5 Things to Know Before Travelling to Norway

Norway is getting plenty of attention right now, especially with England set to face Norway on the football pitch. But beyond the match, it’s also one of Europe’s most spectacular travel destinations, famous for dramatic fjords, scenic railways, Arctic adventures and vibrant cities.

Whether you’re heading to Oslo for a city break, cruising through the Norwegian Fjords or chasing the Northern Lights, it’s worth doing a little preparation before you travel.

1. Don’t Forget Your GHIC – But Know Its Limits

If you’re a UK resident, you should take your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) with you when travelling to Norway.

A GHIC gives you access to state-provided healthcare that’s medically necessary during your stay, often at the same cost as Norwegian residents.

However, it’s important to understand what it doesn’t cover.

Your GHIC won’t pay for:

• Mountain rescue or emergency helicopter transport
• Private medical treatment
• Repatriation back to the UK
• Trip cancellation or curtailment
• Lost or stolen baggage

That’s why Travel Insurance remains essential, even if you’re carrying a valid GHIC.

2. Healthcare in Norway Is Excellent –  But It Can Be Expensive

Norway consistently ranks among the world’s best healthcare systems, with high-quality hospitals and medical facilities throughout the country.

The downside?

Healthcare costs are among the highest in Europe.

If you require treatment outside what’s covered by your GHIC, or need emergency transport or repatriation, costs can quickly reach thousands of pounds.

Travel Insurance can help protect you against unexpected medical expenses, leaving you free to enjoy your holiday with greater peace of mind.

3. Norway Doesn’t Use the Euro

One surprise for many first-time visitors is that Norway doesn’t use the Euro.

Instead, the local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).

The good news is that Norway is largely cashless. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including public transport, cafés and even many public toilets.

It’s still worth checking whether your bank charges overseas transaction fees before you travel.

4. Be Prepared for Changing Weather

Norwegian weather can be unpredictable, even during summer.

Depending on where you’re travelling, you could experience:

• Sunshine
• Heavy rain
• Strong coastal winds
• Snow in mountain regions

Packing layers and waterproof clothing is recommended all year round.

If you’re visiting during winter, temperatures in northern Norway can drop well below freezing, while icy conditions may affect travel plans.

5. Adventure Activities May Need Extra Cover

Norway is an outdoor lover’s paradise.

Popular activities include:

• Hiking
• Glacier walks
• Skiing
• Snowmobiling
• Kayaking
• Dog sledding
• Zip lining
• Ice climbing

Many standard Travel Insurance policies include some activities, but not all.

If you’re planning anything adventurous, check your policy carefully to make sure your chosen activities are covered before you travel.

Cruising the Norwegian Fjords?

Norway is one of Europe’s most popular cruise destinations, with hundreds of thousands of visitors arriving each year.

If you’re taking a cruise, remember that cruise holidays often have additional risks and costs compared with land-based holidays.

You may want to consider Travel Insurance that includes cruise cover, which can provide protection for things like:

• Missed port departures
• Cabin confinement
• Cruise itinerary changes
• Unused excursions
• Emergency medical treatment at sea

It’s also worth considering cancellation cover. Cruise holidays can be a significant investment, and if illness, injury or another insured event forces you to cancel before departure, the financial impact can be substantial.

Our Norway claims data shows that Cancellation & Curtailment claims averaged £934 for travellers aged 65 and under, rising to £2,475 for travellers aged 66 and over, highlighting the potentially high cost of cancelling a trip at short notice.

For travellers looking for additional cancellation protection, Boost: Cancellation Insurance can increase the level of cancellation cover available, helping to protect the cost of expensive holidays such as cruises.

If you’re cruising through the fjords, it’s worth checking that your policy includes both cruise-specific benefits and sufficient cancellation cover for the value of your trip.

Travelling with a Medical Condition?

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to declare it when arranging your Travel Insurance.

Many people worry that this means they won’t be able to get cover, but that’s often not the case.

Declaring your medical conditions helps ensure you have appropriate cover should you need emergency medical treatment while you’re away.

Whether you have diabetes, heart conditions, cancer, arthritis or another medical condition, comparing specialist travel insurance can help you find suitable cover for your trip.

Before You Travel

A little preparation can make all the difference.

Before heading to Norway, remember to:

• Apply for or renew your GHIC.
• Check your passport is valid.
• Review the latest FCDO travel advice.
• Declare any pre-existing medical conditions.
• Make sure adventure activities are covered.
• Add cruise cover if you’re travelling by sea.
• Arrange Travel Insurance as soon as you’ve booked your trip.

Ready for Norway?

Whether you’re exploring Oslo, sailing through the fjords or experiencing the Arctic wilderness, having the right Travel Insurance can help you travel with confidence.

Compare Travel Insurance from trusted insurers and find cover that’s right for your Norwegian adventure.

Research conducted by Just Travel Cover among UK travellers in 2025. Claims analysis supplied by One Before and based on policies issued under the Just Insurance Agents Limited group, covering underwriting and transaction months from March 2024 to December 2025. Claims statistics:  Total claims: 2,392. Cancellation and curtailment claims: 1,036 (43%). Average cancellation claim: £869. Largest cancellation claim: £12,562. Medical claims represented 56% of all claims costs. Largest medical claim: £51,500+