Healthcare for UK Nationals Living in Norway - International Health Insurance
As a UK national living in Norway, understanding your healthcare rights and options is crucial. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with all the essential information regarding healthcare coverage, reimbursement, and access to medical services. Whether you are a tourist, student, or worker, this article will help you navigate the Norwegian healthcare system with ease.
Tourists
If you are visiting Norway as a tourist, it's important to note that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in the United Kingdom. However, if you are a Norwegian or British citizen residing in Norway, there is a possibility of coverage for essential healthcare expenses during your temporary stay in the UK. This is made possible through an agreement between Norway and the UK.
To ensure coverage for your healthcare expenses, you must present your passport to the healthcare provider and prove your residential address in Norway. It's essential to note that you cannot apply for a retrospective refund of healthcare expenses through Helfo, the Norwegian Health Economics Administration.
For non-Norwegian or non-British citizens living in Norway, it's highly recommended to acquire private travel insurance to cover your healthcare expenses while in the United Kingdom.
Students
If you are a Norwegian or British citizen planning to study in the United Kingdom, you may be entitled to reimbursement for essential healthcare expenses under the public healthcare services agreement between Norway and the UK. To avail this coverage, you must present your passport to the healthcare provider. However, it's important to note that retrospective reimbursement of healthcare expenses through Helfo is not possible.
The duration of your stay plays a significant role in determining your coverage under the agreement. If you are considered a resident of the United Kingdom during your study period, it's advisable to consult the social security authorities to understand your health rights fully.
It's important to highlight that any separate healthcare fees paid during the residence application process are not eligible for reimbursement through Helfo.
For non-Norwegian or non-British citizen students who are members of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, detailed information about your rights can be found on the "Students outside the EU/EEA" webpage.
Students who began studying before 2021
If you commenced your studies in the United Kingdom before 2021, you will retain the rights provided by the European Health Insurance Card until the end of your study period. In case you are unable to use the EHIC, refer to the guidelines outlined in the "European Health Insurance Card" section for further assistance.
Additionally, it's recommended to check if you need to apply for residence as an EEA citizen through the EU Settlement Scheme to ensure uninterrupted healthcare coverage.
Workers
Posted workers who are Norwegian or British citizens
As a Norwegian or British citizen posted from Norway to the United Kingdom for work purposes, you and your accompanying family members may be eligible for reimbursement of essential healthcare expenses. This entitlement arises from the agreement between Norway and the UK.
You can maintain your membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, allowing you to avail this reimbursement for up to three years as a posted worker. If you have any questions regarding your membership, it's advisable to contact NAV, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration.
Retrospective reimbursement of healthcare expenses through Helfo is not possible. Therefore, it's essential to keep your membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme throughout your stay in the United Kingdom. However, if you choose not to retain this membership, you must consult the social security authorities in the UK to understand your health rights.
Posted workers who are not Norwegian or British citizens
For non-Norwegian or non-British citizens who are members of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, detailed information about your rights can be found on the "Posted workers outside the EU/EEA" webpage.
Certificate S1
If you possess a valid Certificate S1 registered in the United Kingdom before 2021, it remains valid even after the changes in healthcare regulations. The Certificate S1 allows you to access healthcare services based on your previous residence and employment history.
If you have resided in the United Kingdom since before 2021 and simultaneously worked in Norway without receiving a Certificate S1, you may be eligible to obtain one. The rights covered by the Certificate S1 for employees can be found on the "Employee in the EU/EEA area" webpage.
In the event that you retire while living in the United Kingdom and possess or were entitled to a Certificate S1 for employees, you may still be covered for healthcare costs. In such cases, you must apply to Helfo to obtain a Certificate S1 for pensioners.
Applying for Medical Treatment in Norway
In certain cases, you may need to receive medical treatment in Norway. To apply for medical treatment, the following conditions must be met:
- You must have received an offer of medical treatment from an institution in Norway.
- The medical treatment must be paid for using your own funds or public funds from your home country.
- The hospital or outpatient clinic must confirm that your treatment will not negatively impact the health services provided to patients living in Norway.
- You must not be subject to a prohibition against entry to Norway or the Schengen area.
- The treatment is expected to be completed within one year.
- It must be likely that you will leave Norway when your residence permit expires.
The application process for medical treatment in Norway is free of charge. For detailed instructions on how to apply, refer to the appropriate section on the Helfo website.
Conclusion
As a UK national living in Norway, understanding your healthcare rights and options is vital for your well-being. This comprehensive guide has provided an overview of the healthcare coverage available to tourists, students, and workers in Norway. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that you make informed decisions regarding your healthcare needs in Norway. Remember to consult the relevant authorities for specific information relating to your circumstances, and don't hesitate to reach out to Helfo for any further assistance.
