The countries in this scheme include many of the EU member states, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Why are you being transferred?
There may be various reasons why you will be transferred to another country for treatment, such as:
- You have family in this country.
- The country you are currently staying in does not have the capacity to provide you with the treatment you need.
- The hospital you are currently in may also take the initiative to have you transferred, because it does not have the capacity to provide you with the treatment you need.
How to get transferred to another country
You or your next-of-kin must talk to the hospital where you currently are. The hospital will assess your needs and apply for you to be transferred to another country.
The application will be sent to all the countries in the EEA. If you would like to be transferred to a specific country because you have family there, the authorities will try to prioritise that you are transferred to that country.
The health authorities in the country or countries that receive(s) the application will decide whether to offer you treatment.
Hospital treatment in Norway
The Norwegian authorities will arrange for you and your next-of-kin to be transported to Norway. This may be on a scheduled flight or by air ambulance.
When you arrive in Norway, the Norwegian police will register you as a refugee. This registration is important to ensure you are granted rights in Norway.
You will then be picked up by a health professional who will accompany you to the hospital. Some patients may be transported directly to the hospital and be registered later.
The hospital you are leaving will ensure that the hospital in Norway receives the necessary information about you, your illness or injury, and what kind of treatment you have already received.
The hospital in Norway may ask the health authorities for information about you and your illness. You may be contacted with a request that you consent to them disclosing information about you. Many patients bring their medical records with them, which is also very useful.
Hospitalisation in Norway is free.
You may not be offered exactly the same treatment as you would in another country, but the quality of hospital treatment in Norway is very good, and everyone who needs treatment gets it.
Family, loved ones and pets
If you arrive in Norway accompanied by loved ones (your next-of-kin), the Norwegian authorities will make sure that they are provided with housing near the hospital.
Many refugees bring their pets with them, and there are separate procedures for bringing animals into Norway (The Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s web page).