The Norwegian social security system

National insurance is financed by global contributions from salaried workers, self-employed workers and employers, as well as State grants. Contributions come to 7.8% of gross income for salaried workers, 11% for self-employed workers. Salary contributions are not applicable to monthly incomes lower than 39,600 crowns (4,846 euros) or when they represent over 25% of the beneficiary’s income. Employers pay the full rate of 14.1%. Pension holders pay a contribution of 3% on the sum of their pension. As for the coverage of accidents in the workplace and work-related illnesses, employers pay premiums to private insurance companies. Family allowances are financed by taxes.

Health insurance
Health insurance is offered to all residents. Two different excess schemes may apply to cover medical expenses exceeding a certain annual amount. The first covers medical expenses exceeding the annual amount of 1,740 crowns (€213) for appointments and treatment provided by doctors and psychologists. The second covers appointments and treatments provided by physiotherapists, certain dental treatments, expenses relating to stays in rehabilitation centres and treatment dispensed overseas. Salaried and self-employed workers whose annual income is equal to half of the base amount, namely 33,406 crowns (€4,088), can claim daily cash benefits. The beneficiary must have worked at least 4 weeks before the incapacity for work.

Maternity insurance
All pregnancy-related treatments and medical examinations are free of charge. Mothers take 3 weeks of leave before the birth and 6 weeks afterwards. Fathers have the right to 6 weeks of parental leave.

Old age
As well as national insurance pensions, all employers employing at least one employee working at least 20% of the fulltime rate must subscribe to a professional insurance. The sum of the annual contribution should correspond to at least 2% of the employee’s working income, between once and twelve times the basic amount. The legal age for entitlement to rights is fixed at 67 years. The current regime does not foresee early retirement.

Unemployment
Salaried workers, self-employed workers and fishermen can claim unemployment benefits. Allowances depend on income levels and the family situation. Daily
allowances are paid over 104 weeks or 52 weeks if the annual income was twice lower than the basic amount. Rights to allowances may be suspended if the unemployed person refuses a job that he or she is capable of performing.

Family allowances
Family allowances are paid out without any income-related conditions to all parents of children younger than 18 years residing in Norway. A monthly allowance of 970 crowns (€320) per child is paid, with a bonus of 320 crowns (€45) per child in Arctic regions. A supplement of 970 crowns (€320) per month may be granted to single parents.