Childbirth outside the EU/EEA

If you are a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme and are a tourist or on a temporary stay abroad, your expenses for giving birth in countries outside the EU/EEA can be covered. You will only be covered for the costs of the actual childbirth itself.

Mother holding baby

​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.

Health care expenses in The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom left the EU/EEA (Brexit) in 2020. This entailed changes in entitlement to have healthcare expenses covered. From 1 January 2024, a new social security agreement between the United Kingdom and Norway applies.

Read more about subsidies for health care in The United Kingdom​​.

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

You must send the application form and documentation to Helfo within 6 months of each treatment date. If you have not settled on the spot but paid later, we calculate the deadline from the payment 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.

Content provided by Helfo

Helfo. Childbirth outside the EU/EEA. [Internet]. Oslo: The Norwegian Directorate of Health; updated Monday, October 2, 2023 [retrieved Friday, December 6, 2024]. Available from: https://www.helsenorge.no/en/treatment-abroad/childbirth-outside-the-eu-eea/

Last updated Monday, October 2, 2023