Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in Kongsvinger, Norway

The main problem where I am in Norway, is that the doctor I have is too lax and laid back, basically I go in and sit in his office to chat. No exam, I have only had my blood pressure taken once in near 4 years now, my weight, TPR's and family history have never been taken. But the main problem is that seeking specialists can and will take anywhere from 6 months to 1 1/2 years. Doctors here will tell you lets see how you feel in 3 months or so....etc,etc, etc.....and then maybe you might be refered then or wait yet another 3 months before they set an appt for you 6 months down the road or longer. For instance I have been diagnosed with Hypothyroidism (thyroid disease) for near 4 years and am still yet to see an endocronologist, as my medication isn't doing a thing for my symptoms (constant headaches, extreme itching in ears and head, excessive weight gain, ear infections caused by itching irritations, tunnel syndrome, and round the clock tiredness and exhaustion from small tasks. And after 10 or more trips to the ear specialist, nothing has done anything to stop this endless madness.

There is just one hospital in Kongsvinger and it is second rate at best. My sister-in-law went to have her baby, and after being placed in her room post birth, she was told point blank that if she bloodied or dampened the sheets, that she would have to change her own bed! I was like WTF? But I don't think this is the case in most cities here as I have never heard this from anyone anywhere else, and we have family all over. Same with most other healthcare issues, it seems to me that Kongsvinger does things however they wish to regardless.

Only once did I have to do this and it was for an MRI, and I must say it was superb care overall. This was done in Lillestrøm.

I am on Thyroid meds which are generally called into the local apotek (pharmacy) and being that they are on the blue list it costs me out of pocket minimally.