Study Context
permanent disability
All legal residents in Norway are included in the Norwegian public insurance system. Medically certified sick leave is compensated with 100% coverage for the first 12 months, with some limitations regarding the size of the salary. The first 16 days are covered by the employer, the rest by the Norwegian Welfare and Labour Administration. After 12 months of sick leave, it is possible to apply for more long-term medical benefits: namely work assessment allowance and permanent disability pension. Both covers approximately 66% of the income. Individuals on work assessment allowance are supposed to work according to their work capacity. Few are awarded permanent disability pension directly after 12 months and 3–4 years on work assessment allowance before application is common. Healthcare is public and universal, but not entirely free as there is an annual deductible (203 euros in 2016). Referrals to treatment are usually arranged by the general practitioners.