Riding a motorbike, scooter, moped or motorcycle while abroad or out of province is one of the more dangerous activities our Canadian nomads undertake. While our plans include coverage for motorbike riding, conditions apply and not all biking adventures are included.
What does travel insurance for motorbiking cover?
Whether you’re cruising along Route 66 on a motorbike or putt-putting through Vietnam on a scooter, there’s nothing quite like exploring on two wheels. Your travel insurance for motorbiking can cover you if you are riding both on and off road. However, if your plans have you going off-road, an upgrade is required. For both instances, you will have to follow some “rules of the road”; if you don’t, your claim could be denied.
World Nomads travel insurance plans offer the following benefits:
- Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Trip Interruption Insurance
- Emergency Medical Insurance
- Baggage, Personal Effects and Sporting Equipment Insurance
- Adventure Sports Coverage
Travel insurance tips for motorbiking overseas
Just remember – “feeling the wind in your hair” is great in concept, but you should always wear a helmet and make sure you’re properly licensed. These two points are critical.
- You must always act in a prudent manner. This is a condition of World Nomads travel insurances plans. For example, even if the local laws do not require you to wear a helmet, you should always wear one for your own safety. This goes for both drivers and passengers of any motorcycle, motorbike, scooter or moped.
- Never operate a motorized vehicle if you are not property trained and licensed. To be eligible for coverage under our plans, you must hold the appropriate Canadian certification or license required to operate the type of motor vehicle you plan on operating while travelling. This means that if you do not already hold a license, long before you leave on your trip (potentially a year or more), you will need to go through the process with Canadian officials to obtain a license. The process to obtain a license to operate a motorcycle Canada varies from province to province but is very similar to getting license to operate a car (written, road & eyesight tests etc.). In Ontario, for example, officials advise giving yourself 20-months. Once you’ve confirmed your hold the appropriate license type, such as a Canadian motorcycle license, you will then need to determine if that will be accepted by the country or countries you are going to. In some instances, the government will recognize your Canadian license as valid, and that is all you will need. In other countries, there may be additional steps for you to follow, such as the need to have hold an international driver’s license.
- Follow the “rules of the road”. You will need to ensure that you follow the rules and regulations for driving a motorized vehicle in the country or countries you are visiting. Make sure you follow the local laws and that you are legally allowed to ride in the country you are travelling in.
What’s covered in my travel insurance for policy for my motorbiking trip?
World Nomads plans offer trip cancellation, trip interruption, emergency medical coverage and more. If you’re unfortunate enough to have an accident while driving a motorcycle, your insurance may cover:
- Emergency medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or by a doctor at the local medical centre
- Ambulance Transportation via local licensed ground ambulance to the nearest qualified medical service provider.
- Medical evacuation and repatriation back to your Canadian home province if it’s medically necessary and recommended by your attending Physician.
Contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team immediately if you need medical attention. You’ll need to get the team’s approval before undergoing any procedures. Be sure to keep any medical reports for when you need to make a claim.
What happens if I’m injured while riding as a passenger on a motorbike?
Our plans offer emergency medical and dental insurance coverage and may provide reimbursement for expenses you incur for such things as ambulance transportation and hospital care.
In many countries, especially in SE Asia, a motorbike can serve as a taxi. There will likely be motorbike taxis around your hotel and airport, offering you rides. While this can be a cheap and quick way to get around, you must make sure your driver is licensed in the country you are in before catching a ride. If you are hurt while riding with an unlicensed driver, your claim may be denied. You should also wear a helmet and properly secure all bags to the bike.
What’s not covered in my travel insurance policy for my motorbiking trip ?
Unfortunately, we don’t cover bruised egos and idiots. That means no stunts and no tricks. Other things that aren’t covered:
- Motocross
- Motor racing (driver or passenger in a motorsport show, race, competition or rally)
- Damage to the vehicle
- Riding while intoxicated
If you’re not sure if your planned adventure is included in your plan, contact us and we can tell you. Better to know before you hit the road what you’re covered for.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage or if you have questions, just ask us.
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We’re here to help if you have a question about travel insurance. We’re available:
- Monday to Friday 7:00am - 7:00pm (CST)
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Within Canada & continental USA, toll free:
1 877 328 2528
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+1 416 646 3723
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.