If you are a full-time student studying abroad or an employee of a Norwegian employer who has been posted abroad to work in another country, you may be entitled to extended subsidisation. Some pensioners are also entitled to extended subsidisation. Find out more about what extended subsidisation covers in connection with stays abroad.
In the USA, Norway had for many years an agreement with a US insurance agent which has assisted students, posted employees and pensioners with regard to access to healthcare, and coverage of healthcare expenses. The current agreement with the insurance agent Optum ended on 11 September 2022.
The European Court of Justice pronounced a landmark judgment in 2020 (the Schrems II judgement) concerning the transfer of personal data to countries outside the EU/EEA. The judgement means that this special arrangement no longer could continue.
Without the special arrangement, you must now use your private health insurance or pay for the treatment yourself and apply to Helfo for reimbursement afterwards. Your rights to have your expenses relating to essential healthcare services reimbursed under the Norwegian National Insurance Act are the same as before.
Helfo recommends that you take out private health insurance. Helfo does not cover insurance costs.
You can find more information on these webpages: