Oslo has a public and private healthcare system that provides quality medical care to its citizens and visitors. 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
The Norwegian National Insurance Scheme is a comprehensive public healthcare system that covers medical services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. It is available to all citizens and legal residents of Norway, and is also available to foreigners who are legally residing in Norway. People generally recommend using public hospitals in Oslo for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals. The public hospitals in Oslo are clean and modern, and offer a wide range of services. Foreigners, including expats and digital nomads, are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Norway, although some may choose to use private hospitals for specialized medical care and surgeries. Private hospitals in Oslo are generally more expensive than public hospitals, but they offer a higher level of service and more personalized care. People generally recommend using private hospitals for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are well-equipped and staffed with experienced medical professionals.
Hospitals and Clinics for Expats in Oslo
The most popular hospitals and clinics for expats in Oslo include:
- Oslo University Hospital (public hospital) – located in the city center
- Rikshospitalet (public hospital) – located in the city center
- Aker University Hospital (public hospital) – located in the northern part of the city
- Ullevål University Hospital (public hospital) – located in the western part of the city
- Oslo Private Hospital (private hospital) – located in the city center
- Oslo Eye Hospital (private hospital) – located in the city center and specializes in eye care
Emergency Services in Oslo
Oslo has a well-developed emergency services system, with ambulance services available throughout the city. To call for an ambulance, dial 113. Ambulances typically arrive quickly, although there may be delays during peak times.
Health Insurance Companies in Oslo
The most popular private health insurers in Oslo are Gjensidige, If, and Storebrand. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies, although some may choose to use specialized expat health insurance providers.
Insider Tips from Expats in Oslo: Health Care
“I’ve been living in Oslo for a few years now, and I can tell you that it’s definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you’ll need to make some adjustments and be mindful of your spending. Oslo is known for being an expensive city, but there are ways to make it work.First, you’ll want to find a more affordable neighborhood to live in. Some of the more expensive areas, like Frogner, Majorstuen, and Aker Brygge, might be out of your budget. Instead, consider looking for apartments in neighborhoods like Grünerløkka, Tøyen, or Bislett. These areas are still central and have a lot of great amenities, but the rent will be more reasonable.When it comes to groceries and eating out, you’ll need to be more conscious of your spending. Eating out in Oslo can be quite expensive, so try to cook at home more often and take advantage of the cheaper grocery stores like Rema 1000 and Kiwi. When you do eat out, look for more budget-friendly options like kebab shops or Asian restaurants, which tend to be more affordable than traditional Norwegian restaurants.Transportation is another area where you can save money. Oslo has a great public transportation system, so you can easily get around the city without a car. A monthly pass for public transportation costs around $100, which is much cheaper than owning and maintaining a car in the city.As for entertainment and leisure activities, there are plenty of free or low-cost options in Oslo. Many of the city’s museums offer free admission on certain days, and there are always free events and festivals happening throughout the year. You can also take advantage of the city’s beautiful parks and outdoor spaces for activities like hiking, biking, and picnicking.In summary, living comfortably on $5,000 a month in Oslo is possible, but you’ll need to be mindful of your spending and make some adjustments to your lifestyle. By choosing a more affordable neighborhood, cooking at home more often, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer,” commented an expat living in Oslo.
