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Safety and insurance

It's always great to know you can get help if things go wrong, especially when you're on exchange. Before you leave, do yourself a favor and register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – it takes two seconds! Make sure you have important numbers saved on your phone. Trust us, it's much better to be prepared than to have to scramble to find solutions when something unexpected happens! And remember, your regular travel insurance isn't enough when you're going to be abroad for a long time; you need separate student insurance for your stay. Stay safe and insured, so you can enjoy your exchange without stress!

Safety

Register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (UD):

Download the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Reiseklar app and register your stay abroad. This gives you extra security and makes it easier for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to help you if necessary.

Save this on your mobile:

Apps:

Phone numbers:

  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' operational center (open 24/7): +47 23 95 00 00 (and 247@mfa.no)
  • The Norwegian Church Abroad's emergency phone (open 24/7): +47 951 19 181
  • Nearest Norwegian foreign service station
  • Local emergency number
  • Phone number to the emergency center of your insurance company
  • The host institution's contact number

Important safety information

  • Read the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' travel information and travel advice about the security situation in the country and the areas you are going to.
  • Use common sense – it may take time to understand your new surroundings.
  • Find out where the nearest Norwegian embassy/consulate is, and have contact information available.
  • Follow advice from local authorities and the host institution.
  • Familiarize yourself with the terms of the National Insurance Scheme and your insurance company.
  • Familiarize yourself with local customs, culture and security situation.

In case of emergency

Follow guidelines from local authorities and inform the Norwegian embassy/consulate of your whereabouts. Keep your family in Norway updated.

Insurance

Insurance: You must familiarize yourself with the regulations that apply to where you are going, and find out what insurance you need. A student insurance policy often combines travel insurance, health insurance, home insurance, accident insurance and disability insurance.

The National Insurance Scheme: You retain your membership in the National Insurance Scheme if you are a Norwegian citizen or an EEA citizen and receive support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund. Membership entitles you to medical treatment abroad, but does not cover ambulance transport or repatriation in the event of illness - therefore you also need student insurance.

EU/EEA: If you are going on an exchange in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, you should bring your European Health Insurance Card (order here). It entitles you to medical assistance as the country's own citizens. Remember that you still need student insurance for broader coverage.

Studies outside the EU/EEA: Familiarize yourself with the regulations regarding health insurance in particular. In many countries outside Europe, it is mandatory to have your own health insurance that must be purchased locally. Your host institution will give you information about the requirements. You can apply for an exemption by proving coverage from Norwegian student insurance and the National Insurance Scheme.

Not a Norwegian citizen or EEA citizen? If you are not a Norwegian/EEA citizen, or do not receive support from the Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund, you must apply for voluntary membership in the National Insurance Scheme for the time you are abroad.

Insurance options: Find an insurance policy you are happy with, and check whether you fall under the host institution's insurance schemes. Make sure you are insured when you are at work/internship, especially liability insurance and accident insurance.