Social security
As a resident in Norway, you are covered by the Norwegian social security called the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), or folketrygden in Norwegian. This applies to family members who are also residents in Norway. It is governed by Nav, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (external link).
There is only one social security in Norway and you cannot chose another. You are automatically a member once you arrive in Norway and are planning on working and living here.
NIS provides a range of social security benefits, including healthcare services, sickness benefits, parental benefits, child benefits, unemployment benefits, and pension accrual.
No other insurances are required for working and living in Norway. However, some private insurances are common to have, you can read more about the alternatives at Info Norden (external link).
Health services
As the social security covers healthcare in Norway, you are not required any additional healthcare insurances. Most healthcare services in Norway are subsidised, meaning patients typically pay only a modest fee for treatment and consultations.
General practitioner (fastlege)
Once you are registered as a resident in Norway, you will be assigned a general practitioner (GP), called fastlege in Norwegian. Your GP is your first point of contact for most health concerns and can refer you to specialist services if needed. Appointments can be booked directly with your doctor's office, often online through Helsenorge (website or app), or by calling the clinic.
If you are unsure whether you have been assigned a GP, you can contact Helsenorge on +47 23 32 70 00. They can confirm whether you have a GP and provide their contact details.
If you do not yet have a GP, you can contact Strandsiden Legesenter AS, which offers same-day appointments for UiB employees and their family members. You may also choose to use a private doctor, although private healthcare services are more expensive.
- If you need medical assistance outside your GP's opening hours, call the emergency ward (Bergen legevakt) on 116 117 (from Norwegian phone numbers).
- In life-threatening emergencies, call 113 immediately.
User fees and exemption card (frikort)
Most public healthcare services require a user fee, including appointments with a doctor, physiotherapist, psychotherapist, or specialist. Once you have paid up to an annual maximum amount, you will receive an exemption card (frikort), which exempts you from further user fees for the remainder of the year. You may still need to pay for consumable items or services that are not covered by the scheme.
Hospital treatment, ambulance transport, maternity care, and healthcare services for children under 16 years of age are free of charge.
Dentist
Public dental care is free for children and young people up to the age of 18. Young adults under the age of 28 receive reduced rates at public dental clinics. It is common for adults to use private dental services, and dental treatment for adults is generally not covered by the exemption card.
Useful links
Official websites about healthcare and social security.