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Safety abroad

All students at the University of Oslo who study abroad as part of their degree must familiarise themselves with the University of Oslo’s advice for safety abroad.

Before you go

  • Remember to register in Studentweb: pay the semester fee and the Kopinor fee. You have to be registered at UiO during your exchange semester. 
  •  Set up automatic forwarding of your UiO email to another account.
  • Complete the Declaration of Personal Information. 
  • Make copies of passport, visa, and other important documents. Keep the originals in a safe place.
  • If you rely on prescription drugs it can be useful to have a confirmation in English from your GP, stating that these drugs are part of your treatment. 

Insurance

  • You are responsible for making sure you are sufficiently insured during your exchange. 
  • Health insurance: If you are considered to be resident in Norway, you will in most cases retain your membership of the Norwegian National Insurance scheme during your exchange. For studies in the EU/EEA area, you should take a European Health Insurance Card from Norway with you. If you plan to study outside the EU/EEA area you have to send documentation of your planned exchange to Helfo, The Norwegian Health Economics Administration, in order to receive confirmation of insurance. Read more at helsenorge.no and NAV International.
  • The UK has left the EU/EEA and your health rights will be limited. Read more at helsenorge.no.
  • Travel and accident insurance: It is important to note that you need travel and accident insurance in addition to health insurance. The health insurance will, for example, not cover repatriation in a case of serious illness. If you become a member of  ANSA (Association of Norwegian Students Abroad) you can buy their insurance, which is tailored for studies and internships abroad. 

Vaccines

  • Remember to take necessary vaccines before you travel. SIO-Health offers vaccines and guidance for travels abroad. 
  • Some countries require a chest x-ray before entry. You will be informed if this is relevant for you, as part of your application to the host institution. We recommend you contact the diagnostic section at Ullev?l sykehus if you are a resident in Oslo and need an appointment.

While abroad

  • Update your new contact details in Studentweb.

  • Follow local safety advice and advice from your host institution - this is the most important source of information.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers travel advice, mainly directed at Norwegian citizens. 
  • Follow the rules and regulations in your host country and be aware that social and cultural norms may differ from Norway. 
  • Separate page regarding safety in South Africa. (in Norwegian only). 

In case of emergency

In a crisis situation:

  • Call the local emergency number 
  • Contact the closest embassy or consulate relevant for your citizenship and ask for assistance. 
  • Contact the Norwegian Church Abroad emergency number +47 95 11 91 81
  •  Contact your host institution
  • Contact your next of kin
  • Contact your contact person for exchange at UiO

In case of local Force Majeur (political unrest, natural disasters etc.):

  • Follow the guidelines from local authorities and inform your embassy of your location and address. Keep in contact with the embassy if necessary. 

If in need of medical assistance:

  • Contact the host institution, your insurance company, or the embassy for advice.

In less critical situations:

  • Contact the host institution for help and advise. Contact the closest embassy or consulate relevant for your citizenship in more serious cases.  

In need of someone to talk to?

  • Contact SiO Health. They also assist UiO students who are experiencing a difficult time abroad.

Financial expenses during illness (outside EU/EEA):

  • You can apply to have expenses refunded by NAV International. 
  • In case of larger fees relates to hospital admission etc. you should contact your closest embassy for assistance. You can also contact the emergency number listed in your insurance documents. 

Important contact information

Published June 27, 2016 8:57 AM - Last modified Aug. 15, 2023 9:04 AM
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