If you want to ride a motorbike, scooter, or moped while overseas, whether just for a day or as your main mode of transport, there’s cover under World Nomads travel insurance plans if you’re properly licensed to ride.
What’s covered when riding a motorbike, scooter or moped?
There's cover available for the following:
- Moped / scooter biking# (1#)
- Motorbiking (off road)# (3#)
- Motorbiking (on road)# (1#)
- Motorbiking (pillion passenger with a licensed driver)# (1#)
(#) You must have the appropriate qualification, certification or license to participate in this sport, activity or experience.
(1) Level 1 - Automatically covers Level 1 sports, activities & experiences in the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan.
(3) Level 3 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 & 2 sports, activities & experiences.
Other areas where World Nomads offers travel insurance cover if your scooter ride goes off track include:
Overseas medical coverage
Riding accidents happen, and when they do, medical expenses can be costly, especially in a foreign country. World Nomads covers emergency medical treatment, hospital stays, and even medical evacuation if necessary. Please be aware that terms and conditions apply.
Liability protection for riders
In the unfortunate event that you cause damage to property or injury to others while riding, we can offer cover for legal costs and liabilities, saving you from potentially devastating financial consequences. For more information click on our What to do article.
Cover for theft and damage to your rental vehicle
If you’re involved in a riding accident or your rented scooter or motorbike is damaged or stolen while in your care or custody – and you’ve purchased the Explorer Plan - we offer cover for the rental vehicle insurance excess you’re contracted to pay or the cost of repairing the rental vehicle, whichever is less.
If you’ve purchased the Explorer Plan, you’re also covered for expenses to return the rented vehicle to the rental vehicle company or agency if you’re certified medically unfit to drive.
Overseas trip interruption and cancellation cover
If you’re injured while riding and need to cut your trip short or cancel future plans, you have access to cover for reimbursement of non-refundable expenses, helping you manage the financial impact of your disrupted travel plans. For more information on how you can be covered if you need to cancel your travel plans check out our What’s Covered article.
Traveller tip: if you’re renting a motorbike or moped, you may need to pack a helmet if legally required at home or make sure you’re provided with one in the country you’re going to be riding in.
How do I add this travel insurance cover to my policy?
Simply add ‘motorbike riding’ or ‘scooter riding’ to the list of your sports and activities when getting your quote. Restrictions apply depending on what type of riding you’ll be doing, so be aware of this by reading the Policy Document (Section 8) so you’re covered if something goes wrong.
Remember: You must add all the sports and activities you plan to try on your trip when you buy your policy. You won’t be able to make changes after your policy is issued.
What do I need to know to be adequately covered?
To be covered when riding a motorbike or moped/scooter, you MUST:
- Use the Sports & Activities option to add this activity to your policy when you buy it.
- take all the usual safety precautions when riding a bike and don’t take any needless risks;
- wear a helmet;
- obey the local road rules;
- hold a motorbike licence in New Zealand for the same class of bike you’ll ride overseas, regardless of the local laws; and
- hold a licence valid for the country you’re riding in (where local law requires)
If you have an accident and are injured, cover is available for:
- Evacuation if urgent and medically necessary (by helicopter if medically necessary and available);
- Emergency medical expenses for treatment at the hospital or local medical facility; and/or
- Repatriation home if you’re seriously injured and unable to continue your trip.
If something happens to you, make sure you (or someone else) contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team as soon as reasonably possible so they can arrange your evacuation to the nearest, most appropriate medical facility if medically necessary.
Who pays for medical treatment (and by this we mean either you pay upfront and claim later or we pay) depends on what’s happened to you and the necessary treatment required.
What's not covered
Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything so do read the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions in the Policy Document for what’s covered and not covered (particularly Sections 1 & 2 for medical and evacuation), plus important details on what you need to do if you need help while travelling.
Here are the main things that aren’t covered:
- if something happens while you’re riding a motorbike/moped overseas and you’re not complying with local laws.
- theft or damage to the motorbike or moped, whether owned, borrowed or rented.
- your personal liability while you’re riding (that means we don’t cover any damage to property or injuries to other people that you’re responsible for).
- any of your belongings left unattended with your motorbike.
- anything else that's listed in the exclusions of the policy.
Ready to ride with confidence on your next adventure? Ensure you’re protected by purchasing travel insurance designed for motorbike and scooter riders. Get a quote today and enjoy the ride!
Safety tips for riding a motorbike or scooter overseas
- Wear proper gear: Always wear a helmet, protective clothing, gloves, and sturdy shoes. Proper gear can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in an accident.
- Understand local traffic laws: Traffic laws vary from country to country. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations and road signs to ensure you ride safely and legally.
- Check the condition of the vehicle: Before setting off, inspect the motorbike or scooter for any signs of damage or mechanical issues. Ensure that the brakes, lights, and tires are in good working condition.
This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your Policy Document 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.
The information provided is of a general nature and is provided for information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice in any form and should not be relied on as a substitute for obtaining professional advice that is specific to your circumstances. You should seek advice from a financial advice provider if you would like further information about whether a particular product is appropriate for you and your circumstances.
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We’re here to help if you have a question about travel insurance. We’re available:
- Monday to Friday 11:00am - 8:00pm (NZST/NZDT)
- Saturday to Sunday closed (NZST/NZDT)
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Within New Zealand:
0800 666 237
From anywhere in the world:
+61 2 8256 1542
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1300 787 375
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.