Health care expenses in The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is no longer a member of the European Union. From January 1. 2021 only some groups of people will have the right to be reimbursed for health care expenses .
Expenses directly linked to the birth can be covered, such as maternity stays in a hospital.
If situations arise during the birth that results in the child needing further follow-up, further treatment is not covered. Expenses for antenatal check-ups, vaccinations, and newborn check-ups are not covered either.
Neither you nor your baby are entitled to reimbursement of healthcare expenses during a temporary stay abroad outside of the EU/EEA.
You should take out travel insurance that covers healthcare costs for both of you.
You must pay childbirth expenses out of pocket and apply to Helfo for reimbursement when you return home.
Apply to Helfo for reimbursement
You can apply to Helfo for a refund by using our digital form. You need the following documentation:
- original specified receipts or original specified invoice with documentation that you have paid for all expenses you have had in connection with the birth
- copy of health card for pregnant women or other documentation from Norwegian health personnel on pregnancy
- copy of birth certificate
Deadline
The application form and documentation must be sent to Helfo within 6 months of each individual invoice date, i.e. the date on the invoice you receive. If you settle the treatment the same day you receive it, the time limit starts from this date.
Helse- og omsorgsdepartementet has proposed a change in the legislation regulating the application deadline for reimbursement for treatment received abroad. This means that if you have not settled on the spot, but received an invoice afterwards, the deadline is calculated from the invoice date instead of the treatment date.
Paper form
If you are unable to use our digital form, you can complete the following form instead (only available in Norwegian):
The application must be sent to: Helfo; Postboks 2415; 3104 Tønsberg.
Power of attorney in connection with enquiries to Helfo
If you contact Helfo on behalf of anyone else, you must have power of attorney for them.
Parents/guardians must also have power of attorney from any children aged 18 or over. In the case of health information, you must have power of attorney from any children aged 16 or over. This is because the age of majority under health law is 16.
Complete the power of attorney form and send it to Helfo as an attachment to a digital form, or send it by post to Helfo, PO Box 2415, 3104 Tønsberg. Remember to enclose a copy of valid identification for the person granting power of attorney.