Major Differences
While talking about our decision to stay in Norway or leave, we seemed to build a catalog of differences between the two countries.
I was thinking only about all the things necessary for a move. This taught me how single-minded or purpose-driven I can be. I’m convinced I can get everything together in a short period of time, just leave it to me. I’m not working in October so I have plenty of time for rest and planning. Tim however worried about all the things that will build up for doing once we hit land in the US. This created a catalog of differences.
- Health Insurance.
In America you or your employer pays for medical insurance. Sometimes you pay a portion but doctor/hospital costs are covered by insurance. But many Americans do in fact, not have insurance and pay out of pocket. This is a personal issue.
In Norway there is a National Insurance Agency. Using the taxes everyone pays, most-to-all medical costs are covered. All tax paying residents have the option of choosing a doctor on their own or choosing one off a list compiled of doctors within your area. Similarly, for pregnant women you can use the midwives at the local Helsestasjon or your personal doctor. I have just been seeing a midwife but because I’ll need a doctor after delivery I’ve chosen a dr. from the list sent to me and have an appointment to see her around my 32nd week in late October. Tim received a similar list but as he never chose, the office chose a local one for him (actually just down the street!). Necessary hospital trips are also covered. I’m not positive, but elective visits/procedures may incur cost.
If we move back before the baby is born, it is unlikely we will be insured b/c of “previous condition” rules. Afterwards we can get insurance but we’d have to decide where from if it is not covered by his employer.
Then there is life insurance and I don’t know anything about that.
- Cars
This matter is a bit simpler.
In America it is very doubtful we would live in a large city with great public transportation. We would need a car, insurance, gas and maintenance.
In Norway we live in the city with wide-spread, reliable transportion and only purchase monthly passes (700kr/$100+) or flexicards good for 8 one-hour transferable trips (150kr/~$25).
- Taxes
In America, taxes are added everything but maybe movie snacks and change where ever you go. You have to go through the mess of filing, and paying or getting a refund every year.
In Norway, the whole sum is taken out regularly from pay and it used to pay for all these other things. Tax is always included in prices (it is pretty high). At some point in the year, some government agency tallies it all for you and just asks for a signature confirming the information they have.
These are major differences that will affect us in moving but there are more things we just have to manage once there. There are people/businesses/agencies we’ll have to notify here plus decide what to sell, trash or keep but to me it’s just something to be done in order to go home and have my family around me.
I’m moving to:
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There will be a land line, but I don’t have that number yet. . . . and I don’t know when it will be set up. . . I left that up to my random roommate ’cause she was the one who really wanted it. . . .
You coming back here would be fabulous!!! I could come down and see the baby ’cause Annapolis isn’t that far from here (about an hour), assuming of course you return to Annapolis. . . .
Hope everything is going well over there in Norway. . . keep yourself rested!!!!!
No worries about rest. It’s one of my favorite things these days. I might be up an’ about for a couple hours but then it’s the couch for me.