Six out of ten young Norwegians take a year or more off after finishing high school, and many use the time to travel the world. But not all are covered by travel insurance when illness or accidents occur, according to a new survey from the Norwegian Fremtind Insurance.
Figures from SOS International show that the youngest travelers are among those most frequently in need of assistance abroad. In 2024, about seven percent of all Norwegians who contacted the SOS emergency center for help were aged 19 to 23.
“Unfortunately, we see young people who are not covered by travel insurance when they fall ill or are injured, and that can become very expensive. Bills can include treatment at private hospitals, air ambulance transport to another country, or repatriation to Norway,” says Karin Tranberg, division director for Travelcare at SOS International.
Popular destinations for Norwegian youth include Mexico, Costa Rica, Thailand, and Indonesia. Tranberg stresses that anyone heading out should make sure their insurance covers sickness or injuries along the way.
“Without travel insurance, you must cover treatment and transport costs yourself. And remember that there may be exclusions for activities such as diving, surfing, or mountain climbing. It is important to check whether your policy includes such activities,” she says.
A new survey by Respons Analyse for Fremtind shows that only 28 percent of Norwegians under 35 feel they have full control over their insurance. One in five admits they should have checked their policies more thoroughly.
“This is perhaps not surprising, since parents often take care of insurance while their children still live at home. But it does mean we are extra concerned, as illness or accidents on a trip can be very costly. And beyond medical issues, travelers also risk theft and delayed luggage,” says Therese Hofstad-Nielsen, prevention specialist at Fremtind.
Fremtind recommends that young travelers double-check the following before departure:
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Travel insurance: Is it valid for the whole trip? Does it cover activities like surfing or skydiving? Are you still covered under your parents’ policy if you have moved out?
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Passports, visas, and licenses: Is your passport valid for at least six months after returning? Do you need a visa? Will you need an international driver’s license to rent a car?
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Medicine and vaccines: Do you have the correct medical certificates if you bring medication? Have you consulted health authorities about recommended vaccines?
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Official travel advice: Register your trip with Norway’s “Reiseklar” app or reiseregistrering.no so that you can receive updates if a crisis occurs abroad.
Fremtind is one of Norway’s largest insurance companies, owned by SpareBank 1, DNB and Eika Gruppen.
