Module 5

Health

The health system, GP, emergency care, patient rights, pregnancy, dental health and mental health.

Last updated: 2026-11-06

How the health system works

Norway has a public health system paid for by everyone through taxes and the National Insurance Scheme (folketrygden). You do not need health insurance to get treatment from a GP or at a hospital. Everyone who lives in Norway and is a member of the National Insurance Scheme has the right to health care.

Responsibility is divided. The municipality is responsible for GPs, the out-of-hours service, child health clinics, home nursing and nursing homes. The state owns the hospitals through four regional health authorities. Hospitals provide specialist health services, such as operations and cancer treatment.

Most people pay a deductible (egenandel) when they see a doctor, take a blood test or have an X-ray. The deductible is the part of the price the patient pays. The state pays the rest. There is an annual ceiling on how much you have to pay. In 2026 the ceiling is 3,278 kroner. When you have paid that much, you get an exemption card (frikort) and pay no more deductibles for the rest of the calendar year. The card comes automatically. You can check your status on helsenorge.no.

From 1 August 2026, everyone under 18 is exempt from deductibles at the GP, the out-of-hours service and outpatient clinics. Before that, the exemption applied to children under 16. Some services have their own prices that do not count towards the exemption card.

On helsenorge.no (the national health portal) you can find information, change your GP and read your records. You log in with BankID or another digital ID.

The full module and all questions are in the app.

Key points

How the health system works

• You do not need health insurance for public health care
• Municipalities run GPs, out-of-hours care and child health clinics; the state runs hospitals
• A deductible is the part the patient pays
• The deductible ceiling is 3,278 kroner in 2026; after that you get a frikort
• From 1 August 2026 everyone under 18 is exempt from deductibles at the GP and out-of-hours service

The GP (fastlege)

• Everyone who lives in Norway has the right to a GP
• The GP gives referrals to specialists and hospitals
• You can change GP twice per calendar year on helsenorge.no
• Helfo administers the GP scheme
• The GP has a duty of confidentiality

Out-of-hours care, ambulance and emergency numbers

• The out-of-hours service number is 116 117 across the country
• Ambulance: 113; fire: 110; police: 112
• Poison Information Centre: 22 59 13 00
• You have a duty to help if you are first at an accident
• First aid is help you give before professional help arrives

Hospitals, specialists and patient travel

• You normally need a GP referral to see a specialist
• You have the right to choose a hospital (free hospital choice)
• Patient travel covers travel costs; you pay a deductible
• You have the right to a free interpreter if you do not understand Norwegian
• The municipality is responsible for home nursing and nursing homes

Patient rights

• Treatment normally requires your consent
• Health workers have a duty of confidentiality, also towards your family
• You have the right to access your medical record
• You have the right to an interpreter if you do not understand Norwegian
• The Patient and User Ombud helps you if you want to complain

Pregnancy, birth and young children

• Antenatal check-ups and birth in a public hospital are free
• The child health clinic gives free follow-up and vaccines to children and young people aged 0-20
• The childhood immunisation programme is voluntary but strongly recommended
• Women can decide on abortion themselves up to and including week 18
• The youth health clinic is free and advises on contraception and mental health

Dental health and medicines

• Dental treatment is free for children and young people up to and including 18 in the public dental service
• Young adults aged 19-28 pay at most 25 percent in the public dental service
• Adults usually pay the whole dentist bill themselves
• Prescription medicines are only collected at a pharmacy
• A blue prescription covers important medicines for long-term illness
• Red triangle on the pack: may affect your ability to drive

Sick leave, mental health and lifestyle

• The doctor writes the sick note; the employer pays the first 16 days, then NAV
• Mental Helse has a helpline on 116 123
• The age limit for tobacco, snus and e-cigarettes is 18
• Smoking is forbidden indoors in places open to the public
• Cancer screening programmes are free and voluntary

Sample questions from this module

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