Health Care

Special clinics for well-baby care and for youth (Helsestasjon) are a unique part of this system. At these clinics, children under school age are weighed and measured on a regular basis and given the necessary immunizations. Nurses specializing in well-baby care and child development are available to answer questions and discuss concerns about your child. Youth can also receive consultation regarding e.g. sexuality, hereunder help regarding pregnancy, contraception/ birth control or psychic help. All Norwegians has their own family doctor, and the aim is that you first contact your doctor for a consultation. The doctor will refer you to a specialist or to hospitalization if needed. If you want to change your family doctor (fastlege), you can log into MinFastlege (My Famlly doctor) and make the change. You can change doctor up to four times a year.

Private Medical Clinics

There are several private medical clinics. Emergency walk-in services are available as well as scheduled appointments for both specialists and general practitioners. These clinics are not covered by the health care system, unless you have been referred by your house doctor/specialist. Private insurances can cover the cost at private clinics, but this option must be clarified with the insurance company.

Norwegian emergency line, telephone 113 - one-one-three

Dental Care (Tannlege)
Most Norwegian dentists have their own private practices and can be found in the yellow pages under “Tannleger” (Dentists).

Children are called in to the communal dentist office at age 3. This office is located in a nearby school. The good news is the Norwegian government pays for your children's dentistry needs. Dental care for adults is not covered by the health care system.

Emergency Dental Services
Tannlegevakten, (County) open outside normal office hours. A quick google search with the term "Tannlegevakten +city" will give you which dental office on duty.


Pharmacy (Apotek)
One pharmacy (apotek) is always open in each district. A schedule of opening hours can be obtained at any pharmacy or by calling directory assistance, tel:1881

Overview of Norway's Social Security and Health Service

Norway has extensive health services and a well-developed social safety net. All those who are resident in Norway have a right to economic assistance and other forms of community support during illness,Old age or unemployment. About 35 per cent of the state's budget is spent on the Norwegian health and social welfare system. Two laws - the National Insurance Act and the Social Care Act - are the statutory mainstays of Norwegians' social rights.

Norway are now going into a longer period where the population lives longer and get older. This is happy news but will put a lot of strain to the health care system. If you search for a job in Norway, working within the health care system would be a great contribution to the society.

To terminate a pregnancy is a difficult choice, but can be necessary. In Norway it’s the individual woman’s choice to terminate a pregnancy, though not after the end of the 12^th week of the pregnancy.  To terminate a pregnancy after the end of week 12, a special selected committee will decide, and at least one of the following terms should be present:

-          The physical or psychological health of the woman is in danger

-          The woman’s life situation is difficult

-          The child is believed to have a severe illness (an “eugenically indication”)

-          The pregnancy is a result of a rape or by incest

-          The mother has a psychic disease or is retarded

The law states clearly that the woman’s own view should be taken in consideration.

In Sweden the abortion limited time line is within the 18^th week and In England within the 24^th week. To take abortion in Sweden or England will cost approximately 6000 or 9000 crowns, however you can apply to get these money back through Rikstrygdeverket.

If you have decided to take abortion, you must contact the gynecological department at the hospital for the area where you live to schedule a consultation.

You will not need to contact your house doctor for a referral.  You have to inform about the first date of the last menstruation cycle.

The committee normally consist of two doctors, the chief of department and a doctor not working at the hospital.

The longer you wait after the 12^th week, the stronger your case should be made.

After their decision, if approval has been given, an appointment will be scheduled for the procedure will be made.

The procedure can be performed at any Norwegian hospital. It’s free of charge and you normally won’t have to stay the night.

There are several methods for birth control. Here you will find the most commend listed:

Injection (P-sprøyte)
The P-injection just contains one hormone, gestagen, and must be taken every third month. It will be injected in the buttocks by a doctor. It’s one of the safest methods preventing unwanted pregnancies (0 to 1 % risk of pregnancy). As with Birth Control pills, it doesn’t prevent sexual transmitted diseases. If using the injection method, there is less chance of developing cancer in the uterus membrane or in the ovaries. One of the most common side effects is irregular bleedings.

Adhesive tape contraception (P-plaster)
The adhesive tape contraception is thin and soft and is added directly on the skin; on the buttocks, stomach, upper part of the back or on the chest. It’s a safe method and statistically 0,6% of 100 women be pregnant if using the adhesive tape contraception during one year. The adhesive tape should be used in three weeks and taken away the forth week during menstruation. The Adhesive tape contraception is among the most expensive alternatives.

Birth control-ring (P-ring)
The woman inserts the p-ring into the vagina by her self and leaves it there for three weeks. It is soft and flexible. The ring must be taken out every forth week, before replacing it with a new.  The P-ring delivers estrogen directly to the blood (if to take the estrogen orally, it has to pass the stomach, liver and intestines first). It’s a relative new contraception method and has the same safety as the Birth control pill.

Emergency contraception (Angrepille)
The emergency pill should be used when contraception hasn’t been used or if the contraception used malfunctioned e.g. if the condom ruptured. The pill should be taken as soon as possible and latest within 72 hours. The chance of being pregnant will gradually increase, depending on how fast the pill has been taken. You can buy it in any pharmacy. It is not contraception and should only be used in emergency.  Never use it if you think you can be pregnant.

Hormon spiral
The spiral is a little item placed in the uterus by a doctor. It has a “tail” – which hangs out of the cervix. The spiral contains the hormone gestagen. The spiral can be used over time and you don’t have to change it before after five years. It can be used as emergency contraception, but must be inserted before five 24 hours. This will prevent the egg cell to attach the uterus wall.  If placed correctly, the hormone spiral will have the same safety as the birth pill. If you should be pregnant using a spiral, the spiral must be removed as quickly as possible. If not, there is a severe chance of spontaneous abrogation or a premature birth. Ved korrekt plassering vil hormonspiralen ha samme sikkerhet som p-pillen. Skulle du bli gravid med spiral, må spiralen fjernes så fort som mulig. Hvis ikke er det store sjanser for å spontanabortere eller for tidlig fødsel.

Mini pill (minipille)
As with an ordinary birth control pill, the mini pill should be taken every day. The mini pill contains only one single hormone, gestagen. The pill is recommended to women who has a risk of heart and artery diseases. It should be taken at the same hour every day, and the scheduled time should not vary more than 3 hours from one day to the other.
Statistically, it’s between 0,3 and 0, 4 present risk of being pregnant with the mini pill. The mini pill has the advantage that it doesn’t increase the risk of blood clothing (thrombosis).

The contraception pillow (P-puten)
The contraception pillow is a sponge like pillow that is being inserted the same way as a tampon before intercourse. It can be bought at any pharmacy without prescription. The safety is about 90%. If used the right way, it doesn’t have any known side effects, but it will not prevent sexually transmitting diseases.

Implant (Implantat)
This is one of the newer contraception methodes on the market. It is a hormone pole which contains the hormone gestagen. It is made of soft plastic material that is inserted under the skin on the inside of the woman’s upper arm.  The implant last for 3 years and must be removed and replaced with a new. The method is one of the safest, but in Norway there are not so many doctors yet that has experience with this contraception method.

All hormonal methods mentioned above, can give side effects the first months, as nausea, headache, tender breasts, irregular bleedings or bad mode. Some has also reported less sexual desire. All these side effects are temporary and will normally not last for more than 2-3 months.

Other non hormonal contraception methods
Condom, diaphragm, copper spiral, interrupted intercourse, safe periods, sterilization.

Normally you have a hunch and want to confirm if you are pregnant or not. You can buy a self test at any pharmacy. You schedule a consultation with your house doctor (primærlege), who will confirm the status by a blood test/urine sample.  The doctor will schedule the term together with you and you will receive one single ultra sound examination only. If there are a medical reason for a close follow up, you might receive several ultra sound examinations.

You will be called in the hospital near you and you will be shown around. You will most likely be offered courses and consultation with a midwife during the pregnancy. In many places the pregnancy controls are performed and followed up by a midwife. Many hospitals can offer different ways of giving birth. Some offer the possibility to give birth in water, in a bed, in a chair, on the floor… the way you find best for yourself.

When the time comes, you go to the hospital and a normal birth will be performed, supported by a midwife and an assistant.  If by any chance complication should occur, an emergency team will take care of you and help the baby out the best way for mother and child.

C-section (keisersnitt)

It is preferred to go through a normal vaginal birth. Any surgery or anesthetic has a risk. That is why it’s not mentioned as a standard routine way of giving birth. However, if a C-section is needed, it will be performed very fast and the safest way for mother and child. Speak to your midwife or doctor if you have any concerns or questions.