Health Care in Stavanger
Summary: Learn about the health system in Stavanger: how it can and cannot be used by expats, nomads, retirees and others moving to and living in Stavanger.
Stavanger is home to a comprehensive healthcare system that provides both public and private healthcare options. Norway's public healthcare system is called the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme and is available to all citizens and legal residents of Norway.
Norway's Healthcare System
Norway's public healthcare system is funded by taxes and provides free or low-cost healthcare services to all citizens and legal residents of Norway. The public healthcare system is comprehensive and includes access to general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare services. Foreigners are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Norway, however, they may be required to pay for some services. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Stavanger for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Public hospitals in Stavanger are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.
In addition to the public healthcare system, there are also private healthcare options in Stavanger. Private hospitals and clinics in Stavanger are typically more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer more personalized care and shorter wait times. Expats and digital nomads typically use private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery. Private hospitals in Stavanger are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Stavanger
- Stavanger University Hospital: This is a public hospital located in Stavanger. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. It specializes in emergency care, surgery, and other medical services.
- Stavanger Medical Center: This is a private hospital located in Stavanger. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. It specializes in emergency care, surgery, and other medical services.
- Stavanger Clinic: This is a private clinic located in Stavanger. It is well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. It specializes in general medical care, preventive care, and other medical services.
Emergency Services in Stavanger
Stavanger has a comprehensive emergency services system. Ambulance services are available and can be called by dialing 113. Ambulances typically arrive quickly and are staffed with experienced medical professionals.
Health Insurance Companies in Stavanger
The most popular private health insurers in Stavanger are Gjensidige, If, and Storebrand. These companies offer comprehensive health insurance plans that cover a wide range of medical services. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies for their health insurance needs.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Stavanger
- Health Care in Stavanger
- The Essential Guide to Stavanger
- 5 Tips for Living in Stavanger
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Norway
- Best Places to Live in Norway
- Real Estate in Norway
- Pros & Cons of Living in Norway
- Christmas in Norway
- What It's Like Living in Stavanger
- Pros and Cons of Living in Norway 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Norway


