Health & Safety
Norway is one of the safest travel countries in the world. Medical care is excellent, and crime is low.
Medical Care
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted in Norway (despite non-EU membership, thanks to the EEA agreement)
- Legevakt (emergency medical service): Available in every major city. Copayment: approx. 400 NOK (35 €)
- Pharmacies (Apotek): Well-stocked, even in smaller places. Boots and Vitusapotek are the largest chains
- Travel insurance: Highly recommended — especially repatriation insurance for mountain rescue (can cost thousands of euros)
Emergency Numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 112 |
| Fire Brigade | 110 |
| Rescue Service/Ambulance | 113 |
| Mountain Rescue | Via 112 (Police) |
| Sea Rescue | 120 |
Natural Hazards
- Weather: Weather changes in the mountains can go from sun to snowstorm in minutes. Always check yr.no (Norway's best weather app).
- Avalanches: A real danger in the mountains in winter. Avalanche service: varsom.no
- Currents: Strong currents can occur in fjords and along the coast. Swim only at supervised beaches.
- Moose & Reindeer: Be careful on roads, especially at dusk — a moose can weigh up to 700 kg.
- Vipers: Norway's only venomous snake (Hoggorm). Bite is painful but rarely life-threatening. Common in southern Norway and along the coast.
