How to Enroll in the Public Healthcare System in Norway

If you're planning to enroll in the public healthcare system in Norway, this article covers the requirements for foreigners to be able enroll in the public healthcare system, the steps involved and more.

Norway is known for its high standard of living, and this extends to its healthcare system. The public healthcare system in Norway, known as the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygden), is renowned for its quality and comprehensive coverage. It is mandatory for all residents, including foreigners who have been granted a residence permit and are planning to stay in Norway for more than 12 months. The majority of the population uses this system, which covers a wide range of services from general practitioner visits to hospital stays and specialist treatments.

Quality and Costs of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme

The quality of healthcare in Norway is generally high, with a well-trained workforce and modern facilities. The system is funded through taxes, and while some services require a small fee, many are free at the point of use. For example, hospital stays are free, but there is a nominal fee for seeing a general practitioner or specialist. Once a person has paid a certain amount in fees within a calendar year (the "exemption card threshold"), all further healthcare for the rest of that year is free.

Eligibility for Foreigners

Foreigners are eligible to enroll in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme if they have been granted a residence permit and are planning to stay in Norway for more than 12 months. If you are an employee, self-employed, or a student from a country outside the EU/EEA, you are automatically a member once you have been legally resident in Norway for 12 months. EU/EEA citizens who are working in Norway are also automatically insured from their first day of work.

Steps for Enrolling in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme

1. Apply for a residence permit: Before you can enroll in the healthcare system, you need to have a valid residence permit. This can be done through the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).
2. Register with the National Registry: Once you have a residence permit, you need to register with the National Registry at your local tax office. You will be given a national identity number, which is necessary for accessing healthcare services.
3. Choose a General Practitioner (GP): Everyone enrolled in the healthcare system has the right to have a GP. You can choose your own GP from a list provided by the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (HELFO).
4. Apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): If you are from an EU/EEA country, you should apply for an EHIC in your home country before moving to Norway. This card gives you the right to healthcare on the same terms as Norwegian citizens.

Once you are enrolled in the system, you can access a wide range of healthcare services. However, it's important to note that dental care for adults is not covered by the public healthcare system, and must be paid for privately.

If you are not eligible for the public healthcare system, or if you are staying in Norway for less than 12 months, you should ensure that you have adequate private health insurance. Some people also choose to take out additional private health insurance for services not covered by the public system, or to avoid waiting times for certain treatments.

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