[Appropriate health insurance for traveller abroad].

BACKGROUND

Increasing numbers of Norwegians are residing abroad temporarily or permanently; one out of three of them will contract illness. There is, however, uncertainty as to what coverage various insurance plans provide.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The insurance terms and conditions referred to in this study have been obtained from the biggest Norwegian insurance companies and from the national insurance scheme in Norway.

RESULTS

The national insurance scheme only provide partial coverage of expenses for its members if they fall ill abroad. To be ensured full coverage, travellers must have additional private medical insurance.

INTERPRETATION

The terms offered by insurance companies are unclear and should be restated so that individuals travelling abroad know with certainty whether or not they are covered. New types of insurance policies should be offered so that all travellers can be sure that their expenses will be covered in case of illness abroad.