Travel insurance for motorbikes, mopeds and scooters on holidays

Riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter can be a fun way to take in the sights while travelling. But it’s important to check whether you will be covered by your travel insurance if you run into any problems.

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 (meaning you have to pay more for the cover) on travel insurance. If you add optional motorcycle cover to your policy, Canstar found that this increased premiums by an average of $47. This is based on policies on our database taken out for a 30-year-old on a 14-day trip to New Zealand, with a target excess of $250 and a 2-week lead time.

When will travel insurance cover me while riding a motorbike overseas?

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 (on Canstar’s database, for example, 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.

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.

Will I be covered if I don’t have a motorcycle licence?

There are a handful of international policies on Canstar’s database that offer optional cover if you don’t have an Australian motorcycle licence, but do have an Australian motor vehicle driver licence. You are usually only covered for motorised vehicles with a low engine capacity, such as up to 50cc. You can also be covered as a passenger if the driver of the motorcycle has a valid licence. 

If you do have a motorcycle licence, look into getting an International Driving Permit (IDP). This proves you hold your current domestic licence, the Australian Automobile Association explains.

Am I covered for personal liability while riding a motorcycle?

Many travel insurance policies do not offer personal liability cover when you are riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter. That means you may need to pay the associated costs if you injure someone or damage their property. Make sure you check your policy documentation carefully. 

Will travel insurance cover me while riding a motorcycle in Australia?

There are also domestic travel insurance policies that provide motorcycle cover. This may be a standard inclusion or an optional inclusion. 

If you add optional motorcycle cover to your domestic policy, Canstar found this increased premiums by an average of $54. This is based on policies on our database taken for a 30-year-old on a 14-day domestic trip, with a target excess of $50 and a 2-week lead time.

Again, make sure you read the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination so you have a clear understanding of what you are covered for.