ABSTRACT
Background From 1994 to 2000 sickness absence compensation paid by the Norwegian National Health Insurance Scheme increased by 75%. The Norwegian sickness absence rate is about twice as high as that of most European countries.1-5 Employees in Norway get full economic compensation for 52 weeks of sick leave. The first 16 days are paid for by the employing organisation, and for the rest of the year via the national insurance scheme.
