Since 1971, all previous private pension schemes and Government insurance and pension systems have been replaced by the National Insurance Scheme. This guarantees everyone a minimum retirement pension and disablement benefits, regardless of their economic situation. Everyone is entitled to a basic pension, which is inflation adjusted.

The public health service and the hospitals are the responsibility of the Government. There are very few private hospitals in Norway. Hospital care is free of charge.

The Norwegian Health Service is decentralized. Each municipality has a board of health whose members are elected by the people and led by the local public health officer. Since 1984, the municipalities have been financially responsible for primary health care. The Central Government and the counties share the responsibility for the hospital system. This is a three-part system made up of regional hospitals serving parts of the country, central hospitals serving the various counties, and local hospitals which are also run by the counties.

The Norwegian Public Health Service has won the battle against tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, measles, etc. The population is given tuberculin tests on a regular basis from infancy onwards. All children in Norway go through a comprehensive vaccination program. There is a network of infant clinics throughout the country, which assist parents in the care of their children. This has contributed to a low rate of infant mortality.

Whilst at school, the children receive medical care, as well as assistance with any psychological problems they might have. In addition, they also receive dental care throughout their compulsory nine years at school.