Changing your GP

The GP scheme is the backbone of the Norwegian healthcare system, and it's also its own learning goal on the test: using knowledge about the healthcare system to access services.

What a GP is

Your regular GP. You're assigned one, and this is who you contact first when you fall ill. Not the out-of-hours clinic, and not the hospital. Your GP refers you on if needed.

You can switch

You can switch GP a few times a year, and you do this yourself online, not through the doctor.

The out-of-hours clinic is something else

The out-of-hours clinic is for things that can't wait until your GP is open. It isn't an alternative to your GP just because it's faster.

Knowing the difference is useful in itself, and it's also the kind of question that comes up on the test.

If you don't have a GP

Newcomers are assigned one. If you haven't been, contact your kommune (municipality).