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Expat Exchange - Health Care in Oslo 2024
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Aker Brygge in Oslo, Norway


Health Care in Oslo

By Betsy Burlingame

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Learn about the health system in Oslo: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Oslo.

Oslo has a public and private healthcare system that provides quality medical care to its citizens and visitors. Norway's public healthcare system is called the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme and is available to all citizens and legal residents of Norway.

Norway's Healthcare System

The Norwegian National Insurance Scheme is a comprehensive public healthcare system that covers medical services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. It is available to all citizens and legal residents of Norway, and is also available to foreigners who are legally residing in Norway. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Oslo for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. The public hospitals in Oslo are clean and modern, and offer a wide range of services. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Norway, although some may choose to use private hospitals for specialized medical care and surgeries. Private hospitals in Oslo are generally more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer a higher level of service and more personalized care. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.

Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Oslo

The most popular hospitals and clinics for expats in Oslo include:

  • Oslo University Hospital (public hospital) - located in the city center
  • Rikshospitalet (public hospital) - located in the city center
  • Aker University Hospital (public hospital) - located in the northern part of the city
  • Ullevål University Hospital (public hospital) - located in the western part of the city
  • Oslo Private Hospital (private hospital) - located in the city center
  • Oslo Eye Hospital (private hospital) - located in the city center and specializes in eye care

Emergency Services in Oslo

Oslo has a well-developed emergency services system, with ambulance services available throughout the city. To call for an ambulance, dial 113. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, although there may be delays during peak times.

Health Insurance Companies in Oslo

The most popular private health insurers in Oslo are Gjensidige, If, and Storebrand. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Aker Brygge in Oslo, Norway

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William Russell
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