Insurance and healthcare in Norway: 10 questions that will save you thousands of euros

Hey, just a friendly reminder: when you're planning your trip to Norway, don't forget to take care of your medical insurance! Norway is a beautiful place to visit, but it is also a expensive country. If you don't have insurance for any medical services, you could be in for a shock! In this article, we're going to answer the 10 most important questions about insurance and healthcare. We'll do our best to help you avoid unnecessary expenses and enjoy the beauty of the fjords with peace of mind.

I would love to go to Norway, but I'm not sure if I need travel medical insurance. Can you tell me, please?

Oh, yes! We all know how expensive medical care can be, even a short visit to the doctor can cost from NOK 1,200, and hospitalisation from NOK 15,000 per day. I know how important it is to have the right travel insurance, and I'm here to help you make sure you're covered. It's really important to have at least €30,000 of coverage, including evacuation and repatriation. Hey, just a friendly reminder to check that your insurance covers active recreation, like hiking. That way, you can enjoy your adventures without worrying about any accidents. 😊 Hey, just so you know, you can use your smartphone to access your policy wherever you are – it's super easy!

I was wondering if the European EHIC card is valid in Norway for tourists from the EU?

Absolutely, your EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card) will be fine, but just so you know, it does only cover emergency care in public clinics. So if you're thinking of going to a private hospital, getting some dental work done, or even evacuating or repatriating, you'll need to sort that out yourself. For example, if you have to visit the doctor, you can expect to pay anything from NOK 160 to NOK 375. I would really recommend taking out travel insurance – it's so worth it! You'll be glad you've got it, especially when you're in a pickle.

I was wondering if you could tell me how much it would cost to get a helicopter to take me off a mountain route in Norway without having insurance?

We understand that the cost of a helicopter evacuation in Norway can be worrying, with the price per flight ranging from 40,000 to 65,000 NOK. If you don't have insurance, you'll have to pay for everything yourself. Don't worry, if your insurance covers rescue and search, the rescuers will contact the insurance company directly and arrange the evacuation at their expense.

I was wondering if it would be necessary to specify active sports when purchasing insurance for Norway?

Oh, absolutely! Just so you know, basic insurance doesn't include activities like hiking above 1,500 m, off-piste skiing and sea kayaking. Hey, just a heads-up: you can add the 'Outdoor' or 'Extreme' option to cover treatment and evacuation up to €250,000.

I was wondering if the policy would cover treatment for frostbite after seeing the Northern Lights?

Oh, definitely! If you get frostbite while enjoying a legal tourist activity (like a Northern Lights photo shoot), don't worry! Your insurance will cover outpatient treatment and hospitalisation up to £10,000. But don't worry, the insurer will make sure you're following all the safety measures and weather warnings.

I'd love to find out how I can check that a Norwegian clinic will accept my insurance policy.

Hey, just so you know, most good assistance centres publish lists of partner clinics in advance, which is super helpful! Hey, why not download this list before your trip? That way, you can check the clinic you need. And if you need any more information, our friendly insurance hotline team is always here to help. Don't worry if your insurance company asks for a letter of guarantee, just contact them in advance and they'll sort everything out for you.

I was wondering what I should do if I lost my insurance and passport at the same time in Norway?

First, let your insurance company know and ask if they can send you an electronic copy of your policy. Then get in touch with the local police (Politi) to get a certificate of loss of documents, and then head over to your country's consulate to apply for a return certificate. Rest assured, hospitals in Norway are required to accept a digital copy of the policy until the documents are restored.

I was wondering if you could tell me how long a prescription form issued by a Norwegian doctor is valid for if the patient is a tourist?

Don't worry if you have more than one prescription, because electronic prescriptions are stored for up to a year, but medicines are dispensed just the once. Don't worry, your paper prescriptions are valid for 30 days, and for psychotropic drugs, they're valid for seven days. The tourist pays for the medicines in full, and the insurance company will refund the expenses based on the receipts. And please, if you could keep your receipts from the pharmacy, that would be absolutely great!

And while we're on the topic, do you know if insurance covers dental care while travelling?

Don't worry - most travel insurance policies will cover emergency dental care up to €200–300, which should be enough for first aid. If you're going on a longer trip, it's a good idea to pick an insurance plan that includes a 'Dental emergency' option, which could cover up to €1,500. I know we all love our pearly whites, but getting dental treatment in Norway can be quite pricey – just one tooth extraction could set you back as much as NOK 2,500!

I'm looking for a little help, if I can. I'm thinking of staying in Norway for more than six months, and I'd love to find a doctor to register with. Do you know how I can do that?

Once you have your personal number (which is called a "fødselsnummer" or a "D-nummer" in Norwegian), you can go to Helsenorge.no and select a family doctor in your area. In big cities, there might be a wait of up to five months, so it's a good idea to book in advance to save yourself any disappointment. If you're a tourist staying here for up to six months, you can only visit private clinics. The good news is that these clinics are really reasonably priced, with the average cost of a visit ranging from just 850 to 1,100 NOK.

Norway is a place like no other. It's got stunning mountains, amazing northern lights and absolutely breathtaking fjords. And the healthcare is not only amazing, it's also one of the best and most expensive in Europe. I know how important it is to feel safe and comfortable when you're away from home. That's why I'd really recommend taking out the right insurance for your trip - it'll give you peace of mind so you can enjoy yourself and have a great time! Now that you have the answers to the main questions, you can relax and enjoy every moment of your trip to Norway, whether you're exploring the stunning natural beauty or delving into the rich cultural tapestry. Don't put off your dream — head to Norway right now, because your health and safety are your most important assets when travelling!