Photo © VichoT/IStock

Travel insurance for your next mountain biking trip

Don’t let the trails catch you off guard – grab some coverage info (and mountain biking safety tips) before putting the pedal to the dirt.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

For Canadians seeking adventure, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of mountain biking in breathtaking international landscapes. Imagine pedalling through the rugged terrains of the Alps, the sweeping trails of New Zealand, or the mystical forests of Japan…

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a downhill daredevil, having travel insurance can keep you focused on the fun, not the what-ifs. Before you hit the paths less pedalled, it might be wise to ensure you're geared up with the right cover.

Explore the world on two wheels with our mountain biking travel insurance

As avid mountain bikers ourselves, we understand the thrill of navigating new trails and conquering challenging terrains. That's why we've crafted our travel insurance plans to cater to a range of biking activities (as well as 250+ more sports and activities). Whether you’re cruising through serene forests or tackling rugged mountain descents, our coverage ensures you're protected.

Our plans are designed to cover a variety of mountain biking adventures, including:   

  • Downhill biking in Whistler, Canada
  • Cross-country adventures in Australia’s Outback
  • Riding through the scenic paths of the French Pyrenees
  • Tackling challenging routes in South Africa

As long as you’re not doing anything reckless, like riding without a helmet or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, World Nomads mountain biking travel insurance offers coverage for:

  • mountain biking (on or off road / downhill / cross country) up to 3,000 metres in elevation) – a Level 1 activity.
  • mountain biking (on or off road / downhill / cross country) up to 6,000 metres in elevation – a Level 3 activity
  • BMX – on road – a Level 1 activity.
  • BMX – Off road / on track / cross country is a Level 3 activity

Note: there are specific terms and conditions, limits and exclusions that apply to mountain biking (e.g. we don’t cover elevations over 6,000 metres). Be sure to check the policy wording carefully to select the right plan and coverage options for your mountain biking trip. If you’re not sure whether something is covered, contact us.

What does mountain biking travel insurance cover?

Whether you’re a casual rider exploring scenic paths or a dedicated adrenaline junkie conquering steep descents, mountain biking abroad offers unparalleled excitement…but let’s be real for a moment: mountain biking can be fast, gnarly, and downright dangerous at times – which is why you might want to consider packing a World Nomads insurance policy in your camel pack.

Mountain biking travel insurance from World Nomads offers cover (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Emergency medical: the rugged nature of mountain biking increases the risk of falls and injuries. Whether it's a minor scrape or a more serious injury requiring hospitalisation, travel insurance can cover emergency medical expenses.
  • Ambulance transportation and emergency evacuation: many of the best trails are off the beaten path. If you get injured in a remote area, ambulance transportation can be costly. World Nomads could cover the expense of medically necessary emergency medical evacuations (subject to approval from our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team) if your attending physician and our medical team determine you need to return to your home province in Canada. If your injuries are worse than first thought, you could be repatriated back to your home province.
  • Baggage protection: your mountain biking gear is valuable. If it’s lost or damaged by your airline or stolen during your trip, travel insurance can help cover the costs. World Nomads offers baggage protection with up to $3,000 coverage under the Explorer Plan and $1,000 with the Standard Plan for lost, stolen, or delayed items.
  • Trip cancellation, trip interruption and trip delay: if you need to cancel or interrupt your ride due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your unused/additional travel expenses. This includes if your mountain biking trip is affected by a Government issued travel advisory against travel to your trip destination. , 

Note: To be eligible for maximum emergency medical benefits, you must be covered under your GHIP for the entire duration of your policy. Without GHIP coverage during your trip, emergency medical benefits will be capped at $40,000 CAD.

Need a quote? You can apply online here.

What’s not covered by mountain biking travel insurance?

We love adventure, but some things just aren’t covered under our policies. These include:

  • Participation in any race or professional sporting event
  • Mountain biking over 6,000 metres in elevation
  • Coverage for your bicycle unless checked in as baggage with your transportation carrier (we don’t cover damage to your bicycle while you are using it)
  • Any medical transportation or associated expenses that are not pre-authorized or approved by the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team 
  • A loss arising from your wilfully exposing yourself to a needless risk or not taking reasonable care, including cycling under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Damage as a result of illegal activities
  • Personal liability while bike riding
  • Leaving baggage, personal items or any mountain biking gear unattended
  • No matter how safe you are, we won’t cover any mountain biking on the infamous Death Road – otherwise known as Yungas Road in Bolivia.

Mountain Biking Safety Tips

Keep these tips in mind before hitting the trails on your mountain biking trip, for both an epic and safe ride:

  • Gear up right: make sure your bike and gear are in top shape before embarking on your expedition. Check tyres, brakes, suspension, and saddle. Oh, and don’t forget your helmet, gloves, and protective gear – safety first!
  • Know your trail: familiarise yourself with the trail’s difficulty level and conditions – understanding what lies ahead can help you prepare better and avoid unexpected surprises. Maps and GPS apps are your friends!
  • Build your biking stamina: mountain biking isn’t just a ride in the park (pun intended). Boost your endurance with regular strength and stamina training to conquer those long, challenging trails.
  • Keep your documents handy: Accidents happen, and when they do, having your paperwork sorted is a game-changer. Snap digital copies or keep printed receipts for your bike, gear, and insurance details handy. This little bit of prep will save you a heap of trouble if you need to file a claim.

Ready to ride?

Visit our website to compare our Standard and Explorer plans, or to grab a quote. If you have any questions, our team is always here to help. Enjoy the ride and pedal safely!

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

    Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

    • Explorer Plan: $5,000
    • Standard Plan: $2,500
    Trip Protection
    • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
    • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
    • Close relative suddenly dies?

    We’ve got your back.

    Emergency Medical Insurance

    Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

    • Explorer Plan: $10 million
    • Standard Plan: $5 million
    Emergency Medical Insurance
    • Need meds quick?
    • Accidentally injured?
    • Suddenly sick?

    We’ve got your back.

    Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

    We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

    • Explorer Plan: $500,000
    • Standard Plan: $500,000
    Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
    • Banged up abroad?
    • Need a hospital urgently?
    • Medivac home?

    Help starts here.

    Protect your gear

    Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.

    • Explorer Plan: $3,000
    • Standard Plan: $1,000
    Protect your gear
    • Passport or tech stolen?
    • Airline lost your gear?
    • Bags delayed?

    Help starts here.

    • Emergency Medical Expenses
    • Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
    • Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
    • Emergency Professional Services
    • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
    • Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
    • Return to Your Trip Destination
    • Return of Remains
    • Travel Accident
    • Flight Accident
    • Trip Cancellation
    • Trip Interruption
    • Trip Delay
    • Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
    • Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
    • Travel Documents Theft or Damage
    • Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
    • Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
    Assistance Services Included
    • LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
    • Worldwide Travel Assistance
    • Adventure Travel Hotline
    • 24/7 Security
    • Travel Medical Assistance
    • Bag Trak
    This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

    24/7 emergency assistance

    Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team 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?

    Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

    Contact the team

    Get an instant travel insurance quote

    Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.