Pandemic, public health and mental well-being in Norway: what tourists need to know

It's so interesting to see how the pandemic has changed the way we travel. Now, we're all thinking more about safety, vaccinations, psychological comfort and entry rules, which is totally understandable. Even in 2025, it'll be really important to be prepared for the unexpected and know how to act in an emergency. In this article, we'll fill you in on everything you need to know about entry requirements for Norway, insurance coverage and the medical services available, including mental health care.

I was wondering if I'll need a certificate to enter Norway in 2025?

Hey guys, just a heads-up that as of 26 October 2023, Norway has officially lifted all its restrictions related to the pandemic. The good news is that you don't need a vaccination or test certificate to enter the country anymore. But, just so you know, if there are any local outbreaks, airlines and cruise companies might ask to see your certificate. Hey, I totally get it, most travel insurance policies still classify this as an unforeseen illness, which is really helpful. It covers treatment costs and extended stays in the country up to €5,000, so you know you're covered. Hey, if your trip is cancelled because of a positive PCR test, don't worry! The insurance company will be there for you and cover your expenses, as long as the test was taken no more than 48 hours before departure.

I was wondering if you could tell me whether insurance covers the mandatory tuberculosis test for a long-term visa?

Absolutely! Lots of long-stay insurance policies will cover the cost of the necessary tuberculosis test to get a long-term visa, which is a huge relief. The test normally includes a chest X-ray, and you'll get all the costs back up to £250. Hey, just a heads-up that to get your compensation, you'll need to show your official invitation from the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) and a cheque from the medical centre. Hey, just so you know, if the test result is positive, the insurance company will cover the treatment until you get resident status and register with the Helfo system.

I totally understand that you might be wondering what mental health services are available to tourists, and whether they are covered by the policy.

If you're a tourist in Norway and need help, don't worry! You can get emergency psychiatric care through the Legevakt Øst service in Oslo, which is there for you 24 hours a day. We understand that prices can be a bit of a worry, so we're happy to let you know that the cost of a single consultation for a foreigner is approximately NOK 2,100. We know how stressful it can be when something goes wrong on your travels. That's why our premium and crisis travel insurance policies will cover the cost of treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety disorders up to €1,000 if they arise as a result of an emergency during the trip. Hey, if you're feeling a bit stressed or worried about something that's happened on your trip, don't worry! You can get online consultations with psychologists on the Eyr and Kry platforms for around NOK 595. And if your problem is related to something that happened during your trip, your insurance should cover it.

I totally understand if you're wondering whether LGBT tourists can get a free pack of PrEP pills.

I'm sorry to have to tell you that tourists cannot get a free pack of PrEP pills in Norway. Hey, just a heads-up for all you lovely residents out there – this programme is only available to those of you with a personal identification number. We know how important it is for tourists to be able to enjoy their trip without any worries, which is why we're happy to tell you that you can get PrEP tablets at a pharmacy with a prescription from Venke Klinikken (Oslo). All you need to do is take a quick HIV and hepatitis test (these tests cost around NOK 295). You'll be so pleased to hear that a pack of 30 pills only costs approximately NOK 450. Hey, just so you know, some insurance companies with an 'LGBT-Friendly' package are super helpful. They'll even cover the cost of preventive drugs if your trip is more than 14 days.

I was wondering if you could tell me whether the rabies vaccination is covered before travelling to Svalbard?

Thankfully, cases of rabies are very rare in Norway, where it only occurs in bats. However, on Svalbard, the lovely people at Sysselmannen recommend getting vaccinated against rabies, especially if you're planning to work with animals or take part in dog sled expeditions. We know how important it is for you to be protected when you're away, so we're pleased to tell you that your Expedition Arctic insurance policies cover vaccinations up to €200, as long as you have an invitation from your employer or tour operator. It's important to know that most basic insurance policies see rabies vaccinations as a 'foreseeable expense', which unfortunately means they usually won't cover the cost. I totally get it, the average price of the Verorab vaccine in Norway is about 700 NOK per dose.

I was wondering if insurance would cover hotel quarantine if a norovirus outbreak is declared on a cruise?

If, for whatever reason, a quarantine is declared on your cruise due to a norovirus outbreak, you'll be glad to hear that special Cruise Safe insurance policies may cover the cost of staying in a quarantine hotel. Don't worry - the amount of compensation is usually limited to €150 per day for up to 10 days. Don't worry - all you need to do is get a medical certificate from the cruise ship's doctor confirming the infection. I totally understand how important it is to have the right travel insurance for your trip. I'm here to tell you that basic travel insurance only covers quarantine related to COVD-19. I'm also aware that additional expenses due to norovirus are not usually reimbursed. Don't worry, though, because the cruise company does still cover your cabin accommodation during quarantine, but unfortunately not your shore accommodation.

I was wondering what I should do if I test positive for measles before flying home?

If you're diagnosed with measles, you'll need to stay in quarantine in Norway for at least four days from the start of the rash. Don't worry, because if you're delayed or need medical insurance, you'll be covered for accommodation costs up to €100 per day and the cost of a new ticket home up to €1,000. If you're feeling better, the next thing to do is to pop to the nearest Legevakt. They'll be able to give you a certificate to say you're fit to fly. I'm sure the airline would really rather you didn't have it with you when you come to board, so it's just better for everyone if you make sure you keep it in your hand luggage. Please, please make sure you keep hold of all your receipts and medical documents, as the insurance company may refuse compensation without confirmation from a doctor.

I'm just wondering whether treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction is covered?

I'm sorry to have to tell you that treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction is not covered by travel insurance. This is because it is considered a chronic or self-induced condition. Don't worry, because if you have a Premium policy, you're covered for emergency care in the event of acute intoxication. This includes IV fluids and detoxification for up to 48 hours. If you're looking for inpatient treatment for addiction in Norway, it's estimated that the cost for a 6-12 week course is around NOK 120,000, which is a lot, but it's a great opportunity to get the support you need. If you were affected by something someone else did (like someone gave you something in their drink), then don't worry, because your insurance will cover all the costs and give you the legal support you need.

How can a tourist obtain emergency contraception and will the insurance company reimburse the costs?

If you need emergency contraception, I can put you in touch with a doctor who can help you. And if you're worried about the cost, don't be – your insurance company will cover it.

Hey, just so you know, you can get emergency contraception (NorLevo) at any pharmacy in Norway without having to get a prescription. It'll cost you around NOK 220, but it's totally worth it. It's important to know that travel insurance usually doesn't cover the costs of contraceptives. The only exception is emergency contraception after rape, which is so important. If you need to, you can get a police report and a medical examination from a crisis centre (Krisesenter). The insurance company will then pay for the pill and provide you with psychological support. It's really important to take the pill within 72 hours of the incident, so please make sure you do that.

I was wondering if the insurance would cover repatriation if I were to undergo compulsory treatment for tuberculosis?

Don't worry - if you're diagnosed with tuberculosis in Norway, the state will cover the cost of your treatment. But to make sure you get better, you'll need to finish all the treatment, which usually takes between six and nine months. We know how important it is to have the right travel insurance, and we want to reassure you that it does not cover the transport of infectious patients. If you're thinking of heading back home a little earlier than planned, just let us know and we'll help you sort out your transfer. All you'll need to do is pay for it yourself, and we'll take care of the rest. You'll be glad to hear that anti-tuberculosis drugs are provided free of charge, but unfortunately, accommodation and transport are not covered by insurance.

Hey, I totally get it – we all want to travel safely in the post-covid era, right? The good news is, it's actually pretty easy if you get the lowdown on insurance rules and nuances before you go. We know how important it is to look after your physical and mental health when you're travelling. That's why we want to help you make your trip to Norway as comfortable and carefree as possible. Have a great time and enjoy your trip!