In Norway, access to healthcare is based on a simple principle: every resident should be able to receive appropriate medical care, regardless of their income or where they live. The Norwegian healthcare system is largely public and funded through taxation, and it is organized around a two-tier structure. The country’s 357 municipalities are responsible for primary care and local health services, particularly through the general practitioner known locally as a fastlege, who serves as the first point of contact before referral to a specialist. Hospitals and more complex healthcare services are managed by four major regional health authorities, which also coordinate emergency services throughout the country, including those provided by Oslo University Hospital.

All residents are covered by the National Insurance Scheme, administered by the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration (NAV), with healthcare reimbursement managed by the Norwegian Health Economics Administration (HELFO). This system covers consultations, routine healthcare services, and prescription medicines prescribed by a general practitioner or specialist. This health insurance scheme also covers costs related to medical emergencies and hospitalisation, with patients generally paying only a moderate contribution. Private clinics and supplementary medical services are also available and are often used to reduce waiting times or gain faster access to a physician. Norway is regularly cited as a model for the quality of its healthcare services and the efficiency of its social welfare system, although it currently faces increasing pressure on healthcare staff and shortages of physicians in certain regions, particularly general practitioners in rural areas.

For expatriates moving to Norway, especially those arriving from France, several steps can help ensure a smooth transition and rapid access to healthcare when needed. Many French expatriates choose to register with a fastlege, the Norwegian primary care physician who provides long-term follow-up and coordinates access to specialist care; this fastlege system is unique to Norway and differs from the organisation of healthcare in France. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers medically necessary treatment during a temporary stay, including emergency care, but it does not replace full enrolment in the Norwegian healthcare system. Registration with the relevant resident registration authorities is required to benefit fully from the public system when relocating on a more permanent basis, just as registration with the French social security system may remain relevant for expatriates maintaining links with France. It is also possible to purchase supplementary private health insurance to cover costs not reimbursed by the Norwegian scheme. In the event of a medical emergency, expatriates in Norway can call the national medical emergency number, available throughout the country, or go directly to a hospital emergency department if their condition requires it; any life-threatening emergency is treated immediately, regardless of the patient's administrative status. 

Prescription medicines are reimbursed under the same rules that apply to Norwegian residents, provided that proof of health insurance or affiliation with the National Insurance Scheme is presented. For chronic treatments, it is advisable to build up a supply of medication before leaving France, as some commonly used medicines may not be available in the same form in Norway. Many expatriates from France and other European countries choose to remain registered with a physician in their home country while also registering with a Norwegian fastlege, particularly if they travel regularly between countries. It is also advisable to familiarise oneself with the cost of living in Norwegian kroner (NOK), as a standard medical consultation or an appointment with an out-of-hours doctor may cost several hundred NOK, and medicine prices can vary significantly from one pharmacy to another. Medical transport costs, when required, are also charged in NOK. Administrative procedures for expatriate patients also include obtaining a Norwegian identification number, which is essential for accessing digital health services and receiving reimbursements in NOK from the Norwegian authorities.

Norway also stands out for its leadership in digital health. The country relies on extensive national databases that support research, as well as a citizen portal, Helsenorge, which allows individuals to view and manage their health information online, track health insurance reimbursements, and book appointments with doctors and local healthcare services. These digital tools also support social services, enabling them to better assist vulnerable individuals or those experiencing a loss of independence, in coordination with primary care physicians and home-care teams. Norway actively participates in several European initiatives focused on health data sharing and interoperability between healthcare systems, helping to strengthen social protection and healthcare cooperation across the continent.

G_NIUS provides an overview of the organisation of digital health in Norway, including the mechanisms of the Norwegian health insurance system, and highlights what makes this market distinctive and often cited as a benchmark for innovation. G_NIUS presents the government authorities, innovation hubs, and educational organisations that shape the Norwegian digital health landscape, as well as the key steps required to enter this market, from medical device classification to the deployment of solutions among Norwegian healthcare professionals. The platform therefore provides project leaders with practical guidance for assessing export opportunities, understanding the links between healthcare innovation and the Norwegian social protection system, and navigating the broader Norwegian healthcare ecosystem.