Every citizen and resident is entitled to health care and is allowed to choose a fastlege, or primary care physician. This is done online through
NAV/helfo and you may change your fastlege up to two times a year. Your fastlege can refer you to specialist for specific treatment. This public health system works well, though waits can be long. Norwegian health practitioners prefer non-invasive treatments where possible. The costs for public health care are minimal and after spending 1,840 NOK in a calendar year, you receive a frikort (free card), which will give you free health care for the remainder of the year.
Dental care is not covered by the public health system, though there are exceptions. If you are 18 or younger, are handicapped or if you reside in senior housing, you can receive free dental care. 19 – 20-year olds only pay 25% of the total cost. Otherwise, dental costs are high.
Children are called into the communal dentist office at age 3. Appointments are sent in the mail and if you cannot make it, make sure to respond to the office. If you fail to make your appointments, your children could be kicked out of the system.
Emergency dental services:
- Tannlegevakten, (County) open outside normal office hours, at Tøyen Senter, Kolstadgt 18, 0653 Oslo, tel: 22 67 30 00.
- Oslo Private Tannlegevakt, Hansteensgt. 3, tel: 22 44 46 36
With so many dentists available in Oslo, it is best to ask friends or colleagues if they can recommend a dentist. Otherwise, most dentists have private practices and can be found under Tannleger in the Gule Sider (Yellow Pages).
