Healthcare

Your “fastlege” (general practitioner or GP) is your main point of contact for almost all medical needs. They serve as a gatekeeper to specialized care and are crucial for a range of services

You are entitled to a fastlege if you have a National ID Number and are registered as a resident in a Norwegian municipality.

What if I have a D-number? If you have a D-number, you are generally not entitled to a fastlege. However, you can still receive necessary medical care. You can contact a local GP’s office and request an appointment, which you will have to pay for, or you can use a private drop-in clinic.

How to register: Once you have your National ID Number, you can register for a GP on the official healthcare portal, HelseNorge.no.

• Log in using your BankID.
• Find the “Fastlege” section and choose a GP from the list of doctors with open patient lists.
• You can change your GP twice per calendar year.
• The change takes effect on the first day of the next month.

A small fee for each doctor’s visit, which is typically between NOK XXX for a daytime consultation with a GP (as of 2025). The fee is higher for evening appointments or home visits.

The “Frikort”: You will be issued a “frikort” (exemption card) once you have paid a certain amount in user fees within a calendar year (the “egenandelstak”). Once you have your frikort, you will not have to pay for further medical services that year. The fees are automatically registered under your name.

Most hospital care is referral-based, meaning you need a referral from your GP to see a specialist or get hospital treatment.

Vestfold Hospital Trust (Sykehuset i Vestfold): This is the primary hospital in the region, with its main facility located in Tønsberg. The hospital also has departments in Larvik and Sandefjord and a pain clinic in Horten.

What to expect: If you are admitted to a hospital and are a member of the National Insurance Scheme, you do not pay for treatment, medicine, or your stay.

Urgent but non-life-threatening medical issues: If your GP’s office is closed and you have an urgent medical issue that cannot wait, you should contact the “legevakt” (out-of-hours clinic) at 116117. They will assess your situation and either give you advice over the phone or book you an appointment.

Life-threatening emergencies: In the event of a serious accident, a heart attack, or any other life-threatening situation, you should immediately call 113. The emergency services are free and available 24/7.

Mental Health: You can seek mental health support through your GP. In Vestfold, there are also specialized mental health services (DPS) in the municipalities. The Mental Helse Helpline at 116 123 is a free, 24/7, and anonymous service.

Resources: Your local Vestfold muncipality website

Dental Care: Children and youth under 18 receive free public dental treatment. Most adults have to pay for their own dental expenses. You choose your own dentist (“tannlege”).

Pregnancy and Child Health: Expectant mothers do not pay for any pregnancy check-ups. The local health centers (“helsestasjon”) provide free health services and check-ups for babies and children up to school age.