The Norwegian healthcare system is built around three levels: the GP (family doctor), the out-of-hours clinic, and the hospital. As an immigrant in Norway, you are entitled to healthcare as long as you are legally resident in the country. Many people who are new to Norway use the out-of-hours clinic instead of their GP because they do not know how the system works. This leads to longer waiting times and poorer follow-up care. This guide explains each level of the healthcare system, what it costs, and when to use which service. You will also learn about the exemption card, the right to an interpreter, and how to change your GP if you are not satisfied.
Your GP is your most important contact in the healthcare system
The GP (general practitioner / family doctor) is the doctor you should contact first when you become ill. Everyone registered in the National Registry with a national identity number is automatically assigned a GP. You can check who your GP is at helsenorge.no. If you are not satisfied, you can change your GP up to twice per calendar year through the same website.
Your GP treats most conditions: colds, pain, skin problems, mental health issues, and chronic diseases. Your doctor issues prescriptions, sick notes, and referrals to specialists. Without a referral from your GP, you will generally not be able to access a hospital or specialist.
A common mistake among immigrants is not using the GP for preventive care. Your GP gets to know you over time and can detect problems early. Use your GP actively — even when you feel well, for example for blood tests and health check-ups. Also read our guide on Norwegian citizenship to understand the requirements regarding health and length of residence.
Practical tip: Call the GP surgery early in the morning to get an appointment the same day or the next day.
The out-of-hours clinic helps you outside regular opening hours
The out-of-hours clinic (emergency GP / out-of-hours clinic) is your municipality's urgent care service. It is open around the clock, every day of the week. You call the out-of-hours clinic on 116 117 when your GP is not available and you need help quickly. Examples include: high fever at night, a cut that needs stitches, sudden chest pain, or allergic reactions.
The out-of-hours clinic is not a replacement for your GP. Many immigrants use the out-of-hours clinic for routine complaints because they are not familiar enough with the system. Research shows this is common during the first five to ten years after arriving in Norway. The problem is that the out-of-hours clinic does not have your medical records, does not know your medical history, and rarely has access to an interpreter.
Always call 116 117 before going to the out-of-hours clinic. The nurse on the phone will assess how serious the situation is. You may be asked to come in, given advice over the phone, or referred to your GP the next day. If there is an immediate risk to life, call 113 for an ambulance.
Remember: 113 is the emergency number for acute, life-threatening situations. 116 117 is the out-of-hours clinic for everything else that is urgent. Save both numbers in your phone now.
Practical tip: Always bring identification and a list of any medications you take when you go to the out-of-hours clinic.
Hospitals and specialist healthcare require a referral
Norwegian hospitals treat serious illnesses, perform operations, and provide specialist care. You typically reach a hospital either through a referral from your GP or through the emergency department in an emergency. Norway has four regional health authorities that run the hospitals: Helse Nord, Helse Midt-Norge, Helse Vest, and Helse Sør-Øst.
When your GP sends a referral, the hospital assesses how urgently you need treatment. You will receive a letter with an appointment time and information. Waiting times vary, but you have the right to choose which hospital you use anywhere in the country. Check waiting times at helsenorge.no.
Outpatient appointments mean you come to the hospital, receive treatment, and go home the same day. An inpatient admission means you need to stay overnight. You pay a copayment for outpatient visits, but not for inpatient stays.
Practical tip: Use the free choice of treatment option if the waiting time is long — you can choose a hospital in another part of the country with a shorter waiting list.
Copayments and the exemption card protect you from high costs
Healthcare in Norway is subsidised, but you pay a copayment for each GP visit, each prescription, and each outpatient appointment. In 2026, the annual copayment ceiling is 3,278 kroner. Once you have paid this amount within a calendar year, you automatically receive an exemption card. With the exemption card, you do not pay copayments for the rest of the year.
Children under 16 pay no copayment. From August 2026, 16- and 17-year-olds are also exempt from copayments at the GP and out-of-hours clinic. The exemption card arrives automatically by post or digitally at helsenorge.no. You do not need to apply.
Copayments apply to GP visits, the out-of-hours clinic, psychologists, outpatient clinics, and medicines on the blue prescription scheme. They do not apply to hospital inpatient stays, treatment for infectious diseases, or healthcare for children. Read more about the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven — the healthcare system is a common exam topic.
Practical tip: Log in to helsenorge.no and check how much copayment you have paid so far this year. This tells you how close you are to the exemption card.
Right to an interpreter and access for asylum seekers
All patients in Norway have the right to understand what the doctor says. If you do not speak Norwegian well enough, you can ask for an interpreter. Your GP can arrange an interpreter before your appointment. The interpreting service is free for the patient. Use this right — poor communication can lead to a wrong diagnosis or wrong treatment.
Asylum seekers have full rights to healthcare from the municipality, regardless of whether they live in a reception centre or privately. You do not need a D-number to receive medical help, even though you need one to be on a GP list. Before you are assigned a GP, you can visit the out-of-hours clinic or another doctor in the municipality.
Undocumented persons and people with a final rejection of their asylum application have the right to emergency treatment and treatment for infectious diseases. Children without legal residence status have full rights to healthcare. For more information, check your rights at UDI's website or contact your municipality.
Practical tip: Always mention your need for an interpreter when booking an appointment — it takes time to find the right interpreter, and telephone interpreters are often available at short notice.