Health Insurance in Norway, Europw

Information expatriation

Capital City: Oslo
Total area: 385,155 km2
Population: 4,767,520 (2008)
Money: Currency Converter
Time Zone: List of time zones by country
Calling Code: +47 XXX

Practical Information:

Wikipedia Norway

Health Product: Travel Insurance and Health insurance
Health Insurance information and Sanitary Risk: World Health Map
BLOG: Expat Health insurance Information

Here is a brief description of the healthcare system in the country:

·      Norway has a universal healthcare system that is publicly financed and privately provided. It aims to provide coverage to all residents.

·      The system is decentralized, with regional health authorities and municipalities setting priorities and budgets for 350+ local providers.

·      Care is financed through national insurance contributions based on income as well as municipal/regional taxes. Co-pays are low or non-existent.

·      Services covered universally include primary care, hospitals, dentistry for children and mental healthcare. Prescription drugs have partial subsidies.

·      Care is focused on primary services with specialists usually only seen with a referral. Hospitals provide more complex care.

·      Quality is high overall due to significant healthcare investments and emphasis on primary/preventative services.

·      Major challenges include demand of aging population and physician shortages in remote areas.

·      Around 3% of GDP is spent privately on out-of-pocket costs and supplemental insurance for elective services.

·      Overall Norway provides comprehensive universal coverage through a tax-funded public system praised for accessibility, efficiency and health outcomes.

Here are some key health considerations for expatriates living in the country:

·      Register for the National Insurance Scheme upon arrival to be allocated a family doctor and access the universal system.

·      Consider supplemental private insurance for faster access to specialists or elective treatments not fully covered.

·      Bring needed prescription medications as marking up imported drugs is permitted and some may not be available.

·      Rural areas have fewer resources so know your nearest hospitals/specialty care locations.

·      Healthcare costs are subsidized but not free - understand co-pays for certain visits, prescription costs, etc.

·      Care mainly provided in Norwegian, so having language skills improves communication quality.

·      Register with your embassy and keep insurance/ID documentation on hand at all times.

·      Chronic disease management may require more out-of-pocket spending or private coverage top-ups.

·      Standards of care are generally excellent nationwide due to high investments and medical training.

·      With registration in the universal system, contingencies for language barriers and ensuring continuous coverage, expats can access Norway's premier public healthcare.