A Week of Vacation, Costs Counted in Millions. Insurers Reveal Shocking Data
Over 326,000 claims were reported by Norwegians in the first nine months of 2025. The cost exceeded NOK 2.4 billion. The ongoing winter holidays in Norway are one of the most intense periods for insurers.
Winter holidays increase pressure on insurers.
Fot. pxhere.com/public domain
Many Norwegians travel abroad during the winter holidays. Some of them fall ill or have accidents. Most claims concern Spain. The data show rising medical costs during travel.
Most Popular Destinations and Scale of Claims
Spain accounted for 44 percent of claims reported during the 2025 winter holidays. Thailand was second with 13 percent. The USA accounted for 7 percent of claims. Indonesia had 4 percent, and Vietnam 2 percent. The data comes from Falck Global Assistance.
The list also includes France, the Emirates, Austria, the United Kingdom, and Egypt. Further down are Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Tanzania, the Philippines, and Germany. Spain remains the most frequent choice during the holiday period. Factors include flight availability and shorter travel times. The climate is also important.
In the first nine months of 2025, Norwegians reported over 326,000 travel insurance claims. The total cost exceeded NOK 2.4 billion. The data was presented by Finans Norge. Insurers expect an increased number of claims in 2026.
The list also includes France, the Emirates, Austria, the United Kingdom, and Egypt. Further down are Portugal, Italy, Brazil, Tanzania, the Philippines, and Germany. Spain remains the most frequent choice during the holiday period. Factors include flight availability and shorter travel times. The climate is also important.
In the first nine months of 2025, Norwegians reported over 326,000 travel insurance claims. The total cost exceeded NOK 2.4 billion. The data was presented by Finans Norge. Insurers expect an increased number of claims in 2026.
Austria attracts skiers.Photo: pexels.com/public domain
Most Common Illnesses and High Treatment Costs
The majority of cases concern gastrointestinal infections. Colds, coughs, and fevers are also common. There are cases of bronchitis and pneumonia. ENT problems are also reported. During ski trips, fractures, sprains, and dislocations are most frequent.
More serious cases include heart and circulatory diseases. Some situations require surgery and hospitalization. Sometimes medical transport back to Norway is necessary. Such interventions generate the highest costs, which can reach millions of NOK.
In the first nine months of 2025, treatment of illnesses during travel cost insurers over NOK 1.1 billion. This is almost half of all travel insurance payouts in that period. The data show the scale of expenses related to treatment abroad, especially in countries farthest from Norway.
The list of preventive recommendations is dominated by basic rules. It is advised to drink water from sealed bottles. Hand hygiene is emphasized. It is also recommended to bring basic medications and to take care of diet and hydration.
More serious cases include heart and circulatory diseases. Some situations require surgery and hospitalization. Sometimes medical transport back to Norway is necessary. Such interventions generate the highest costs, which can reach millions of NOK.
In the first nine months of 2025, treatment of illnesses during travel cost insurers over NOK 1.1 billion. This is almost half of all travel insurance payouts in that period. The data show the scale of expenses related to treatment abroad, especially in countries farthest from Norway.
The list of preventive recommendations is dominated by basic rules. It is advised to drink water from sealed bottles. Hand hygiene is emphasized. It is also recommended to bring basic medications and to take care of diet and hydration.
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