Patients

If you are a member of the National Insurance Scheme, as a patient in Norway you have certain rights towards the health services. Free hospital choice gives you the option to choose what hospital you want to be treated or considered in. You are entitled immediate and necessary medical help. You are entitled access to your medical journal and information about possible risks and side effects. If you are hurt as a result of treatment failure within the health service, you have a right to compensation.

Did you know

...that there is a limit to how much you should pay in public health treatment fees?

Parliament sets an upper limit (egenandelstak) for how much you are expected to pay in the course of one year. There are two limits depending on the type of medical treatment you receive. Total annual fees for medical and psychological treatment, medication for serious illnesses and journeys to and from your treatment centre are limited to NOK 1740 for 2008. Total annual fees for physiotherapy, specific dental treatment, social security rehabilitation and journeys related to treatment abroad authorised by the Rikshospitalet are limited to NOK 2500 for 2008. A running total of the fees you have paid is noted on a receipt card (egenandelskart) issued to you by your doctor or therapist. It is your responsibility to look after this card. If your payments exceed the annual limit for fees, you may contact your local social security office (NAV) for a fee exemption card (frikort). This card will exempt you from paying fees for the rest of the calendar year.