Insurance and health information for international students

Students from the Nordic countries are covered by the Nordic agreement on population registration between Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. It is not necessary to report your move to Norway when you’re staying less than 6 months. 

Read more about the rights and benefits for Nordic citizens.

Students from an EU/EEA country, must bring their valid European Health Insurance Card or documentation of private health insurance to prove their right to residency in Norway. 

• The European Health Insurance Card is not a travel insurance card and will only cover necessary medical care. * 
• Students with private health insurance are advised to check with the issuing authorities about the insurance coverage while in Norway. 

*Please be aware that the European Health Insurance Card is valid only for citizens of countries within the EU/EEA and not citizens from other countries residing in this area.  

Please note that your right to health care under the EU/EEA agreement is limited. It is therefore important to have private travel insurance in addition to the European Health Insurance Card. 

EU/EEA citizens that are not entitled to a European Health Insurance Card from their home country must have other insurance to cover any medical expenses that might incur in Norway. 

Read more about health services coverage for international students. 

International students staying in Norway between 3 and 12 months:  

International students staying in Norway between 3 and 12 months may be entitled to a voluntary membership in the National Insurance Scheme. Students can apply for voluntary membership after obtaining residence permit and Norwegian ID number. 

Please note that it might take several months before the application is approved. Students must have valid health insurance from their home country while waiting for a membership in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme.  

International students staying in Norway for more than 12 months: 

International students that have been admitted to UiB for more than 12 months and have a valid residence permit will become members of the Norwegian National insurance Scheme automatically.  

• The membership entitles you to health care services in Norway on an equal basis with Norwegian residents. 
• The Norwegian National Insurance Scheme covers the cost of regular medical consultations, with the exception of a nominal fee which must be paid by the patient. The scheme also covers hospitalisation in Norway. 

Please note that dental treatment is not included in the Norwegian National Insurance Scheme. However, students can get affordable dental treatment through Sammen. 

Information for UK nationals is available here.

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can only be used in Norway by EU/EEA citizens. 

Nationals from Non-EU/EEA countries residing in a Schengen country are not covered by the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) This means that you cannot use the EHICs during your stay in Norway unless you are stateless, refugees or family members of an EU national.

Read more about the restrictions on the use of your European Health Insurance Card.

We also strongly recommend all students to have other types of insurance, such as travel insurance in connection with field trips or holidays. 

1. General (non-life) insurance, to cover you for injuries to yourself or damage to your belongings. 

2. Liability insurance, to cover you for injuries or damage that you may cause to other people or to property. 

In addition, you may consider insurance against accidental death, especially if you have children or other dependants.

Please note that it is your own responsibility to make insurance arrangements for any accident, illness, injury, loss or damage to persons or property resulting from, or in any way connected with your study period in Norway.  

International students with a residence permit of minimum 12 months will be a assigned a general practitioner (GP) after obtaining their Norwegian ID-number. Persons with a D-number will not be assigned a GP but have the right to receive necessary medical treatment. You will find detailed information in the Norwegian health authorities official website. 

Short term students without a Norwegian ID-number can book an appointment at the medical center cooperating with the Student Welfare Organisation (Sammen). 

Students with specific health issues are advised to bring information about their condition in case they need medical attention during their stay in Norway. 

For emergency help, please contact: 

Bergen Emergency Medical Clinic (Bergen Legevakt), tel. 116 117

You can bring your medication to Norway. However, it is important that you carry the necessary documentation proving that the medication is for personal use. Additionally,  you must check if there are restrictions on the quantity of medication you can bring into the country.

If you are travelling with medicinal products containing narcotic substances for more than 30 days of use, you must apply for permission from the Norwegian Medical Products Agency. It is important to send your application well in advance of your planned travel to Norway. We recommend that you post the required documents two or three months in advance.

Postal consignments containing medicinal products is illegal and may be stopped by Norwegian Customs.

For more information, please contact  narkotikakontroll@dmp.no or visit their web-page: Bringing medicines into Norway by travel - Norwegian Medical Products Agency

Please note that you cannot use a foreign prescription in Norway.