Preliminary 2026 Norwegian DRG system released

In October 2025, the Norwegian Directorate of Health released a preliminary version of the DRG system (Innsatsstyrt finansiering, ISF) for 2026. 

The following preliminary documents were published:

• DRG manual (ISF-regelverk);
• Basic document with summary of changes in the system (Grunnlagsdokument ISF);
• Diagnosis-related groups (DRG) list;
• Special Service Groups (Særtjenestegrupper, STG) list. STGs cover specialist health services that take place in settings other than traditional inpatient and outpatient, and are extended over a long period of time, so that the patient himself is more responsible for the administration of the treatment (e.g., patient-administered peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis, remote monitoring);
• Service Progress Groups (Tjenesteforløps grupper, TFG) list. TFGs refer to "bundled payments," so it is an aggregated level above DRG and STG, providing financing of a patient treatment course with several stays and activities (e.g., dialysis treatment, insertion of hip prostheses);
• Grouping logic definition tables.

In general, no significant changes were made in the system. The financing of the regional health authorities (Regionale Helseforetak, RHF) is primarily two-fold, consisting of a basic allocation (global budget) and an activity-based allocation (ISF – DRG/STG/TFG). The amount of the basic allocation is independent of activity and is determined, among other things, by demographic factors. For 2026, the ISF share for somatic specialist care will remain 30%, and the share of basic allocation - 70% (unchanged from 2025).

Two new DRGs are planned to be added in 2026 concerning the transfusion of genetically modified autologous lymphocytes and outpatient proton therapy. No Med Tech-related STG or TFG is planned for addition. 

In 2026, to obtain DRG/STG/TFG tariffs for somatic care, individual weight points must be multiplied by a national base rate of 56,153 NOK. 

The full details in Norwegian can be found here.

This news is just one of about 300 market access news collected by our team in the premium subscription service Market Access Monitor every week from more than 80 organizations. Access our paid service to stay on top of all developments specifically for your products in Europe (reimbursement news) and globally (HTA news). Access is organized as an online Database and email alert formats. Contact us to get a free, three-month, no-obligation trial.