hospital treatment, a doctor's referral is necessary.
  • In-patient treatment, including necessary medication, is free of charge.
  • To receive out-patient treatment, you must be referred by a doctor, and you will have to pay applicable standard fees depending on the treatment given.

If you intend to receive planned healthcare in Norway, read more about this here.

Ambulance

  • Ambulance and air ambulance transport to hospital within Norway is free of charge in emergencies.

Prescriptions

  • Prescribed medication can be collected at any pharmacy.
  • Present your EHIC and the prescription.
  • You will be charged for medication. Charges may vary.
  • Some medication on «blue prescription», for chronically sick persons or long-term illness patients, will only be charged a patient fee.

Dentists

  • You will usually have to pay the full cost of any dental treatment. This is the main rule, but we have some exceptions regarding a few underlying diagnosis.
  • Dental treatment is usually non-refundable in Norway, except for children under the age of 18.

Oxygen therapy and dialysis

  • ​Your EHIC covers the provision of oxygen and dialysis.
  • You’ll have to arrange and pre-book medical treatment before you go. Ensure you allow plenty of time to make all your arrangements before you travel.
  • It's important to make sure you are booked with a state-funded healthcare provider. Treatments at private healthcare providers are not covered by your EHIC.

Reimbursement

  • ​If you show your EHIC, you should be charged only the standard patient fees (which are non refundable).
  • If you have had to pay full costs for care, contact the appropriate public office in your home country to seek reimbursement once you return home.
  • Keep all original bills and receipts, as well as copies of referrals and prescriptions, in case you need them for possible reimbursement.