Extreme sports in Norway: insurance, evacuation and important details for tourists

If you're into extreme sports, then Norway is definitely the place for you! Hey, have you ever thought about kitesurfing in Lofoten? Or maybe you'd like to try off-piste skiing, mountain biking or diving in the fjords? Whatever you're into, we've got you covered with experiences you'll remember for a lifetime! I totally get it, though. Such activities require special insurance and preparation. In this article, we'll take a close look at all the insurance details, evacuation, and how to handle any compensation for lost equipment. We'll also chat about all the other important things to consider so you can have an amazing time doing the extreme sports you've always dreamed of.

I was wondering if anyone knows if insurance would cover injuries sustained while downhill mountain biking in Trusil?

It's a shame, but basic insurance policies usually exclude downhill mountain biking, as they see it as a 'competitive sport'. Don't worry, we want to make sure you're covered! Just purchase the additional 'Category 4 Adventure' package and you're all set! This will increase the cost of the policy by about 12%, but you'll be covered for medical expenses up to €100,000 and evacuation from the bike park (which will cost approximately NOK 2,500). We all want to keep you safe, so please make sure you use the protective gear we provide (a helmet and protective gear). If you don't, we'll reduce your compensation by 20%. If you could please take some photos of the track and hold onto your ticket, that would be really helpful. The insurance company might ask to see them so they can figure out what happened in the accident.

I'm just wondering whether kitesurfing in Lofoten is considered 'extreme'?

Oh, you know, I totally get it: kitesurfing in Lofoten is actually considered quite high-risk by insurance companies. It's important to remember that basic policies might not cover activities like this. To make sure you're totally covered, why not add the 'Water X' option to your insurance? This will only cost about £6 a day, and it'll give you peace of mind knowing you're covered for medical expenses up to £200,000, as well as up to £1,500 for lost equipment. Hey, just so you know, most kite tour operators will ask to see your insurance policy before you get going. Please be aware that if you need to be evacuated by boat from a nature reserve, such as Æ Island, there is a cost of up to NOK 4,000, which is charged separately as a search and rescue operation.

Hi there, I was hoping you could help me with a question I've got about the policy. I was wondering if it would cover injuries sustained on a ski tour outside the red avalanche zone?

I totally understand that off-piste skiing in avalanche-prone areas is a bit of a risk, and I'm sure you're aware that a standard policy doesn't cover this. I know it's a lot to take in, but to get the best out of your trip, you'll need to select a tariff with the 'off-piste level 2' option. It's really important to follow the official avalanche forecast from NVE Varsom, because at danger level 4, the insurance company might not be able to pay out if they think you were being reckless. Luckily, most insurers are pretty understanding and accept GPS tracks and photos of warning signs as proof that you've done what you needed to do. We know how important it is to stay safe on the slopes, which is why we want to remind you that the cost of evacuation from an avalanche zone can be as high as €500,000. So, we kindly ask you to save a screenshot of the forecast on your smartphone every morning before skiing, so you can show it to the assistance service.

I was wondering if I would need a medical certificate for diving in the Sognefjord?

Absolutely, PADI certification centres do need you to complete a Medical Statement form, but don't worry, it just has to be no more than 12 months old. If you have a chronic medical condition, you'll need an extra certificate from your GP. Insurance companies usually set an increased coverage limit (up to €300,000) for diving to depths of more than 18 metres, which adds about €10 to the total premium. Don't worry, if you don't have a medical certificate, the insurance company will still look into your case and get back to you as soon as they can. It would be really great if you could make sure your certificate is in English, and if you can, in RSTC 2024 format, as Norwegian clinics don't usually accept documents in Russian.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me whether travel insurance would cover lost equipment after a helicopter evacuation?

Absolutely, insurance will usually cover the cost of lost equipment during a helicopter evacuation (up to 95% of the time, which is great news!). Hey, just a heads-up: to make sure everything goes smoothly, it's super important to let us know about any loss within 24 hours of the incident. To make this process as easy as possible, please include your GPS coordinates of the location, along with the purchase receipt and photos of the equipment before take-off. Don't worry - the compensation limit is usually between £1,500 and £3,000, depending on the tariff. If you don't provide evidence, though, the insurance company might only give you half as much as you asked for. If there is an evacuation, please remember that the rescuers will take the person to safety first. The equipment will be delivered later by the rescue team or volunteers.

What should you do if a tourist dies and their family needs to bring their body back home?

A standard insurance policy usually includes the return of remains, with coverage up to €20,000. This includes transporting the body, putting it in a zinc coffin, filling in the necessary paperwork, and arranging everything. If you need help, please contact the assistance centre. They work with the local company Norwegian Funeral Services. Without insurance, it costs between NOK 70,000 and 90,000 to send the body back home. If someone dies in Norway, there is a legal requirement for a medical examination to be carried out (this takes between 5 and 7 days). It is a good idea for relatives to get a power of attorney for the transfer and notarisation of all documents in advance to speed up the process.

If someone gets hurt and the sailing competition can't go ahead, will the insurance pay out?

Yes, if you have an Adventure insurance policy, you're usually covered for trip cancellation if you get injured and an official hospital certificate confirms it. To do this, you need a contract with the person who is organising the regatta, proof of payment and a MED-A medical form. The insurance will cover the cost of your trip and any non-refundable expenses, such as yacht rental. If the regatta is a competition with prize money, make sure you have the right insurance (the 'Competition' tariff). Otherwise, the insurance company may reduce the compensation.

Can you use independent Strava tracks as proof of an insured event?

Yes, since 2024, most insurance companies have accepted activity trackers from Strava or Garmin as proof of an incident. To do this, you need to download the GPX file and save screenshots confirming where and when the injury happened. This is especially important if the incident happened in a remote area and there were no witnesses. Don't change the original track. Records of any changes (metadata) could mean the insurance company refuses to pay, as they may suspect evidence tampering.

Does insurance cover spearfishing?

Spearfishing is not usually covered by standard travel insurance because it involves using weapons and there is a high risk of injury. To cover this sport, you need a special 'spearfishing' extension, which costs 25% more than regular diving insurance. You will also need to provide CMAS or PADI Skin Diver certificates and a spearfishing licence issued by the Norwegian Fiscal Directorate. If you don't have a licence, you'll have to pay NOK 2,800. Your insurance won't cover this fine.

How much does it cost to get people off the snowmobiles in Svalbard, and who pays?

Snowmobile evacuation on Spitsbergen is expensive — about NOK 18,000 per hour of snowmobile operation and NOK 1,200 per rescuer. Sysselmannen is in charge of coordination and billing for tourists. A specialised Arctic Cover policy costs around €500. This policy covers rescue costs up to €1 million and evacuation by Super Puma helicopter (NOK 60,000 per hour). If you don't have a policy, you'll have to pay the costs yourself. Otherwise, you might not be allowed into Norway in the future.

Extreme sports in Norway are exciting and will give you a great time. The right insurance will make sure that any unexpected problems won't ruin your holiday. Be prepared, enjoy sports and nature, and may every trip to Norway be a safe adventure!