The Regular GP Scheme

• All citizens who are registered in the National Population Register are entitled to get a regular GP. The Scheme also applies to asylum seekers and their families who are members of the National Insurance Scheme.
• You are free to choose your regular GP among any of the GPs participating in the Regular GP Scheme.
• The Regular GP Scheme is voluntary. But if you choose not to join, it will be your responsibility to find a GP who is able to give you an appointment. You will also have to pay a higher fee to see this GP.
• You are entitled to change GPs up to twice a year, provided the new GP that you want has a space for you on his list. If you wish to change GPs, please contact your local social security office.

"What is a Regular GP?"
A regular GP is a general practitioner who has entered into an agreement with the local authorities to act as a regular GP for those citizens who are registered on a certain list. The regular GP shall give the citizens on this list an appointment as soon as they need one

"Who does the scheme apply to?"
All citizens who are registered in the National Population Register are entitled to a regular GP. The scheme also applies to asylum seekers and their families who are members of the National Insurance Scheme.

"I don’t have a regular GP – what should I do?"
Contact your local social security office and ask for a registration form for the Regular GP Scheme.

"Do I need to have a regular GP?"
No, the scheme is voluntary, but if you don’t have a regular GP, it will be your responsibility to find a GP who can give you an appointment. You will also have to pay a higher fee for his services.

"Can I choose a regular GP in another municipality than the one I live in?"
Yes, you are free to choose any of the GPs participating in the Regular GP Scheme.

"Should children have a regular GP of their own?"
The parent who has parental responsibility can choose a regular GP on behalf of the children. If the parents want their children to have a different regular GP than themselves, they will have to give notice of this. It is also to leave the children out of the scheme.

"I am 16 years old. Can I choose my own regular GP?"
Yes, when you turn 16, you will receive a letter from the National Insurance Administration giving you information about the Regular GP Scheme, and you may choose your own regular GP, if you want.

"Can I change GPs?"
Yes you are entitled to change GPs up to twice a year – provided the regular GP you want has an available space for you on his list.

"What happens if I move to another municipality?"
If you move from one municipality to another, you are required to notify the National Population Register. You will then receive a letter from the National Insurance Administration containing a list of GP s in your new municipality with available space on their list. You may also choose to keep the GP you already have.

"How much will I have to pay to see a regular GP?"
To see a regular GP, you will be required to pay the regular fee. If you choose not to join the scheme, you will be required to pay a higher fee to see a GP.

"What is a joint list?"
A GP may either work alone or together with other GPs. Some GPs have decided to set up a joint list. Regular GPs with a joint list will have a joint responsibility to provide you with general practitioner’s services.

"Can I choose one of the GPs at a medical centre with a joint list as my regular GP?"
Yes, there will always be one GP at a medical centre with a joint list who is responsible for providing you with general practitioner’s services. This GP will be known as your "responsible GP."

"Can I see a GP other than my regular GP?"
Yes, but the GP will give priority to the citizens on his list. You will not have to pay more to see another GP.

"What is a re-evaluation?"
If you or your regular GP want a re-evaluation of a medical problem, you can go to another GP and ask for a re-evaluation. The GP carrying out the re-evaluation will have to notify your regular GP. For a re-evaluation you will only have to pay the regular fee.

"What should I do if my regular GP is ill or away on holiday?"
If your regular GP is absent for a longer period of time, you will be informed about the GP who has been assign to take over his duties while he is away. If your regular GP works together with other GPs, one of them will be able to help you. Medical emergency services shall always be available to you, even if your regular GP is away.

"Will I loose my regular GP if I have to go into a medical institution?"
If you are in an institution that provides organised medical services, the doctors there will see to your medical needs. You will still keep your place on your regular GPs list. Upon your discharge, the institution shall notify your regular GP.

"Will I loose my regular GP if I move abroad?"
If you are moving abroad on a permanent basis, and notify the National Population Register on this, you will loose your regular GP. If you are out of the country for a limited period of time, you will still be on your GP’s list.

This brochure is also available in the following languages: Norwegian (bokmål and nynorsk) and Urdu. To order, please contact: the Norwegian Central Information Service, per fax at
+47 22 24 27 86 , or per e-mail at publikasjonsbestilling@ft.dep.no

Please quote ublication number: I-1030 E