You’re planning on traveling to or are already living in Norway, getting the right health insurance that can cover medical costs while staying in the country. We can help you find the best plan that suits your requirements within your budget.
The Norwegian healthcare system continues to rank highly on a global scale. The type of doctors and medical facilities varies according to your municipality.
All Norwegian citizens and residents are entitled to healthcare, including students who are going to live in the country for the period of one year or higher. The country’s quality of public healthcare is top of the mark.
Cost of public healthcare:
Healthcare is not entirely free, which means that a portion of your earnings is deducted for healthcare, just like the taxation. However, the amount varies according to your per year income. Once the annual limit of expenditure is reached, the person will receive an exemption card, which allows them to receive free treatment at public facilities for the rest of the year. Pregnant women and children under the age of 16 will enjoy the exemption from the system.
Private healthcare:
Norway has several private healthcare facilities. The high-quality medical facilities and specialists found in Norway are competitively priced by US and UK standards.
Now days, more Norwegian residents are getting private health insurance on top of the NIS insurance scheme. Aside from avoiding long wait times, private health insurance also offers additional medical back-up in case of an emergency. After all, a patient cannot schedule an appointment with a specialist without a doctor’s referral under the public system.
If GPs are not affiliated with public hospitals, they are mostly private. They are in increasing demand since they don’t have long waiting lists. Additionally, most dentists are found in private facilities since dentistry is not covered by the NIS.
Health-related travel advice:
If you’re visiting Norway and are from Switzerland or an EU/EEA country, then you’re entitled to some healthcare rights. However, you’ll still have to pay for treatment. If you’re from another country, your best option is to secure private health insurance. Check your travel insurance plan to see what is and isn’t covered.
Pharmacies can be found throughout the country. Over-the-counter drugs and prescription medication are available in all pharmacies.
If you are in need of emergency care or have been involved in an accident then call 116 117 to find the nearest emergency room. Emergency care is completely covered by the NIS.
For expats, the most popular international insurance providers in Norway include Alliance, Global, and Cigna Global. The average cost of health insurance depends on the type of plan a person chooses. Other factors that determine cost include age, gender.
Top 10 Insurance Companies in Norway in 2023:
- Gjensidige Pensjonsforsikring AS Oslo
- Equinor Insurance AS Stavanger
- Jernbanepersonalets Forsikring Gjensidig Oslo
- Sandnes Kommunale Pensjonskasse Sandnes
- Sykehjelps- og Pensjonsordning for Leger (sop) Oslo
- Kommunal Landspensjonskasse Gjensidig Forsikringsselskap Oslo
- Fellesordningen for Avtalefestet Pensjon Sandvika
- Arendal Kommunale Pensjonskasse Arendal
- Skien Kommunale Pensjonskasse Skien
- Livsforsikringsselskapet Nordea Liv Norge AS Bergen
