Am I covered medically if I ride a motorcycle while overseas?
There are a number of travel insurance policies that provide cover for medical costs if you are in an accident while riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter overseas. Policies can also cover you for accidents and injuries that occur while you are a passenger.
Motorcycle cover may be offered as a standard inclusion or as an optional extra on travel insurance – in the latter case, you will need to specifically add it on to your cover, and pay extra on top of the standard premium.
When will travel insurance cover me while riding a motorbike overseas?
If you’re contemplating motorcycle travel insurance, there are usually rules around the type of licence you need to have and the engine capacity of the motorcycle, moped or scooter. For example, you may only be covered as part of a travel insurance policy if:
- you are riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter and have a current Australian motorcycle licence or Australian motor vehicle driver licence;
- you are travelling as a passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter and the person driving has a valid licence for the vehicle;
- you meet engine capacity requirements (it may be the case, for example, that policies offer cover for vehicles with engine sizes up to 50cc, 200cc, 250cc and no maximum); and
- you are wearing a helmet, you are not participating in a professional capacity and you are not participating in motocross or racing.
The terms and conditions will depend on the policy you select. Make sure you read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination so you understand what applies.
What is the best travel insurance with motorbike cover?
The best travel insurance with motorbike cover is subjective relative to your needs and financial position, but generally speaking, if looking for the best cover, it can pay to find one that covers a comprehensive range of circumstances, and offers medical cover for you as well as cover for accidents and injuries to you if you are a passenger or a rider.
Will my travel insurance cover damage to my motorcycle overseas?
Many travel insurance policies do not cover damage to motorcycles. If you have a rental motorcycle, you will generally have insurance through the rental provider.
Depending on the policy, you may be covered for your rental vehicle excess, which is the amount you have to pay to the rental provider if the motorcycle gets damaged. But check your policy as some providers do not cover this or conditions may apply.