Travel Insurance for Motorcycling
Travel insurance for motorcyclists is not the same as standard travel insurance. Many standard holiday policies strictly exclude accidents involving motorcycles over 125cc, mopeds, or any off-road riding, meaning you need a specialist policy or a tailored add-on to ensure you are fully covered for medical emergencies, repatriation, and cancellations. If you are a UK rider travelling overseas you will need personal travel insurance to cover your health, medical bills, and riding gear in the event of an accident. RealRoads brings you a choice of policies that specifically cover the riding you do!
What Your Policy Should Cover
When reviewing or purchasing travel insurance for a motorcycle trip, you should prioritise these crucial elements:
- Emergency Medical & Repatriation: Medical bills can be catastrophic if you are injured abroad. Ensure the policy covers medical emergencies and repatriation back to the UK, ideally with a minimum of £1 million for Europe and at least £2 million for destinations like the USA or Canada.
- Engine Size & Power: Most standard policies only cover up to 125cc. If you are riding a more powerful touring or adventure bike, you will need to pay for an "hazardous activity" or "extreme sports" upgrade.
- Trip Purpose: If your entire holiday revolves around motorcycling, ensure your policy covers touring for the entire duration of your trip, rather than just as a secondary activity.
- Kit & Accessories: Motorcycle gear is expensive. Look for policies that provide add-on cover for the theft, loss, or damage of your helmets, leathers, gloves, and boots
Key Conditions & Documents
Even with a specialist policy, insurers can invalidate your claim if you do not follow their strict rules. Always ensure that:
- You hold the correct licence: Your UK licence must be valid and must cover the engine size of the motorbike you are riding.
- You wear a crash helmet: You must wear a helmet, regardless of whether it is legally required in the country you are visiting.
- You take necessary paperwork: When riding in Europe, you will need your full UK driving licence, the bike's V5C vehicle registration document, an MOT certificate (if applicable), and your motorcycle insurance documents. It is also highly recommended to carry a GHIC card.
- No alcohol/drugs: Just like at home, claims resulting from riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be rejected.