Whether your Norwegian travel insurance is a legal must-have will be determined by where exactly you’re heading up north from. Because the magical coastal nation of Norway happens to still be within the Schengen Zone. And this means that most non-European visitors need a Schengen visa to cross its borders.

Having the proper Schengen travel insurance, meanwhile, is one of the primary requirements for being granted a Schengen visa, be it for Norway or any other Schengen nation.

So here’s a quick look at where you might stand.

Who doesn’t need a Schengen visa to come to Norway (for stays of less than 90 days)?

You’re generally good to go to Norway visa-free if you are:

• A citizen of one (or more) of the Schengen countries and/or the European Union;
• A holder of a valid residence permit issued by a Schengen member country;
• A citizen of a non-Schengen EU member country (i.e., Cyprus or Ireland)
• A citizen of a non-EU country (and/or territory) that has signed a visa exemption agreement with the EU. This includes roughly 60 nations, such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, the U.K., and the U.S.

Who needs a Schengen visa for Norway (for stays of less than 90 days)?

On the other hand, if you’re traveling to Norway on a passport from China, India, Russia, any African or most Middle Eastern countries, you do require a Schengen visa. And that’s because your home country does not yet have a visa waiver agreement with the EU.

PRO-TIP: You can find full lists of all countries that do and do not have visa waiver agreements with the EU here courtesy of the European Commission.

But AXA can also help you answer one of the hottest European travel questions in the world in no time, which is: Do I need a Schengen visa?

IMPORTANT NOTE: Also - visa or no visa - know that you can not stay in Norway for more than 90 days (in any 180-day period*) if you don’t have more paperwork of some sort, such as a residence permit or a Long-Stay (aka Type D/“national”) visa.

*PRO-TIP: AXA can help you understand this Schengen visa 90/180-day rule too!

How can I get a Schengen visa for Norway?

And, of course, AXA has also gone ahead and compiled a simple, step-by-step guide on:

• How to apply for a Schengen visa for Norway

Not only that, but we’ve also got answers to the following:

• How much does a Schengen visa cost?
• How long does a Schengen visa take to process?
• What type of Schengen visa do I need?*

*IMPORTANT PRO-TIP (!): Svalbard - the Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean right beneath the North Pole - is technically outside of the Schengen Area. So to get there, you will need a double-entry Schengen visa (at least), since you must first transit through mainland Norway (Schengen) and then re-enter the Schengen for your return. In other words, a standard Type C (i.e., single-entry) visa won't work for Svalbard — instead, you must specifically request two (or multiple) entries when applying.

What are the travel insurance requirements to be granted a Norway Schengen visa?

For Norway to grant you any type of Schengen visa, you’ll need a travel insurance plan that meets some specific requirements. Namely, the European Commission stipulates that your insurance:

• is purchased from an insurance company validated by the consular authorities of all Schengen countries
• has a minimum coverage of €30,000 in medical expenses (such as hospitalization, emergency treatment, and repatriation — including in case of death);
• covers you in all the Schengen member countries
• is valid for the entire duration of your stay in the Schengen Area.

IMPORTANT: And remember that you’ll need to have your plan already in place when applying!

PRO-TIP: AXA’s plans, of course, meet all these criteria (and then some)! But if you like, we’ve also got more about travel insurance requirements for a Schengen visa.

I don’t need a Schengen Visa for Norway. Do I still need travel insurance?

If you don’t need a visa for Norway, travel insurance is not a formal entry requirement. However, given both the prices on the ground and the kinds of adventures people usually come for, having some solid coverage is definitely a smart idea.

After all, even in a country known for its safety and world-class infrastructure, things can go wrong. And that’s whether you’re cruising past fjord cliffs, chasing the northern lights, hiking the coast, or just trying not to slip on an icy pavement in Oslo.

Potential risks and hidden costs in Norway

Moreover, winter storms can disrupt flights and ferries, mountain weather changes fast, and even a minor mishap can often mean costly rescue, treatment, and/or unplanned delays. Instead of enjoying your stay, you may suddenly be faced with unfamiliar bureaucratic procedures, high medical bills, and extra travel costs – especially for things like prescription medication, emergency transport, or medical repatriation back home.

The right comprehensive travel insurance, on the other hand, gives you both financial protection and round-the-clock assistance – medical or otherwise.
So while you may not strictly need it to cross the border, having a proper plan helps keep your Norwegian journey smooth and stress‑free — no matter how laid-back or adventurous it is.

Why choose AXA Schengen travel insurance for Norway?

Well, there are lots of reasons. But let’s start with the fact that AXA is a decades-trusted, world-recognized, expert Schengen travel insurance brand. Which means that you (and the Schengen authorities) have the added confidence of knowing you’re backed by the pros — from your visa interview to the midnight sun and back.

More reasons why we’re your best bet? No problem. AXA’s plans:

• Meet all the above Schengen/EU criteria for being granted a Schengen visa
• Are accepted by all Norwegian (and other Schengen) embassies, consulates, and visa application centers worldwide
• Offer a fast and easy online subscription
• Provide a world-renowned online travel insurance certificate instantly
• Are valid for the Schengen area + the European Union + the United Kingdom (see plan options below)
• And offer a full refund in case your Norwegian visa application is denied

Moreover, with AXA, you have no age limitations, no medical exams, and zero deductibles. Plus:

• Coverage of medical and repatriation costs of up to €2 Million
• Civil liability and personal liability insurance
• Death and disability coverage
• Baggage insurance (included or optional)
• Added flexibility with upgrade options for most plans
• Flexibility in terms of time (and, therefore, costs) - with coverage for one day, up to six months, or even a full year
• 24/7 emergency assistance
• Doctor, Please! - i.e., free remote medical consultation in English (and a number of other languages)

Oh, and if you’re not traveling yourself but a loved one is, our plans can also be purchased on behalf of someone else too!

What travel insurance options does AXA offer for Norway?

So with all of the above in mind, here are the specific coverage options AXA has for you and Norway (PRO-TIP: Make sure to click around to learn more about each one!):

- AXA SCHENGEN BASIC: our most standard coverage, meeting all requirements for your Schengen visa and covering you in all Schengen countries + the European microstates of San Marino, Andorra, Monaco, and Vatican City.

- AXA SCHENGEN ESSENTIAL: affordable and complete coverage for Europe, also meeting all Schengen visa requirements and covering you in all Schengen countries, all EU countries, the 4 European microstates above - as well as the UK!

- AXA SCHENGEN PREMIUM: our all-inclusive, worry-free coverage, its countless benefits easily meeting all Schengen visa requirements while covering you in all Schengen and EU countries, all the European microstates, and the UK too.

- AXA SCHENGEN ANNUAL: and our year-long plan meets all EU Schengen visa requirements, also provides countless benefits and coverage across all Schengen countries, EU countries, the microstates, and the UK. However, it offers a single contract for a full year - making it perfect for holders of (or applicants for) multiple-entry Schengen visas and/or frequent travelers to Europe!

So take a second to explore all your options for Norway above, be sure to

What should I do if I’m injured or ill while in Norway?

In case something does go wrong while you’re exploring the great up north, AXA is standing by to help. Simply contact the AXA call center* and our medical professionals will answer all of your questions, provide the necessary support, and even direct you to the nearest medical facility.

*PRO-TIP: The number will be provided with your insurance policy too (so make sure you save it!).

What to Provide When Contacting AXA

• Your policy number (beginning with "SCH");
• The address and telephone number where you can be reached (and/or the details of anyone we can contact locally);
• Your dossier number (provided during your initial call).
  

List of Emergency Numbers in Norway

And just in case, here are the other essential emergency numbers to keep on hand when in Norway too:

112 – General EU emergency number (ambulance, fire, police in life-threatening situations).

110 – Fire brigade.

113 – Medical emergencies and ambulance.

02800 – Non-urgent police assistance.

More practical tips + fun facts for prepping your trip to Norway

And now for some final Norwegian pointers, to-dos, and good-to-knows:

• Capital: Oslo.​
• Currency (IMPORTANT!): Norwegian krone (NOK); official exchange rates can be found via Norway’s central bank.
• Fjords everywhere: Long, steep-sided inlets carved by glaciers, best experienced by boat, or from spots like Pulpit Rock.
• Midnight sun: 24-hour daylight above the Arctic Circle in summer!
• Weather changes fast (!): Pack layers (waterproof ones too) year-round.
  PRO-TIP: The Norwegian Meteorological Institute and its Yr Portal can help you plan ahead.
• Mountain driving is tricky: Carry a warning triangle and hi-vis vests; winter tires are mandatory November through April.
  DOCUMENTATION PRO-TIP: Meanwhile, AXA can tell you which driving licenses are accepted in Europe.
• Food & drink pro-tip: Fårikål (national dish: slow-cooked lamb & cabbage stew) or rakfisk (fermented trout — for the brave). Pair with aquavit or local craft beers.

More fun facts? Well, Norway also:

• has been home to the Sami people for over 10,000 years
• is home to Europe’s largest herd of wild reindeer
• Introduced salmon sushi to Japan in the 1980s
• has the longest road tunnel in the world (i.e., The Lærdal Tunnel)
• tops the world’s Winter Olympics medal count
• invented skiing 4000 years ago

Oh, and Svalbard has around 2700 people… and around 270 polar bears.

For more on what to see and do, check out the official Visit Norway site.

And trygge reiser (aka “safe travels”)!

Related articles :

• How much does Schengen travel insurance cost?
• How can I choose the best Schengen travel insurance for my trip?
• Christmas Traditions in Europe: Everything you need to know
• 30 Interesting Facts About the Schengen Area

FAQ

Will a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) work in Norway?

Yes, Norway accepts the EHIC. However, note that it only covers public, medically necessary healthcare during short stays (same terms as locals), with possible upfront payments, no repatriation coverage, and no private treatment. In other words, some solid travel insurance is still a must for full protection.

Is AXA Schengen travel insurance enough for Norway’s high medical costs?

Absolutely! It’s no secret that Norway’s healthcare is top-tier but pricey for non-residents (e.g., ambulance rides, hospital stays, repatriation, etc. — all these can quickly hit thousands or even tens of thousands of euros). AXA, however, covers up to your policy limit and often includes direct billing (so you avoid upfront payments).

Can I take out an AXA Schengen travel insurance plan for Norway for someone else?

Yep! AXA lets you easily buy a policy for guests, family, and/or colleagues heading to Norway. You’ll just need to provide their details (date of birth, address, passport, and travel plans).