Insurance requirements for studying in Norway
Insurance information for Norway
If you are going to study and live in Norway, you want to be fully prepared before starting your adventure. Among other things, you want to make sure your insurance covers everything you need, without paying too much
Health services in Norway are of high standards. As a student in Norway you are ensured professional medical treatment no matter which part of the country you are living in.
In most cases the treatment is free of charge if certain prerequisites are met. These prerequisites vary depending on your current nationality and length of stay in Norway. Please study the regulations below carefully.
Students from the Nordic countries
You will become a member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme if you are registered in the National Population Register in Norway. If you are not a member you are nevertheless entitled to health services under the National Insurance Act and you do not have to verify it with a European Health Insurance Card.
Students from the European Union, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
Students from EU/EEA countries, who are in possession of valid health insurance in their home country, may use the European Health Insurance Card (see FAQ EHIC). This is a free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 27 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country. Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance. EHIC does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.
Students from countries outside European Union, the European Economic Area (EEA)
Your right to health services in Norway depends of your status as resident of Norway. If the duration of your stay in Norway is more than one year you automatically become insured under the National Insurance Scheme when you register as a student at a Norwegian institution of higher education and get a student residence permit in Norway. For all others you should have other insurance to cover any medical expenses you might incur in Norway..
All students
Some institutions provide on campus health services. The semester card which you receive by semester registration may entitle you free medical treatment at the institution's student health services. This treatment usually does not apply to medicines or to medical tests taken off campus. The cost of medicines is only covered if you are hospitalised, or suffer from a serious disease, and are member of the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme, or have a European Health Insurance Card or another form of social security which covers these costs.
No worries, we've got you covered. Together with our partner Aon, we are going to make sure you get the perfect insurance package. Your study abroad adventure will be awesome, but insured for all risks, including health care.
Is this enough?
It is important to understand that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not always enough, Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance, and that the local offered health insurance will probably not cover:
- (Additional) medical costs
- Repatriation
- Liability
- Home contents and baggage
- Accidents
- Legal aid
- Worldwide cover
You will need an insurance policy also covering, but also arranging for you, for example:
- You returning home if a close relative is seriously ill or dies;
- Up to two close relatives visiting you in if you fall seriously ill;
- Your medical repatriation to your home country for hospitalization or rehabilitation treatment;
- or in the worst possible situation, returning a body home for burial.
- Tuition Fee Insurance for international students what is it and why its useful
Free quote from Aon
Via our partner Aon, you can easily discover details that apply to your specific situation. To get advice and insight in the costs of insurance, you can freely request an instant quote.
About Norway
Norway offers a fantastic opportunity for students to study abroad without any tuition fees. Public universities provide high academic standards and accessible professors who are always supportive. Small class sizes promote effective learning and collaboration. An extensive range of English-taught programs are available, and language barriers are minimal as most Norwegians speak English fluently. Norway's society is built on equality and fairness, evident in both the legal system and people's behavior, making it easy for international students to adapt.
Frequently asked questions
Please note that EHIC is according to EU recommendations not an alternative for Travel Insurance
(European Health Insurance Card - Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion - European Commission (europa.eu))
An EHIC gives the student the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in another EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.
When you are in possession of a valid EHIC during your study period in Norway, it only provides coverage for emergency medical expenses. Please note that this does not include any costs for medical evacuation, physical therapy, acupuncture or emergency dental expenses. You are also not covered for your personal possessions, liability, legal aid, emergency assistance and extra travel expenses.
The validity of the EHIC depends on your home country and your insurer in your home country. It may not cover the full period of studies. Please verify the validity of your EHIC with your insurer in your home country for your study period abroad in Norway.
However, the coverage of the European Health Insurance Card or private insurance may not be sufficient, especially in case of repatriation and specific medical intervention. In that case, a complementary private insurance might be useful.
Taking out an additional insurance during your study abroad in Norway is specially needed for the risks that are not covered for with your EHIC. This to be certain that you are properly insured during your study period.As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country like Norway.
