How to receive healthcare in Norway as an international student?

Welcome to Norway!

I understand that you have a number of questions regarding how you can access the healthcare you need in Norway when coming here as a student from another EU country. As I understand it, you have mental health issues that are known from before and for which you have used medication as treatment. In general, it is recommended to clarify what type of follow-up and treatment you will need during your stay abroad well in advance of your departure. This is to avoid unnecessary interruptions in both therapy and medication treatment, which may have unfortunate consequences. In your case, I understand that you have ended up in a situation where your treatment was stopped abruptly, which can naturally cause a number of short-term symptoms, known as withdrawal symptoms.

To receive help with further treatment, I recommend that you contact a doctor in Norway. As you are a student from abroad, you have the opportunity to contact the student health service, SiO Health (SiO Helse) in Oslo. If you belong to another student welfare organization, I recommend that you investigate the healthcare services offered through your local student welfare organization where you are staying.

The Norwegian healthcare system is organized around a general practitioner (GP) system. As a first step, you contact your GP, who will assist with most medical issues and, if necessary, can refer you to another service or specialist. If you need help quickly, the GP practice will also offer urgent appointments. If you require urgent medical assistance during evenings or weekends, you should contact the out-of-hours medical service (Legevakt) on 116117. In case of an immediate emergency involving danger to life or health, the medical emergency number in Norway is 113.

Doctors in Norway must follow Norwegian guidelines and therefore cannot always continue treatment that you have received in other countries. In your case, I would mention that treatment with benzodiazepines for anxiety is generally not recommended under Norwegian guidelines and therefore will most likely not be continued in Norway. However, this must be assessed individually.

Healthcare in Norway is heavily subsidized by the state, and as an EU citizen you will have the same rights here as Norwegian citizens. However, it is common that medications and doctor appointments involve a out-of-pocket fee that you must pay yourself.

I hope you receive good help for your symptoms and have a pleasant stay in Norway.