Living in a foreign country can be an exciting and enriching experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One crucial aspect to consider when moving abroad is healthcare. As a UK national living in Norway, it's essential to understand your rights and options regarding accessing state healthcare in Norway. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the Norwegian healthcare system and ensure that you receive the necessary care.
Understanding the Norwegian Healthcare System
In Norway, healthcare is provided through a combination of state funding and patient contributions. The Norwegian state healthcare system, known as Helfo, offers a range of services to residents, including access to general practitioners (GPs), specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. It's important to note that state healthcare in Norway is not entirely free, and patients may be required to contribute to the cost of their treatment.
Rights to Healthcare in Norway
As a UK national living in Norway, you have the right to access the Norwegian state healthcare system if you are registered as a resident. Regardless of your nationality, anyone registered as a resident in Norway is entitled to access the state healthcare system. However, it's crucial to understand the specific circumstances under which you can access healthcare in Norway.
Accessing Healthcare if You Live and Work in Norway
If you are planning to move to Norway and become a resident, you must register with the Norwegian authorities if you plan to stay for more than three months. Once you are a registered resident, you have the same rights to state healthcare as Norwegian citizens. This means you can access healthcare services through the Norwegian state healthcare system, Helfo.
If you are employed or self-employed, you will make contributions to the National Insurance Scheme, which covers healthcare costs. Additionally, you may be entitled to a Norwegian European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for travel purposes. This card allows you to access necessary healthcare services during temporary stays in other European countries.
Rights for Those Living in Norway Before January 2021
If you started living in Norway before January 1, 2021, your rights to access healthcare in Norway will remain the same for as long as you remain a resident. This means you are entitled to a Norwegian EHIC for travel, including visits to the UK. Additionally, if you start drawing a UK State Pension, you may be eligible for a UK S1 form, which provides healthcare coverage in Norway.
Registering for Healthcare in Norway
To access healthcare in Norway, you need to register as a resident in Norway. During the registration process, you will receive a Norwegian ID number, which you will use for healthcare access. If you are employed, your employer will automatically sign you up for the National Insurance Scheme, and your contributions will be deducted from your payroll.
If you are self-employed, you must first register your business on the national register. Once registered, you can sign up for the National Insurance Scheme. After joining, you will be able to access healthcare services through the Norwegian state healthcare system, Helfo.
When registering with a GP or scheduling appointments, make sure to provide your Norwegian ID number. This number will serve as proof of your eligibility for healthcare services. Before seeing a specialist, you must first consult your GP for a referral.
Cost of Healthcare in Norway
While state healthcare in Norway is not entirely free, the costs are shared between the state and patients. The amount you need to pay for healthcare services will vary depending on the type of treatment and your specific circumstances. For example, if you are a hospital inpatient, treatment is generally free, but outpatient treatment may involve charges.
Dentists and dental hygienists in Norway can set their own prices, so fees for dental services may vary. To help manage healthcare costs, Norway offers an exemption card, known as the "frikort." Once you have spent a certain amount on state healthcare in a calendar year, you can apply for an exemption card. This card ensures that the National Insurance Scheme covers most of your user fees for the rest of the year.
To get an idea of how much you might need to pay for specific health services in Norway, you can refer to the Helfo website, which provides information on payment for healthcare services.
Healthcare for UK Nationals Temporarily in Norway
If you are a UK national temporarily in Norway, such as a tourist or a student, your access to healthcare may differ from those who are residents. Let's explore the healthcare options available for these specific groups.
Healthcare for Tourists
If you are visiting Norway as a tourist, you will not be able to use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) there. However, if you are a Norwegian or British citizen who is a resident in Norway, you may still be entitled to coverage of essential healthcare expenses during your temporary stay in Norway. This entitlement is possible due to an agreement between Norway and the United Kingdom.
To have your healthcare expenses covered, you will need to present your passport to the healthcare provider. In some cases, you may also be required to prove that you have a residential address in Norway. It's important to note that you cannot apply to Helfo for a refund of healthcare expenses retrospectively. If you have a citizenship other than Norwegian or UK citizenship and reside in Norway, you are not entitled to have your healthcare expenses in the UK covered. Therefore, it is highly recommended to acquire private travel insurance to cover any healthcare costs while abroad.
Healthcare for Students
If you are a Norwegian or British citizen and planning to study in the United Kingdom, your entitlement to healthcare coverage will depend on your residency status. If you are considered a resident of Norway, you may be eligible for reimbursement of essential healthcare expenses included in the public healthcare services in the UK. This entitlement is due to an agreement between Norway and the United Kingdom.
To have your healthcare expenses covered, you will need to present your passport to the healthcare provider. However, it's important to note that you cannot apply to Helfo for reimbursement of healthcare expenses retrospectively. The length of your stay will also affect your coverage under the agreement. If you are considered a resident of the United Kingdom during your stay, you must check with the social security authorities in the UK to determine your health rights.
If you have incurred a separate healthcare fee when applying for residence, you cannot be reimbursed for this expense by Helfo. For non-Norwegian or non-British citizens who are members of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, specific rights and coverage may vary. It is advisable to refer to the "Students outside the EU/EEA" webpage for more information on your entitlements.
Healthcare for Workers
If you are a Norwegian or British citizen who has been posted from Norway to the UK as part of your job, you and your accompanying family members may be entitled to reimbursement for essential healthcare expenses. This entitlement is possible due to an agreement between Norway and the United Kingdom, provided that you maintain your membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.
Typically, you can retain your membership if you are a posted worker for up to three years. If you have any questions regarding membership, it is recommended to contact NAV, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration. It's important to note that you cannot apply to Helfo for reimbursement of healthcare expenses retrospectively. If you choose not to maintain your membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme during your stay in the UK, you should consult the social security authorities in the UK to determine your healthcare rights.
For posted workers who are not Norwegian or British citizens but are members of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, specific rights and coverage may differ. It is advisable to refer to the "Posted workers outside the EU/EEA" webpage for more information on your entitlements.
Certificate S1 for UK Nationals
If you have a valid Certificate S1 that was registered in the UK before 2021, it will still be valid. The Certificate S1 provides coverage for healthcare costs in the UK. If you have been living in the UK since before 2021 and simultaneously working in Norway, you may be entitled to receive a Certificate S1. This certificate ensures that you are covered for healthcare costs in the UK. It is recommended to refer to the "Employee in the EU/EEA area" webpage for more information on the coverage provided by the Certificate S1.
If you retire while still living in the UK and have or were entitled to a Certificate S1 for employees, you may still be eligible for coverage of healthcare costs in the UK. In this case, you must apply to Helfo to obtain a Certificate S1 for pensioners.
Conclusion
Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but it's crucial to understand how healthcare works in your new home. As a UK national living in Norway, you have the right to access the Norwegian state healthcare system. By understanding your rights and following the necessary steps, you can ensure that you receive the healthcare services you need. Whether you are a resident, tourist, student, or worker, it's important to familiarize yourself with the specific healthcare provisions that apply to your situation. Don't forget to consider acquiring private travel insurance to supplement your healthcare coverage. With this comprehensive guide, you are equipped with the knowledge to navigate the Norwegian healthcare system successfully and enjoy your time in Norway with peace of mind.
