Doctor visits are free for 16- and 17-year-olds from 1 August 2026. Everyone under 18 is exempt from approved patient fees under the exemption card scheme, but medical supplies, certificates and treatment outside the publicly funded system may still cost money.
Free doctor visits for 16- and 17-year-olds from 1 August 2026
From 1 August 2026, 16- and 17-year-olds no longer have to pay approved patient fees when visiting their GP or an out-of-hours medical service. The age limit for the exemption has been raised from 16 to 18.
The rule is already in effect as of 22 September 2026. It is therefore not a proposal. The exemption is governed by the rules on the annual cap on patient fees, often called the exemption card scheme.
Young people do not need to apply for the exemption. The healthcare provider records their age and must not charge the approved patient fee. You can also read the overview of how Norway's healthcare system works.
Which healthcare services are free?
The exemption applies to healthcare services covered by the annual cap on patient fees. It covers more than just a standard GP appointment.
| Type of cost | Example | Could the young person have to pay? |
|---|---|---|
| Approved patient fee | GP, out-of-hours medical service or hospital outpatient clinic | No |
| Charges outside the scheme | Medical supplies, a certificate or certain vaccines | Yes |
| Private service without a public funding agreement | Private doctor or specialist without a public funding agreement | Yes, often the full price |
From 1 August 2026, the exemption covers services including:
- GP and municipal out-of-hours medical services
- laboratory tests and X-rays
- psychologists with a public funding agreement
- hospital outpatient clinics
- medicines and medical equipment on reimbursed prescriptions
- travel to and from treatment
- physiotherapy under a public funding agreement
- certain types of dental treatment
- approved rehabilitation and treatment trips
The same age rules apply when seeing a specialist in private practice who has an operating agreement with a regional health authority. The GP can refer the young person for further care if needed.
If you are unsure whether to call your GP, the out-of-hours medical service or 113, you can use SamfunnPrep's guide to out-of-hours medical services and emergency care.
Do free doctor visits mean everything is free?
No, the exemption removes approved patient fees, but not every possible cost. The doctor's surgery may still charge for certain goods and services that are not covered by the exemption card scheme.
These may include:
- dressings or other supplies used during treatment
- medical certificates for a driving licence, school, work or insurance
- printing and sending medical records
- certain vaccines, including the seasonal flu vaccine
- private treatment without a public funding agreement
Ask the doctor's surgery in advance if the appointment is for a certificate or a vaccination. They can then tell you whether there will be a separate bill.
A specialist in private practice without an operating agreement can charge the full cost. This applies even if the GP has provided a referral. The clinic must inform you of this before treatment starts.
Does the young person need an exemption card first?
No, young people under 18 do not need to reach the annual cap on patient fees or receive an exemption card first. The age-based exemption applies from the first eligible service received after 1 August 2026.
The exemption card remains important for adults. Approved patient fees count towards an annual limit. The article on exemption cards and patient fees in Norway explains this scheme.
For 16- and 17-year-olds, an approved patient fee should normally not be recorded as a payment. Other costs, such as medical supplies, do not count towards the exemption card either, because they are not approved patient fees.
Does the rule apply to GPs, out-of-hours medical services and hospitals?
Yes, the exemption applies to approved patient fees at GP surgeries, municipal out-of-hours medical services and hospital outpatient clinics. It also applies to telephone and video consultations when the service otherwise falls within the scheme.
The GP must have an agreement with Helfo for direct reimbursement. Most GPs have this. If the doctor does not have such an agreement, you must be informed before treatment starts, as you may have to pay the entire bill yourself.
At hospitals, the exemption applies to outpatient treatment. Admissions to public hospitals are subject to separate payment rules and are not normally treated as standard appointments with a patient fee.
What about dental care for 16- and 17-year-olds?
The new rule does not automatically make all dental treatment free. The exemption under the exemption card scheme applies only to certain types of dental treatment covered by the annual cap on patient fees.
Children and young people also have separate rights within the public dental service. The county authority organises this service. If the young person visits a private dentist without a public funding agreement, the clinic may set its own prices.
Ask the dental clinic whether the treatment is covered before it starts. Request a cost estimate for extensive treatment.
What should you do if you receive a bill?
First, check whether the bill is for an approved patient fee or another cost. The date of treatment and the type of service matter.
Follow these steps:
- Read what the invoice is for.
- Check that the patient was under 18 on the treatment date.
- Ask the doctor's surgery whether the amount is a patient fee, a charge for supplies or a certificate, or a private treatment charge.
- Refer to the exemption that applies from 1 August 2026 if a standard patient fee has been charged.
- Contact Helfo if you and the healthcare provider cannot resolve the issue.
Do not ignore the invoice. Ask in writing for the payment demand to be put on hold while the error is investigated. Keep the reply and a copy of the invoice.
If the bill has already been paid, you can ask the healthcare provider to explain the charge and consider a refund. Give the treatment date, invoice number and details of what the payment was for, but do not send health information by ordinary email.
Can young people see a doctor without their parents?
A 16- or 17-year-old can contact healthcare services and book an appointment themselves. Removing patient fees makes it easier to seek help early.
Many municipalities offer free, easily accessible youth health clinics. Young people can get advice there about their bodies, mental health, sexuality and other questions. See SamfunnPrep's guide to youth health clinics.
If someone's life is in immediate danger, call 113. When the GP surgery is closed and medical help cannot wait, call the out-of-hours medical service on 116 117.
How to prepare for the appointment
Write down the symptoms, when they started and which medicines the young person takes. Bring identification if the healthcare provider asks for it.
Ask about:
- what the doctor thinks the problem is
- which tests or treatments are needed
- when the results will be available
- who you should contact if the condition gets worse
- whether anything during the appointment could involve a charge outside the patient fee system
Knowing about health, rights and public services is part of everyday life in Norway. Try SamfunnPrep for free to practise topics relating to health and social studies.
