Travel Insurance for a Norway Vacation (2023)

Jun 23, 2023

Tom Adams is a writer based in the U.K. who specializes in travel advice. Previously, he has written for sports brands, travel blogs and even an archaeological study. Outside of work, Tom enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and taking his rescue dog for long walks in the park.

Tori Addison is an editor who has worked in the digital marketing industry for over five years. Her experience includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York's Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.

Norway is a Scandinavian country filled with natural beauty. The midnight sun and serene fjords attract visitors worldwide who want a taste of arctic adventure. It’s also a safe country with residents who welcome tourists.

Despite the thrills, the risk of sudden accidents or interruptions is always part of a travel experience. That’s where travel insurance comes in. To protect the financial investment you make for your vacation, you may be considering having a quality travel insurance plan in place. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about buying travel insurance for Norway, highlight coverage options for your policy and offer some helpful travel advice.

Norway is a member of the Schengen area, a collection of European countries allowing free movement within their borders. Depending on your country of residence, you may need a Schengen visa to enter the area. (You can find a full list of countries that require a Schengen visa at the Schengen website.)

U.S. citizens don’t need a Schengen visa for short-term visits (under 90 days), and they don’t have to have travel insurance for their vacation to Norway. However, you should consider having comprehensive travel insurance for the trip.

International travel insurance can protect your trip investments by reimburising costs related to flight cancellations, itinerary interruptions, lost baggage and more. A quality travel insurance plan will also cover medical treatment you receive while traveling, an important element if you plan many extracurricular activities. For instance, travel health insurance will cover your medical expenses if you get hurt cruising around Svalbard.

Below, the different types of insurance coverage you might want to consider for your vacation.

Your travel insurance policy will include cancellation coverage that will reimburse any prepaid trip costs should you decide to cancel your vacation. However, this protection has exclusions, so the insurance company will only validate it for covered reasons. Cancel for any reason coverage (CFAR) can help with this.

CFAR is an optional protection you can add. It allows you to cancel your trip for any reason, even if you simply change your mind about going on your trip. It gives you more flexibility before departure, but some limitations may apply.

You may be unable to buy CFAR insurance because it’s unavailable in every state. Even if it is, you must buy it within a specific time frame, usually two weeks before your departure.

Norway is a perfect destination for exploring the Arctic and hiking along fjords. Not surprisingly, the country appeals to active travelers who want to hike, many of whom will bring their own special equipment.

Gear theft protection kicks in if equipment gets lost or damaged. Your insurance will pay to replace or repair your belongings. It’s a good idea to declare any expensive items like cameras, tents or premium hiking gear to your provider so that they are adequately insured.

Gear theft protection does have limitations. It usually has a deductible, which you must pay before coverage kicks in. Protection can also be as low as $500, which may not cover the loss of multiple expensive items.

If you plan to take special equipment, consider insuring the most expensive items individually. That way you’ll get the coverage you need.

Norway has a high standard of healthcare, even in remote towns. Although that’s assuring for tourists, medical care can be expensive.

That’s why you may consider buying travel medical insurance if you visit Norway. This special insurance covers expenses such as:

Your travel insurance policy will also cover you for a medical evacuation, also known as medical repatriation. Medical repatriation involves returning you to your home country or an adequate medical facility to receive medical treatment. The maximum costs for an evacuation are likely to be much higher than your medical coverage because it includes transport costs.

Your medical insurance at home may include coverage for trips abroad, so it is smart to check with your insurer before buying travel insurance. Also, any pre-existing conditions included in your health insurance at home may be excluded from your travel medical insurance. We encourage travelers to declare any pre-existing conditions before they travel. You can buy special coverage for those conditions.

If you’re going to camp or explore the wilds of Norway — or do more than visit major cities like Oslo and Bergen — you’ll probably need a rental car and rental insurance. We recommend buying insurance If you rent a car in Norway.

You can rent a vehicle in Norway if you’ve held a full driver’s license for one year. You can get vehicle protection through your rental provider, but it’s often more cost-effective to have rental protection in your travel insurance plan. The most important protection for a rental vehicle is a collision liability waiver, which covers any damage or theft associated with your rental.

Cancellation insurance lets you claim back any prepaid, non-refundable deposits made for your trip should you need to cancel your plans. Covered reasons for cancellation include:

Most insurance companies offer up to 100% of the insured trip cost in their cancellation reimbursement, but some policies may include more. Assess the terms and conditions of your plan to familiarize yourself with the covered reasons and claim procedures if you need to cancel your trip.

The cost of travel insurance differs among insurance companies. Your age, destination and total trip cost can alter the policy price. Also, prices differ among insurers. Compare quotes from at least three providers to understand what you need to budget for the insurance.

The table below compares the cheapest plans available from five insurance providers. We pulled these quotes based on a 30-year-old traveling from California to Norway for seven days. The cost of the trip was $1,300.

Quotes pulled on June 26, 2023.

We selected the maximum medical coverage for the above quotes and added coverage for trips and baggage delays. All the plans include 100% cancellation cover except Allianz, which offers up to 115%. Likewise, most plans include $500 in coverage for lost baggage, but Nationwide pays $600, which works better if you bring expensive equipment.

When you compare the plans, Nationwide and Trawick deliver the most coverage. Trawick has customizable plans, with different options that affect the final price. Seven Corners provides the most affordable policy with solid medical evacuation coverage but the lowest medical coverage. Allianz is the most expensive of the selected policies yet provides the least protection.

Make sure to compare plans from multiple providers before you purchase an insurance policy. This can help you find the most affordable policies with the best coverage.

You can compare insurance prices using free online quote tools from insurance companies. They’ll show you various plans and include coverage details and prices. You can also use third-party websites to find quotes that suit your budget.

When choosing your insurance plan, consider what coverage and policy will benefit you the most. For example, business travelers will likely not require adventure sports coverage in their travel insurance.

An annual multi-trip policy would be a good investment if you’re planning multiple trips within the year. This will cover various vacations under one policy rather than having to purchase individual plans for each trip.

Anytime you travel internationally, safety should be the number one priority. And Norway is safe. It has one of the lowest rates of violent crime in the world. However, travelers should be wary of petty criminals, especially in larger cities.

Another consideration is the environment. Norway delivers unparalleled natural beauty, but avalanches and landslides in mountainous regions have the potential to cause serious harm.

The following sections will give you an overview of how to stay safe for your Norwegian vacation, and some helpful travel tips.

Travel advisories suggest practicing usual precautions when visiting Norway. Cities like Oslo and Bergen are relatively safe, even late at night. But visitors should be mindful of petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing. Theft is common in tourist zones, but you can avoid it by keeping your expensive belongings secure.

Note that Norway is strict about the consumption of alcohol. Drinking in public is prohibited. Even being drunk in public could get you arrested. If you plan to drink alcoholic beverages, don’t get overserved, and don’t drive drunk.

You can fill up your vacation in Norway by watching the northern lights or taking a trip to Tromso, the capital of the Arctic. But be sure to book tours or excursions with reputable companies with rigorous health and safety provisions. Take extra care with cruise tours, as inclement weather can cause serious risks.

People who book hiking excursions must be aware of hazardous avalanches and landslides. Check the local news for weather forecasts and any immediate safety announcements.

Although the temperature may be cold, the sun is still harsh. You risk a sunburn even if you don’t feel it. Sunscreen is your friend in Norway.

COVID-19

As of 2022, Norway removed all entry restrictions regarding COVID-19. Travelers no longer need to supply a negative PCR test or register their entry to Norway upon arrival. If you feel unwell, adhere to standard guidelines like self-isolation and wearing a face covering. You can find more information about coronavirus guidance on the Norwegian health services website.

We recommend having good travel insurance when you visit Norway. Although U.S. citizens don’t need it, it makes for a smart financial move, given the expenses related to the trip.

Norway is safe but adverse weather is a notable risk. Travel insurance can remedy worries by providing you with coverage for your trip so you can focus on enjoying your time away.

Read the FAQs below for more information about buying travel insurance for a trip to Norway.

Travel insurance will cover you for any unforeseen expenses or interruptions that occur on your trip. This includes, but is not limited to, trip interruptions, medical expenses, delayed or lost baggage, and reimbursement for canceled flights and accommodation.

Healthcare in Norway is free for individuals below the age of 16. Otherwise, you must pay for medical care. Norwegian healthcare is good but expensive. We recommend buying high coverage levels for medical insurance.

Most providers include Norway in their annual coverage plans for Europe. However, always check the terms of your insurance policy.

Expensive travel insurance usually provides more robust coverage which can greatly benefit travelers. But price isn’t everything. Tailor your insurance plan to the specifics of your trip. That may mean paying a higher premium, but if you shop around you should find budget-friendly insurance companies.

Tom Adams is a writer based in the U.K. who specializes in travel advice. Previously, he has written for sports brands, travel blogs and even an archaeological study. Outside of work, Tom enjoys reading, trying new restaurants and taking his rescue dog for long walks in the park.

Tori Addison is an editor with over five years of experience in the digital marketing industry. Her includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.