Healthcare facilities in Norway: Universal health coverage system. Funded by taxes. Norwegian Health Insurance Scheme. Public and private hospitals. Electronic Health Records (EHR). Free emergency medical services. Family doctors (fastlege system). Specialized care referral required. Maternity and child health services. Mental health support available.
Universal health coverage system
Norway's healthcare system provides universal health and social insurance coverage through the National Insurance Scheme (NIS), funded primarily by general taxes and payroll contributions. The system covers a broad range of services, including primary, ambulatory, mental health, and hospital care, with municipalities managing primary care and the national government overseeing specialty care through four Regional Health Authorities.
Funded by taxes
Norway's healthcare facilities are primarily funded by general taxes and payroll contributions shared by employers and employees, with public sources accounting for 85% of health expenditures. The central government provides grants to counties and municipalities, which in turn finance the bulk of the hospital sector and primary healthcare services. To explore more about Norway's healthcare system, visit the International Health Policy Center on the Commonwealth Fund website.
Norwegian Health Insurance Scheme
Norway's healthcare system is based on the National Insurance Scheme (Folketrygd), which provides universal health coverage funded by general taxes and payroll contributions shared by employers and employees. The scheme covers primary, ambulatory, mental health, and hospital care, as well as select outpatient prescription drugs, with patients making copayments and having capped out-of-pocket contributions. For more detailed information, visit the Commonwealth Fund's Norway Healthcare Overview where you can explore the comprehensive structure and benefits of this system.
Public and private hospitals
In Norway, the healthcare system is predominantly public with nearly all hospitals being state-funded and owned, highlighting the government's commitment to providing comprehensive care. The national government oversees specialty care through four Regional Health Authorities, ensuring that high-quality medical services are accessible across the country. In contrast, private hospitals are limited and primarily offer elective treatments. These private institutions, which may operate as not-for-profit or for-profit entities, sometimes receive public funding to support their operations. For more detailed information about the Norwegian healthcare system, you can visit the [Norwegian Health Care System and Pharmaceutical System](https://www.dmp.no/en/about-us/the-norwegian-health-care-system-and-pharmaceutical-system) page.
Electronic Health Records (EHR)
In Norway, patients can access their health data through the national health portal, Helsenorge.no, which includes information from public hospitals and other public healthcare providers. Patients also have the legal right to obtain their complete medical records from any healthcare provider, as guaranteed by Norwegian health laws and the EU's GDPR. For further insights into health data accessibility in Norway, you can visit the knowledge page for comprehensive details.
Free emergency medical services
In Norway, Emergency Medical Services, including immediate healthcare costs in emergency room admissions, are covered and free for all citizens, regardless of income or deductible status. The comprehensive nature of Norwegian healthcare ensures universal access, reflecting the nation's commitment to public health and well-being. For more detailed information about the healthcare system in Norway, you can visit the Wikipedia page on Healthcare in Norway, which offers an in-depth overview of various services and policies in place to maintain this level of care.
Family doctors (fastlege system)
In Norway, all registered residents are entitled to a General Practitioner (GP or "fastlege") through the "fastlegeordningen" system, with the municipality responsible for ensuring this service. Residents can choose a GP from a list, and those with D-numbers, except for specific groups like asylum seekers and NATO personnel, are not entitled to a GP. For more detailed information about this system, you can visit the Helsenorge website.
Specialized care referral required
In Norway, specialized care typically requires a referral from a General Practitioner (GP), except in acute situations where urgent care is needed. The referral must be sent to a licensed treatment centre, and patients have the right to choose their treatment centre from both public and certain private facilities. For more detailed information on health rights and access to necessary healthcare, you can visit the official website of Helsenorge, which provides comprehensive guidance on navigating the healthcare system in Norway.
Maternity and child health services
In Norway, Maternity and Child Health Services are comprehensive, with options including specialist clinics, hospital maternity wards, and midwifery-led units for childbirth. Additionally, the infant healthcare programme provides free, legally required health services for children aged 0-5 years, including regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and home visits, all coordinated through municipal health centres. For more detailed information, you can visit the Norwegian Health Care System to understand your options for maternity and child health services. This ensures accessible and effective healthcare for all expecting parents and their children.
Mental health support available
In Norway, mental health support is comprehensive, encompassing urgent help through the 113 emergency number for life-threatening situations and 116 117 for less urgent cases. Additional services include helplines, chat services, support groups, GP referrals to specialists, and access to psychiatric clinics, hospitals, and community-based care. The system on Helsenorge emphasizes a focus on user involvement and individualized care plans to address the unique needs of each individual seeking assistance.