Travel insurance when cycling
Take life by the handlebars and check out World Nomads travel insurance plans when cycling on your next overseas adventure.
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For lovers of cycling, traveling through a city or a whole region on two wheels can be an eye-opening experience. It can help you get in shape, it’s the environmentally-friendly option, and you get to make as many pit stops to rest and explore as you want.
But with all the positives of cycling, there’s also the chance that you could get caught up in an accident and end up with a sprained ankle, a broken arm, or even worse end up in hospital due to a major accident. That’s why you should consider travel insurance if you need to cover your tracks.
- How you may benefit from World Nomads travel insurance cover
- What’s covered for cycling?
- Know where you’re going and what to do if the unexpected happens
- What's not covered
How you may benefit from World Nomads travel insurance cover
When choosing World Nomads products, you’ll have access to two simple and flexible plans – Standard and Explorer. We offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:
- Baggage protection: had your stuff stolen while cycling? Our gear coverage may help with replacing belongings that were swiped.
- Emergency overseas medical: cycling through the Alps and taking in the fresh air can be great for the body and the mind, but not if it ends up in a bad injury. Emergency medical coverage will come in handy in the case of an accident, illness or injury.
- Evacuation: your cycling route may be far away from medical facilities. With our cover, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from World Nomads. Note, there is no cover for search and rescue expenses.
- Trip cancellation: has a sick or injured traveling companion put a stop to your cycling trip in New Zealand? Depending on your plan you may be able to recover your unused, prepaid travel expenses.
- 24-hour emergency assistance: if you find yourself in need of urgent medical help, it’s not always easy to find help. World Nomads provides 24-hour Emergency Assistance. Our staff can assist you all the way from needing directions to a medical facility, helping with multi-lingual services, to urgent medical evacuation if you’ve suffered an injury or fall ill.
- Coverage for some Coronavirus (COVID-19) related events: to find out more, including benefit limits and exclusions, read our What's covered for Coronavirus article
What’s covered for cycling?
Under both of World Nomads plans – Standard and Explorer – you may be automatically covered under the Standard Plan, or you’ll need to upgrade to the Explorer Plan depending on the type of cycling activity you’re doing. Depending on your country of residence and the plan you’ve selected, you could be covered for the following cycling activities:
- Cycling (incidental to the trip): automatically covered - level 1 activity
- Cycling (on an organised tour): automatically covered - Level 1 activity
- Cycling (independent cycle touring): upgrade to Explorer plan - level 2 activity
- Cycling (up to 4,500 meters – all styles including touring and organised tours): automatically covered - Level 1 activity. Policy excludes Yungas Road/Death Road. Special Exclusion (v)
- Cycling (up to 6,000 meters – all styles including touring and organised tours): upgrade to Explorer plan - level 2 activity. Policy excludes Yungas Road/Death Road. Special Exclusion (v)
- Cycling over 6,000 metres in elevation: Not covered.
Note: all our plans are different and may require an upgrade to include cycling at certain altitude. In some instances, you must be with a professional, qualified and licensed cycling guide, instructor or operator. Terms and conditions, limits and exclusions, apply. Read your policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and cycling option for your trip.
For more information on cycling and mountain biking coverage check out our Help Centre article, ‘Am I covered if I'm cycling or mountain biking?’ in the Help Centre which explains what you need to know to be adequately covered. Choose your country of residence and you’ll access the most up to date information.
A couple riding bikes in New York City. Photo credit: Getty Images/Cavan ImagesKnow where you’re going and what to do if the unexpected happens
Before you hit the road with your bike, helmet and gear, it pays to arm yourself with these cycling tips for a safer trip:
- Include all countries you’re visiting or traveling through on your policy: as well as all the adventure activities you’re planning to do or participate in. With World Nomads you’ll have a choice of more than 200 activities, sports and experiences to choose from.
- Check you have all your paperwork: you’ll need to have all the appropriate paperwork, these may include any required vaccinations, visitor permits if you plan to visit any national parks, and special tourist visas for the countries you’ll be visiting,
- Be responsible when choosing a cycling destination or activity: does the cycling tour your planning suit your experience level? Are there any travel or weather alerts for your destination? Have you got a ‘fit for travel’ thumbs up from your doctor to take on the mountains and specific altitudes? Do you need to use an accredited tour provider or operator? Can our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team reach you if you get into trouble?
- Wear a helmet and visible clothing: this should be a no brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning, as in many countries around the world, the locals don’t wear helmets when cycling. Another no brainer is if you’re planning to ride at night, you should have high vis clothing on yourself, your bike, or both to make sure other riders and vehicles see you.
- Proof of purchase: remember that any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you intend to make a claim.
Travel insurance tip: World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 200 activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem exhaustive, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you shouldn’t take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered. You can’t upgrade your level of cover mid-way through your holiday, so do consider this wisely.
What's not covered?
Some things we may not cover include:
- If you refuse to be repatriated or evacuated
- If you don’t follow your doctor’s instructions or what we or the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team advise you to do
- Damage to any sporting equipment while in use; loss, damage or theft of any sporting equipment left unattended. Please note that depending on your country of residence and the plan you’ve selected you may not be covered for bicycles and bicycle accessories.
- Any pre-existing medical condition(s) as explained in the policy wording
- Expenses that can be recovered from another source, e.g., transport carriers or accommodation providers
- Unattended baggage or personal items
- Participating or training in activity or sport at a professional level
- Any search or rescue operations as explained in the policy wording
- Misuse or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Fraudulent or criminal acts.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
True Claims Stories
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
What to do if you fall suddenly ill
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As featured in:
- Seek medical attention
- Get any reports in writing
- Retain all your receipts
- Cover for some Coronavirus-related events during your holiday
- Need to know more?
1. Seek medical attention
If you’re traveling and suddenly fall ill, the steps below can help you get the care that you need and help you understand what’s needed to make a claim.
If you suddenly fall ill at any time during your trip, go to the nearest medical centre or hospital. If you don’t know where the nearest doctor or hospital is you can contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team, who can direct you where to go. You’ll need to tell them your policy number, your medical concern and your current location.
Once you have sought medical attention, contact our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team again and update them on your situation. If you’re admitted to hospital, our Emergency Assistance Team will get in contact with the hospital admissions department regarding payment and care arrangements.
2. Get any reports in writing
In order to submit a claim on your policy you will need to provide copies of all reports relating to your illness. Types of reports that you may need to obtain include:
- Emergency medical transport report (if you are taken to hospital by ambulance or helicopter)
- Treating doctor’s report stating the date you fell ill, the diagnosis and prognosis, as well as the cause of your illness
- Hospital admission report stating the dates you were admitted and discharged from hospital
- Other medical reports such as lab reports and specialist’s reports
- Any correspondence from airline, hotel or railway companies confirming cancellations of any accommodation or journeys that you had paid for.
3. Retain all your receipts
If you wish to claim for any expenses that you incur due to falling ill on your holiday, then you’ll need to provide your receipts. While it’s always necessary to keep receipts for your medical expenses, make sure that you keep any other receipts from your holiday that can help substantiate your claim. Examples of receipts that you should keep include:
- All hospital and doctor’s receipts
- Receipts for medications that you may have purchased
- Pathology receipts
- Hotel, airline, railway, bus company and/or restaurant receipts
4. Cover for some Coronavirus-related events during your holiday
If you or one of your traveling partners contracts COVID-19 during your holiday and require medical treatment you may be covered, depending on your Country of Residence.
If you need to cancel your travel plans because you or one of your traveling party is diagnosed with COVID-19, you may be able to claim for any non-refundable expenses that you incur. This benefit is only available on our Explorer Plans, depending on your Country of Residence.
To support your claim, you’ll need to obtain:
- Treating doctor’s report or medical certificate stating the Coronavirus diagnosis.
- Pathology reports or official health statements indicating a positive COVID-19 result for you or anyone in your travelling party.
- Any claims for non-refundable expenses will need to be supported by copies of your receipts.
To find out what cover applies to you, read our What’s Covered for Coronavirus article, which has all of the details, including benefit limits, conditions and exclusions.
5. Need to know more?
Depending on what’s happened, your Country of Residence, the plan you choose and any options or upgrades you buy cover can vary. Your Policy Wording will always have the full details of what you’re covered for.
If you have any further questions about what’s covered and not covered, please contact us.
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Wording in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel insurance when visiting Portugal
Learn more about World Nomads travel insurance for your travel across Portugal.
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If you’re planning a holiday to Portugal to experience the historic city centres of Lisbon and Porto, pristine beaches like Praia da Rocha in Portimao, wine tours in the Douro Valley, majestic castles in The Alentejo region and culinary experiences throughout this impressive European country, it’s a smart move to buy a travel insurance policy from World Nomads to protect your trip investment. And don’t forget about your health and your baggage. World Nomads plans offer out-of-country emergency medical coverage and baggage insurance.
Your World Nomads policy may include coverage for:
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost, delayed or stolen baggage
- Overseas emergency medical and benefits
- Access to our World Nomads experienced 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team
- Coverage for some activities and sports you plan pursue in while in Portugal
What should you look for in a travel insurance policy for a trip to Portugal?
An emergency situation affecting your travel plans could spell disaster for you and your pocketbook. What would happen if you or an immediate family member suddenly became sick, and you had to cancel your trip? What would you do if a pickpocket swipes your phone while you’re enjoying the sights and sounds of old town Sintra? Travel insurance is designed to cover losses resulting from these types of unforeseeable and emergency circumstances.
A travel insurance plan that includes trip cancellation and interruption coverage can help protect your travel investment and should also provide cover for your baggage and personal effects and emergency medical cover in case you become sick or injured while on your trip. Travel insurance does not cover everything so make sure you read your policy to ensure it meets your needs.
A World Nomads policy can help provide you with:
Trip cancellation and interruption coverage
It’s common to have to put down deposits on lodging, tours, excursions, and transportation because so many Canadian travellers visit Portugal. Travel insurance may protect your non-refundable and prepaid outlays should you need to cancel your trip because of a covered reason listed in your policy, like a sick parent.
Lost, stolen or delayed baggage coverage
World Nomads Standard and Explorer Plans offer cover for loss, theft or damage to baggage and personal belongings and sporting equipment. The policy limit will depend on the policy you choose to purchase. Upon arriving to Porto from Toronto to start your trip, if your luggage doesn’t arrive at the airport, it will be upsetting. However, our assistance services team can help you with emergency travel problems including luggage tracing. And your travel insurance policy may provide reimbursement for the replacement of necessary personal effects if your baggage is delayed by your airline or ground carrier for 12 hours or more while you are on your trip.
World Nomads travel insurance may also provide reimbursement towards the cost to replace lost or damaged baggage and personal belongings, including lost or damaged sporting equipment. Your personal belongings also may be covered if stolen while travelling in Portugal. For example, if you’re on a city tour in Lisbon, and your watch is swiped in a crowded shopping area, you may be reimbursed for this loss.
When you realize your baggage or belongings have been delayed, lost or stolen, get a report from your airline, tour operator or local police. You will need this report when you file a claim. Hold on to any related receipts. Keep in mind there could be a waiting period before your benefits kick in. Be sure to read your travel insurance policy as it will outline exclusions, per item limits and how depreciation may impact your reimbursement.
To be best protected, keep your personal belongings near you at all times. Store valuables like credit cards and travel documents in a money belt or cross-body bag, and don’t draw attention by wearing expensive jewellery. You have a duty of care to protect your belongings. For instance, if you leave your cell phone in a washroom while drinking in excess in Lisbon, your travel insurance probably won’t cover this type of loss.
Overseas emergency medical coverage
When in Portugal, having overseas medical insurance is a good idea in case you become sick or get injured. It’s important to understand that Canada and Portugal do not have reciprocal healthcare agreements. Out-of-country medical treatment can be expensive, so buying overseas emergency medical insurance for travel to Portugal is recommended. World Nomad’s travel insurance plans include emergency medical coverage for injury and sickness. Coverage may include such things as the cost of a visit to a local doctor, hospital expenses, ambulance transportation and emergency evacuation and repatriation if recommended by your treating physician. So if you cut your foot on a beach in Praia de Tavira, Algarve, the emergency medical coverage in your World Nomads travel insurance policy may cover your medical expenses.
For information on COVID-related coverage, read our Travel Insurance & Covid-19 article.
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Handling a medical emergency is unsettling, but with a World Nomads travel insurance policy, you’re not alone. Our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team may help you to identify appropriate medical care, act as a liaison with medical providers, and assist with arrangements including upfront payment of medical care if deemed necessary. We can also assist with translation services.
Coverage for sports and recreational activities in Portugal
If you’re headed to Lagos to kayak, or you’re planning a guided bicycle tour in the Alentejo region, World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage for 150+ activities and sports. List your planned activities when you purchase your policy. You’ll have the option to upgrade your policy for more adventurous pursuits. Reach out to us if you need help with policy choices, we’re happy to assist.
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.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Passport stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the teamTravel and positive community impact
How travel insurance can help have a positive impact on communities.
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As featured in:
- How does World Nomads travel insurance help communities abroad?
- How can I contribute through the Footprints program if I buy travel insurance?
- Why should I consider travel insurance when going overseas?
- Key tips for being a more responsible traveler
Travel can open our minds and teach us about destinations often far removed from our own. Just like you, as a team of global adventurers, the World Nomads team knows that as thrilling as a vacation abroad can be, our choices, if they are considered, can influence more than just ourselves.
How does World Nomads travel insurance help communities abroad?
As well as offering you support from the sidelines as you tread your explorative path, whatever it is, World Nomads also offers globetrotters the opportunity to help fund a community development project for the greater good, too.
When purchasing a policy with us, you can choose to add a small donation to the price, with 100 percent of the funds raised going directly to more than 240 reputable charities and NGOs, including Save the Children, The Fred Hollows Foundation and SURFAID, to name just a few.
Since launching the initiative, the World Nomads Footprints program has raised almost $4 million, thanks to the generosity of more than 1.3 million travelers.
Each of the projects we support has a focus on ending poverty, protecting the planet and/or making a global shift toward sustainability and resilience, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
How can I contribute through the Footprints program if I buy travel insurance?
The most enriching travel experiences are those that have a positive impact on ourselves, but also the environment, economy and local communities in need.
Our World Nomads Footprints recipients Safe Cities For Girls, Protecting Gorillas and Surrounding Communities, and various frontline health projects are richer for the contributions our travel community send their way.
To contribute, simply generate a travel insurance quote for your trip, and as you navigate the purchase path, you can choose to add a donation. Then all you need to do is enjoy your travels knowing you are making a difference. You can also keep in touch with us so you can see what project you have helped to fund.
Why should I consider travel insurance when going overseas?
You wouldn’t go on a vacation without taking your passport, right? It wouldn’t make sense and you wouldn’t get very far. The same goes for travel insurance; it’s something you should consider when getting ready to go on a holiday overseas.
We all know that as organized as you might be, not everything always goes to plan when you’re venturing abroad – items get lost in transit, flights can be canceled and delayed, and injuries and illness can occur.
An insurance policy may be able to help in these circumstances, and if you’re a seasoned traveler you’ll know that not only is it inconvenient to have to deal with any of the above, these hiccups can prove costly, especially in another country.
At World Nomads, we offer two levels of cover – Standard and Explorer – it’s important to consider exactly what you’ll be doing on your vacation before choosing the policy, as there are some differences.
The Standard plan includes a range of benefits such as overseas medical, coverage for your belongings, pre-trip cancellation and certain adventure activities, sports and experiences, while Explorer has all the same benefits, but also includes some that are not in the Standard Plan and includes higher limits in some cases.
If you’re into the more intense activities, for example you plan to go skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking downhill, or rock climbing, you’ll need to upgrade to Explorer and pay the higher premium. Do note that once you have purchased a particular level of cover, it can’t be altered mid-trip.
Key tips for being a more responsible traveler:
- Social enterprise: while on your travels, seek out a social enterprise that assists the local community, for example, in Zambia the markets at Victoria Falls sell locally made goods, the money you spend goes back into the local community.
- Ethical eating: try to eat seasonal, local, organic wholefoods based around local traditions rather than ‘Western-style’. Ethical tours should also include plant-based meal options to encourage planet-friendly eating.
- Small groups: small group tours, with an average of 10 people, help us travel more responsibly. By interacting on a personal level with the people and places we visit, we’re more likely to understand the issues affecting these places and how we can help.
- Carbon offsets: have you considered whether your trip includes carbon offsets? Two global adventure tour companies now offering this option are World Expeditions and Intrepid Travel, which has also been carbon neutral since 2010.
- Be an infrequent flier, choose slow travel instead: flying less often is the best choice you can make. Could you travel using another mode of transport? And could you commit to using low-impact forms of transport once you reach your destination to offset the emissions from your flight?
This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
Teeth hit the ground
I put my foot in a funny way while I was walking quickly because it was raining. I fell unexpectedly to the floor, face first, so I put my arm out, broke the shoulder and my front teeth hit the ground breaking a tooth.
P.R. Italian Nomad.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Been working hard for your trip?
We'll work hard to protect it.
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalised?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Been made redundant?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Expenses
Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Transportation
Know where the nearest hospital is?
Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.
Evacuation and Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medivac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Love photography, filming or sport?
Cover your bags, tech or gear.
Protect your gear
- Luggage lost?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Tech trashed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
- Trip Cancellation or Interruption
- 24-Hour Assistance Services
- Baggage
- And more (depending on your country of residence)
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.
Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?
Contact the team
