Dreaming of majestic fjords, polar nights and a legendary work\/life balance? Norway is attracting more and more French people. But beware: while the Scandinavian model is often cited as an example, it works very differently from our beloved \u00ab\u00a0S\u00e9cu\u00a0\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n\n
It’s easy to get lost between the French system, which is protective but complex, and the Norwegian healthcare system<\/a>, which is universal but sometimes surprisingly high in terms of out-of-pocket expenses.<\/p>\n\n\n Before we get into the technical details, here’s Laviv.ingr’s feedback. In collaboration with Carexpat, she shares with us her daily life as an expatriate and the cultural shocks (including health!) she encountered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In France, we’re used to a parity-based system. We are free to choose our preferred doctor, we have access to specialists (sometimes directly) and our mutuelles cover a large part of reimbursements.<\/p>\n\n\n In Norway, everything is based on the National Insurance Scheme (NIS)<\/strong>. As soon as you work or reside legally for more than 12 months, you are affiliated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is where the difference is most striking. In France, the \u00ab\u00a0tiers-payant\u00a0\u00bb system makes us forget the real cost of treatment. In Norway, get your credit card ready.<\/p>\n\n\nThe Norwegian healthcare system: how does NIS work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
In France: The \u00ab\u00a0Carte Vitale\u00a0\u00bb reflex<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
In Norway: The universal public system<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
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Coverage and reimbursements: the cost shock<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n