Contrary to popular belief around the world, residents of Norway pay for their healthcare. Here's how payments for health services work in Norway.
I still remember the first time I went to see the doctor in Oslo. It wasn't a major issue at all, just a kind of ‘welcome to Norway' consultation to get my necessary medications sorted out in the Norwegian system.
The consultation was quick and efficient, yet when I left the receptionist directed me towards a large payment machine in the corner of the waiting room. Not wishing to appear ignorant, I wandered over.
After punching in my D-number, I was presented with a request for payment. It was more than 10 years ago so I don't remember the amount, but it surprised me nevertheless. This was yet another thing that wasn't in my tight relocation budget!
Being from the UK, I'd gotten used to health services being, mostly, free at the point of use. Paying for prescriptions, sure, but to pay to see my GP was unexpected, especially given Scandinavia's reputation for its healthcare services.
Healthcare Concept in Norway
As soon as I got home, I began to research the healthcare system in Norway. Contrary to what I'd thought, the concept in Norway isn't ‘free', although it is heavily subsidised. It's one of ‘universal access' providing services to all residents.
There is a system of co-payments, which is what I'd stumbled upon. In Norway, patients pay a contribution towards the cost of healthcare whenever visiting a GP, collecting a prescription, or receiving outpatient treatments.
However, there is an annual cap on such expenses to ensure the patients who need treatment the most don't struggle financially. That makes all the difference, and ensures a fairer system for all.
Cost of Consultations
As per August 2024, a consultation at my local doctor's surgery here in Trondheim costs NOK 179, or NOK 301 for an evening appointment. This is the standard pricing across the country.
There is an additional charge of NOK 64 for any necessary blood tests, the issuing of a sick note, referral for x-rays, and so on, and other charges for referrals to specialists. So, a typical doctor's visit would cost anything from NOK 179 to around NOK 350.
The cost of specialists and outpatient treatments varies hugely. I was recently referred to the eye doctor at the local hospital and the charge for this consultation was NOK 403. Again, this is a standard outpatient rate.
Cost of Prescriptions
When your GP gives you a prescription, you can collect it from a pharmacy upon production of photo ID. A fee is payable at the pharmacy for all prescriptions given by a GP.
For 2024, the co-payment rate is 50% of the price of the medication, but there is a limit of NOK 520 for an amount equivalent to three months of use.
Sometimes, pharmacies will offer a substitute medication that is cheaper than the prescribed medication. This can only happen when the active ingredient is the same and upon approval of the Norwegian Medical Products Agency.
Annual Limit on Healthcare Costs
When you have made co-payments totalling a certain amount, you receive an exemption card, meaning you won't pay any more co-payments for the rest of the calendar year.
In 2024, the exemption card limit is set at NOK 3,165. The exemption card is issued automatically once you've paid this amount, so there is no need to keep receipts etc. If you have paid more, you will be refunded the difference.
By logging in to Helse Norge, you are able to see how much you have paid during the calendar year.
