Planned and necessary treatment within private and state healthcare in another EU state funded by the HELFO. Are you on the waiting list in Norway and need surgery? You can get private treatment abroad for any medical condition, provided you can pay for it. This could include treatment abroad in a private specialised hospital, by a clinic or state hospital abroad.
Helfo in Norway allows you to travel abroad and apply for a refund after treatment. We always suggest to our clients to get a “letter of guarantee” from HELFO if they have at least 4 weeks till treatment abroad. The first step in order to get the guarantee is to fill in the form below.
FAQ: Planned treatment in Europe funded by the HELFO – Prior Notification
Does the pre-approved route cover private clinics?
Yes, the pre-application route does cover private clinics/hospitals abroad. You can apply for prior approval from Helfo before you travel abroad in order to guarantee your refund. If you are planning to receive paid healthcare abroad. With the pre-approved route, you can guarantee a refund and jump on the Helfo waiting list.
What treatments abroad you can receive with pre-approval from HELFO?
You can apply and receive permission to receive planned healthcare abroad in a private or state clinic/hospital. If you are entitled to public health services by Helfo in Norway you are on the waiting list or waiting for specialist consultation, you may choose to buy those medical services in another member state of the European Union (EU). You will have to pay upfront and will be repaid the cost by the Helfo. Still, this route gives you a guaranteed option to get Helfo treatment sooner. This is provided for by the Cross-Border Healthcare Directive (EU Directive 2011/24/EU, pdf).
The EU cross-border directive covers all healthcare provided or prescribed. The Directive route covers the same or equivalent healthcare that would be available for you in the same situation in Norway. That means if you would have access to medical treatment In Oslo, you can access it in Milan. The EU cross-border directive also covers medicine prescriptions and medical devices.
Are there exemptions when I can get a refund?
In some situations, the Helfo could insist that you had undergone the same steps if you would receive treatment in Norway. It means Helfo has a right to refuse a refund if you had surgery without having prior consultation. Helfo can refuse prior notification approval if treatment will be provided in Norway within a reasonable period of time.
Without applying with a prior approval form you will not know if you can get it. In many cases, HELFO will pay you up to 100% of your medical expenses abroad.
Will HELFO pay upfront for my treatment abroad?
No, if you chose to go to a private clinic abroad using the HELFO Directive route you will have to pay all expenses from your pocket. Only once you returned to Norway, Helfo will refund your medical expenses up to the amount approved. Helfo will refund only medical expenses, flights and accommodations are non-refundable.
With some exemptions when yu are planning to receive highly specialised treatment, you would not have to pay in advance.
When I will be refunded?
HELFO will refund your medical expense only when you will return back to Norway, you will have to submit medical documents, proofs of payment and some additional documents. If You have already received planned treatment abroad and would like to make a claim please fill in our post-treatment refund application form.
A refund for medical treatment in a private clinic abroad is possible!
