Confidentiality
Everyone who works in the healthcare service in Norway has a duty of confidentiality. This means that information can only be shared among those who will be treating you.
You therefore don’t need to be afraid to tell your healthcare provider anything. The more information they have, the better they can help you.
Right to view your medical records
You have the right to view your medical records. If you change your GP, you can ask your old doctor to send your medical records to your new doctor, if you wish.
Your medical records contain all the documentation that healthcare professionals or a health institution has about you. The medical records will contain information about your medical history, completed examinations and their results, diagnoses and treatment.
Free interpreter
You have the right to obtain information about your health, illnesses and treatment in a language that you understand. You need this information to give your consent to the healthcare you receive. You therefore have the right to bring an interpreter with you when you are visiting the doctor, midwife or hospital.
Your doctor, midwife or other healthcare professional will request an interpreter if you need one.
The interpreter has a duty of confidentiality and must be a qualified interpreter. You may want to bring a family member with you to the doctor, but this person should not be used as an interpreter.
Interpreters are free, except for when you go to the dentist.
You pay a small fee
You pay a small fee, known as a ‘user fee’, for example to your GP or the out-of-hours medical service. This means that the public sector pays for the majority of your treatment costs.
Children under the age of 16 and pregnant women in prenatal care receive free healthcare.
Rights of children
All children under 18 years old are fully entitled to healthcare.
Children under the age of 16 do not have to pay for doctors, psychologists, physiotherapists, hospitals or X-rays.
Healthcare centres and school health services are free of charge. All children are entitled to examination and vaccination at healthcare centres and school health services.