EU/EEA citizens can choose freely in which EU/EEA country they want to receive healthcare. They may be able to have health care expenses covered by their social security authorities.
Norwegian citizens seeking to receive healthcare in another EU/EEA country
Norwegian citizens, and others with a membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, who have the right to receive healthcare in Norway, may choose to receive their healthcare in another EU/EEA country. To be eligible for reimbursement of out of pocket expenses, the healthcare must be equivalent to the healthcare the public health system would have covered in Norway. The health services under Chapter 5 of the Norwegian National Insurance Act, the Norwegian Dental Health Services Act and the Norwegian Specialist Health Service Act are comprised by this scheme.
If you travel to another EU/EEA country and receive healthcare, you must pay for the healthcare out of pocket. If the terms and conditions are met, you will be eligible for subsequent reimbursement from Helfo.
The reimbursement is limited to the amount that the equivalent health service would have cost the Norwegian public health system if the health service had been received in Norway. Travel expenses are covered only to a limited extent. You will not be reimbursed for more than if you had travelled to your nearest healthcare provider in Norway.
If you are assessed as entitled to necessary healthcare from the specialised health service within a certain time limit, you may apply to Helfo for prior notification before travelling abroad for treatment. Read more about prior notification in the article "Hospital treatment and other specialised health services in EU/EEA countries".
EU/EEA citizens seeking to receive healthcare in Norway
Citizens from other EU/EEA countries can choose to come to Norway for treatment. These patients must pay out of pocket and later seek reimbursement from their home country depending on national legislation.
Norwegian National Contact Point
The Norwegian National Contact Point in Norway can provide details about the rules regarding reimbursement of healthcare received outside of Norway, and issue information on behalf of other countries' national contact points (in Norwegian).
The Norwegian National Contact Point in Norway can also provide information for people seeking to travel to Norway to receive healthcare and advise on the Norwegian health service.