Folketrygden (Norwegian National Insurance)
Free (tax-funded)
Best for: All students registered in Norway
Register at local NAV office or Skatteetaten. Covers GP visits, hospital care, emergencies with small co-pays.
Learn more
Health Insurance for Students in Norway
Register with Norwegian National Insurance (Folketrygden) for free healthcare. Non-EU students need valid insurance before arrival.
5 requirements 3 plan options 5 setup steps
Compare Plans Insurance Requirements
- All registered residents in Norway have access to Folketrygden (Norwegian National Insurance)
- Non-EU students must have valid health insurance BEFORE arriving in Norway
- EU/EEA students can use EHIC for immediate coverage
- After registration with Folketrygden, healthcare is free (small co-pays apply)
- Private insurance required for residence permit if not yet registered
Available Insurance Options
Private Health Insurance (For Pre-Arrival)
€30–€60/month
Best for: Non-EU students before Folketrygden registration
Required for residence permit application. Covers medical emergencies and treatment until Folketrygden kicks in.
Learn moreEHIC + Travel Insurance
€10–€25/month (for travel supplement)
Best for: EU/EEA students
EHIC provides immediate coverage. Travel insurance recommended for repatriation.
Learn moreCost Overview
| Item | Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Folketrygden Registration | Free | Register at NAV or Skatteetaten. Tax-funded healthcare. |
| GP Visit Co-Pay | NOK 250 (~€22) | Standard fee for GP consultation. After NOK 3,205/year, further care free (frikort). |
| Private Insurance (Pre-Arrival) | €30–€60/month | Required for non-EU students before Folketrygden registration |
| Hospital Care | Free (after co-pays) | Hospital treatment free. Small fees for outpatient services. |
Item
Folketrygden Registration
Cost
Free
Details
Register at NAV or Skatteetaten. Tax-funded healthcare.
Item
GP Visit Co-Pay
Cost
NOK 250 (~€22)
Details
Standard fee for GP consultation. After NOK 3,205/year, further care free (frikort).
Item
Private Insurance (Pre-Arrival)
Cost
€30–€60/month
Details
Required for non-EU students before Folketrygden registration
Item
Hospital Care
Cost
Free (after co-pays)
Details
Hospital treatment free. Small fees for outpatient services.
Visa & Insurance Requirements
- Residence permit requires proof of health insurance
- EU students: EHIC sufficient
- Non-EU students: Private insurance required BEFORE arrival
- Declaration to register with Folketrygden accepted for residence permit renewal
- Insurance must cover entire stay and include repatriation (minimum €30,000 coverage)
How to Get Insured
Get Private Insurance (Non-EU Only)
Non-EU students must have private health insurance BEFORE arriving in Norway. Show proof for residence permit application.
Apply for Residence Permit
Submit residence permit application with proof of insurance (EHIC for EU, private for non-EU).
Arrive and Get D-Number or Norwegian ID Number
Register at Skatteetaten (Tax Office) or police to receive D-number (temporary ID) or national ID number.
Register with Folketrygden
Visit local NAV office with residence permit and ID number to register for Norwegian National Insurance.
Choose a GP (Fastlege)
Select a Regular GP (fastlege) from helsenorge.no. Register online or contact the GP directly.
Student Health Insurance in Norway
Norway’s Folketrygden (Norwegian National Insurance) provides universal healthcare to all registered residents, including international students. Once registered, you’ll pay small co-pays and enjoy free healthcare.
For EU/EEA Students
If you’re from an EU/EEA country, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This grants you immediate access to Norwegian healthcare from day one. You’ll pay the same co-pays as Norwegian residents (e.g., NOK 250 for GP visits).
After arrival, you can register with Folketrygden for long-term coverage.
For Non-EU Students
Non-EU students must have private health insurance BEFORE arriving in Norway. This is required for your residence permit application. Once in Norway, follow these steps:
- Get your ID number: Register at Skatteetaten (Tax Office) for a D-number or Norwegian ID number
- Register with Folketrygden: Visit your local NAV office with your residence permit and ID number
- Choose a fastlege (GP): Select your Regular GP from helsenorge.no
After registration, your private insurance is no longer needed — Folketrygden covers you.
Frikort (Exemption Card)
Norway has a high-cost protection scheme. Once you’ve paid NOK 3,205 in co-pays in a calendar year, you receive a frikort (exemption card). From that point, all further care is completely free for the rest of the year.
Why Norway?
With over 25,000 international students, Norway offers stunning natural beauty, world-class universities, and excellent quality of life. Many master’s programs are tuition-free, and healthcare is accessible and affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is healthcare free in Norway?
Healthcare is tax-funded and mostly free. You pay small co-pays (NOK 250 per GP visit). After NOK 3,205/year, you receive a frikort (exemption card) for free care.
Can EU students use EHIC in Norway?
Yes, EU/EEA students with EHIC have immediate access to Norwegian healthcare at the same cost as Norwegian residents.
What is Folketrygden?
Folketrygden is the Norwegian National Insurance scheme. It provides universal healthcare coverage to all registered residents in Norway.
Do I need insurance before arriving in Norway?
Yes, non-EU students must have private insurance BEFORE arriving. EU students can use EHIC immediately upon arrival.
How do I see a doctor in Norway?
Contact your fastlege (regular GP) to book an appointment. For emergencies, call 113 (medical emergencies) or visit legevakt (emergency clinic).
Ready to Study in Norway?
Register with Folketrygden for free healthcare access in Norway.
Compare Plans