Verified Facts

Official NameKingdom of Norway
CapitalOslo
Population5.6 million
Area386,224 km² (149,122 sq mi)
LanguagesNorwegian Nynorsk, Norwegian Bokmål, Sami
CurrencyNorwegian krone (kr)
TimezoneUTC+01:00
RegionEurope / Northern Europe
Drives onRight
Source: REST Countries API

Norway has a high-quality, universal healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage to its citizens and residents, with a strong focus on public healthcare services and a well-organized system for emergency responses.

Quick Facts

Healthcare SystemUniversal
Quality RatingExcellent
Emergency Number113
Hospital StandardExcellent
Insurance Requiredrecommended
Pharmacy Accesswidespread

Healthcare Overview

Norway's healthcare system is primarily public, with a strong emphasis on universal access to healthcare services, including medical treatment, hospital care, and pharmaceuticals. The public healthcare system is funded through taxes and government subsidies, and it provides a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. The quality of care in Norway is generally excellent, with well-trained medical professionals and modern medical facilities. In urban areas, access to healthcare services is generally good, with a wide range of specialist services and hospitals available. In rural areas, access to healthcare services can be more limited, but the government has implemented measures to improve access to healthcare in these areas, including the use of telemedicine and mobile healthcare units.

The public healthcare system in Norway is divided into two main parts: primary healthcare and specialist healthcare. Primary healthcare services are provided by general practitioners and other healthcare professionals in community health centers and clinics, while specialist healthcare services are provided by hospitals and specialist clinics. The public healthcare system also includes a range of preventive healthcare services, such as vaccinations, screenings, and health checks.

Overall, Norway's healthcare system is designed to provide comprehensive and universal access to healthcare services, with a strong focus on preventive care and public health. The system is well-organized and efficient, with a high level of quality and a strong emphasis on patient-centered care.

Hospitals & Clinics

FacilityLocationTypeSpecialtiesEnglish-Speaking
Oslo University HospitalOsloUniversity HospitalCardiology, Neurology, OncologyYes
St. Olavs HospitalTrondheimUniversity HospitalCardiology, Neurology, OrthopedicsYes
Haukeland University HospitalBergenUniversity HospitalCardiology, Neurology, PediatricsYes
Akershus University HospitalLørenskogUniversity HospitalCardiology, Neurology, GynecologyYes
Ullevål HospitalOsloGeneral HospitalInternal Medicine, Surgery, PediatricsYes
Diakonhjemmet HospitalOsloPrivate HospitalCardiology, Orthopedics, RehabilitationYes

Health Insurance

  • Public Health Insurance is available to all citizens and residents of Norway, and it provides comprehensive coverage for medical treatment, hospital care, and prescription medications.
  • Private Health Insurance is also available, and it can provide additional coverage for services such as dental care, physiotherapy, and alternative therapies.
  • Travel Insurance is recommended for visitors to Norway, as it can provide coverage for emergency medical treatment and other unexpected expenses.
  • Expatriate Insurance is available for foreigners living and working in Norway, and it can provide comprehensive coverage for medical treatment, hospital care, and other healthcare services.
  • Student Insurance is available for international students studying in Norway, and it can provide coverage for medical treatment, hospital care, and other healthcare services.
  • Supplementary Insurance is available to provide additional coverage for services such as dental care, vision care, and alternative therapies.

Pharmacies & Medications

  • Prescription Medications are widely available in Norway, and they can be obtained from pharmacies with a prescription from a doctor or other authorized healthcare professional.
  • Over-the-Counter Medications are also widely available, and they can be obtained from pharmacies and other retail outlets without a prescription.
  • Pharmacy Access is widespread in Norway, with pharmacies located in most towns and cities.
  • Common Brands of medications are widely available in Norway, including international brands such as Pfizer, Merck, and GlaxoSmithKline.
  • Costs of medications in Norway are generally lower than in many other countries, due to government price controls and subsidies.

Vaccinations & Health Risks

  • Required Vaccinations for travel to Norway include measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), as well as tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap).
  • Recommended Vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, as well as influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.
  • Endemic Diseases in Norway include influenza, tuberculosis, and Lyme disease.
  • Water Safety is generally good in Norway, with safe drinking water available in most areas.
  • Food Safety is also generally good in Norway, with a low risk of foodborne illness.
  • Other Health Risks in Norway include the risk of tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis.

Medical Tourism

  • Popular Procedures for medical tourism in Norway include orthopedic surgery, cardiology, and oncology.
  • Accredited Hospitals in Norway include Oslo University Hospital, St. Olavs Hospital, and Haukeland University Hospital.
  • Cost Savings can be significant for medical tourists in Norway, with lower costs for procedures such as hip replacement and cataract surgery.
  • Language is generally not a barrier for medical tourists in Norway, with many medical professionals speaking English fluently.

Emergency Procedures

  • Emergency Number in Norway is 113, and it can be used to call for emergency medical assistance.
  • Ambulance Reliability is generally good in Norway, with fast and efficient emergency response times.
  • Nearest Hospitals can be located using online directories or by contacting the emergency services.
  • Insurance Claims can be filed with the patient's insurance provider, and they can provide coverage for emergency medical treatment and other expenses.
  • Medical Attention should be sought immediately in the event of a medical emergency, and patients can expect to receive high-quality care in Norway's hospitals and clinics.
Related: Healthcare Costs