Access to health care in Norway

When you arrive in Norway, you have the right to the necessary medical care. Medical assistance will be provided as early as possible to pregnant women, sick people and persons who need medication.

You have the right to a translator when you visit a doctor, midwife or hospital.

The procedure for receiving medical assistance:

As an asylum seeker or refugee, you are entitled to an appointment of a general practitioner (https://www.helsenorge.no/en/gp/about-gp/the-right-to-a-doctor/).

You can apply for registration with a family doctor if you are registered as an asylum seeker and you already know the municipality in which you will live. If you are in a temporary accommodation center for asylum seekers, the staff of the center will help you to apply for registration with a family doctor.

If you live in a private residence, you need to apply for registration with the family doctor yourself. You can find free family doctors using the service at the link: https://tjenester.helsenorge.no/bytte-fastlege (only in Norwegian).

If you get sick in the evening or on the weekend, or if you can't get to another doctor, go to the emergency department. The emergency department is open 24/7. Call the emergency department at (+47) 116 117.

In case of accidents, serious illnesses or other serious incidents, when you need immediate medical assistance, contact the emergency medical assistance number 113 (ambulance).

All adults must pay a set amount (patient contribution, or "egenandel", see: https://www.helsenorge.no/betaling-for-helsetjenester/egenandeler-for-helsetjenester/) if they seek out-of-hours care from their family doctor or healthcare professional. The amount can vary, usually 150-350 NOK.

The procedure for obtaining medicines:

You can buy most medicines only with a doctor's prescription.

Usually, the doctor writes an electronic prescription, which is stored in an electronic system. But the doctor can, if necessary, write a prescription on paper.

Medical care for children:

Children under 16 do not need to pay for the services of a doctor, psychologist, physical therapist, hospital or X-ray.

All children have the right to be examined and vaccinated in children's consultations and school health services.

Dental treatment for children, except for braces, is free up to the age of 18. The State Dental Service can provide information on which dentists treat children free of charge.

Medical care for pregnant women:

All medical care for pregnant women and childbirth in the hospital are free.

Pregnant women have the right to medical care before, during and after childbirth.

Contact your local maternal and child health center (Norwegian: helsestasjon) where you live or your regular doctor to be monitored during pregnancy.

More information about medical care in Norway at the link: https://www.helsenorge.no/uk/utlendinger-i-norge/helsehjelp-for-asylsokere-og-flyktninger-i-norge/.