Healthcare in Bergen

Bergen has a range of private and public healthcare facilities and services. All Norwegian residents have access to free or heavily subsidized primary, specialist and hospital care through the public healthcare system. Expats who have registered with and contribute to the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) will have access to the public healthcare system.

The NIS pays for the majority of medical expenses, although some, such as the cost of prescription medications or specific dental work, must be paid for out of pocket – there are also private insurance options that cover these additional expenses. Once a specific annual spending cap has been reached, the government issues an electronic card called the Frikort (free card). The Frikort holder is then exempt from payments for the rest of the year.

Although Norwegian public healthcare is world-class, some people choose private medical care to avoid waiting lists or to see their preferred doctor. Although private healthcare in Norway is reasonably cheap when compared to the UK and the US, expats who desire private treatment in Bergen should still think about purchasing health insurance to keep costs down.

Haukeland University Hospital is the largest hospital in Western Norway and one of the leading public hospitals in the country. It provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery and specialist clinics. There is also a sterling range of private hospitals in Bergen, including Aleris Bergen Centre, Betanien Hospital, Haraldsplass Diaconal Hospital and Vestland Clinic. There is also a multitude of public and private health centres, specialists and clinics in Bergen.

Useful resources

The Bergen municipality maintains a directory of health centres in the Bergen area.

Health Norway (Helse Norge) has a directory of GPs in the Bergen area.

Hospitals in Bergen

Haukeland University Hospital

Website: helse-bergen.no
Address: Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021 Bergen

Aleris Bergen Centre

Website: www.aleris.no
Address: Kaigt 5 Bergen Storsenter, 5 etg., 5015 Bergen

Betanien Hospital

Website: betaniensykehus.no
Address: Vestlundveien 23, 5145 Fyllingsdalen​

Haraldsplass Diaconal Hospital

Website: www.haraldsplass.no
Address: Ulriksdal 8, 5009 Bergen

Vestland Clinic

Website: www.vestlandklinikken.no
Address: Minde allé 48, 5068 Bergen