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Norway Expat Health Insurance

The Kingdom of Norway is located in the Scandinavian region of Northern Europe. Norway encompasses a land area totaling 385,252 square kilometers and has an approximate population of 5 million people, making it one of the least densely populated countries in Europe. Norway is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy, with a King as head of state and a democratically elected prime minister as head of government. The citizens of Norway have in 1972 and 1994 voted to remain outside of the European Union with concerns over immigration, social services and economic competitiveness playing a strong role in swaying public opinion. Norway has abundant reserves of petroleum, natural gas, minerals and timber with the petroleum industry accounting for roughly 25 percent of the country’s GDP. Norway has a mixed economy which is a combination of free market activity and state ownership in key sectors. The country has a low unemployment rate and its citizens enjoy a high standard of living. In 2009 and 2010, Norway ranked first in the United Nations Human Development Index.

Norway Health Care and Insurance

The Ministry of Health and Care Services assumes responsibility for the provision of health care services in Norway. Health care services have been divided into three separate categories, namely local, regional and national. Local level health care consists of primary and dental health care services while regional health care comprises specialist care. A National Health Insurance Scheme (NIS) was established in 1967 with the aim of providing universal health care services to all citizens and permanent residents. All citizens are obliged by law to become members of the NIS. Membership of the scheme entitles citizens to full access of public health care services although it should be noted that dental services are not covered by the scheme, with the exception of children and young adults up to 18 years of age. Expatriates working in Norway who are in employment with a Norwegian company are entitled to join the NIS. It should be noted that some fees and charges for health care services still apply. Visitors and tourists are not eligible for the NIS hence both expatriates and travels are advised to purchase international Norway health insurance.

Primary level health care services are carried out by local general practitioners (GP). GPs tend to operate as part of a public health clinic or helsesenter and these clinics are the first point of contact for citizens requiring health services. In more serious or urgent cases, GPs will refer patients to specialists or to hospitals for further treatment. Norway has 85 hospitals in total, the majority of which are located in main cities and large towns. Health personnel and equipment are of a very high standard and fees associated with treatment at public hospitals are free of charge to members of the NIS. The NIS will also cover all fees and costs incurred for treatment that cannot be provided at a Norwegian hospital which requires travel abroad.

The private health care industry in Norway is expanding year on year and it is now estimated that 40,000 Norwegian citizens have supplemented their NIS cover with private health insurance. Private health insurance providers generally offer dental and support treatment plus services not covered by the NIS such as laboratory and radiology services. There is little difference between public and private health facilities and Norwegian citizens have access to one of the best health care systems in Europe. Costs associated with health care can be quite expensive, particularly for dental treatment, prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals. Expatriates and travelers must ensure they are protected against all possible medical circumstances by investing in an international Norway health insurance plan.

Norway Travel Advice

Norwegian citizens are legally entitled to choose which GP, specialist or hospital in which they wish to receive treatment. This treatment must also be provided within a certain amount of time. This freedom to choose which health facility to visit has created administration problems, particularly in capital city Oslo and other cities and towns with large populations. As a result, large numbers of people are visiting facilities which are perceived to offer a higher standard of care and waiting times for general consultations can be extremely long. The knock on effect of this has also meant that referrals to hospitals and subsequent procedures such as minor surgery will also incur a long waiting time.

Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, it has bilateral health agreements in place with member countries. Holders of the European Union Health Insurance Card (EHIC) who are in Norway and who require medical attention are entitled to access public health facilities to the same degree as a Norwegian citizen. Treatments available to EHIC holders include emergency treatment and medical consultation. The EHIC does not entitle the holder to receive on-going medical treatment or further consultations and the costs of added treatment must be met by the individual seeking treatment. To provide a non-national visiting or living in Norway with full access to all available medical options, they are advised to purchase international Norway health insurance which will provide adequate protection for the duration of their time in the country.

Norway Expat Health Insurance

Expatriates and travelers to Norway can be confident that should they require medical treatment while in the country, they and their travel companions can access a high standard of health care. The cost of living in Norway is quite high and expensive medical costs also reflect this fact. Private health facilities will require cash payment in advance of any treatment and for peace of mind, it is important to ensure you have adequate protection against all possible medical emergencies. International health insurance policies can be tailored to protect you from exorbitant medical costs. Global Health Insurance can assist you, free of charge, through the various expatriate health insurance policies and products available that offer sufficient cover whether you are relocating to or visiting Norway. Expat health insurance plans that we deal with can offer a variety of optional benefit packages which may include maternity, dental, specialist treatments and alternative medicine. For more information on Norway expat health insurance plans please contact a Global Health Insurance advisor today.