Egenbetalinger

Egenbetalinger is the term used in Norwegian welfare policy to describe out-of-pocket payments made by individuals for publicly financed services. It refers to the portion of costs that users must cover themselves rather than being fully covered by state funding. While most commonly discussed in health care, egenbetalinger can also occur in other public services such as dental care, prescription medicines, and some welfare services.

In health care, egenbetalinger are the charges patients pay for services that are subsidized by public funds. Examples include visits to general practitioners and specialists, hospital services, diagnostic tests, and medicines prescribed in the public system. The exact rates and which items are chargeable vary by policy and service.

Many systems implement a cap or annual threshold; once a person’s cumulative payments reach this grense for egenandel they may receive a frikort, which exempts further charges for the period. Exemptions are common for children, students, people with chronic illnesses, low-income households, and emergency care. Some services may be free or discounted.

The policy aims to balance revenue for public services with access and equity. Proponents argue that co-payments curb unnecessary use and fund essential care, while critics warn of regressive effects, barriers to care for vulnerable groups, and administrative complexity.

Across countries, the level and structure of egenbetalinger vary widely. Some countries have robust caps and broad exemptions, while others impose higher charges or provide more comprehensive free services. The term captures a common feature of mixed public-private financing in many welfare states.