Key takeaways
- Many travel insurers can cover you for riding motorcycles overseas.
- The motorcycle or moped must be less than the maximum engine size stated in the policy.
- You must have a valid license and wear a helmet to be covered.
Which travel insurance brands cover overseas motorcycle use?
Brand | Max engine size of motorbike | Brand |
---|---|---|
250cc | Bonus | |
250cc | Bonus | |
| Get quote | |
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
| Finder AwardBonus | |
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
| Get quote | |
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
| Get quote | |
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
| Finder AwardBonus | |
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
| Finder AwardBonus | |
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
| Get quote | |
250cc | Bonus | |
200cc | Finder Award | |
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
| More info | |
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
| More info | |
Max 250cc, must wear a helmet and have a full motorcycle licence that is valid both in the country of travel and in their country of residence. Consider the PDS and TMD from TIS and if the policy is right for you. | Get quote | |
250cc | Get quote | |
250cc | Get quote | |
250cc | Get quote |
Note: This information was last updated August 2023
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What does motorcycle travel insurance cover?
Most travel insurance policies will cover medical and hospital expenses as a result of a motorcycle accident.
However, travel insurance won't typically cover you for personal liability e.g. costs associated with any damage to the motorcycle, moped or property or injury to another person. You will need separate vehicle insurance cover for this.
When am I not covered?
Common exclusions pertaining to motorcycle travel insurance include:
- No cover if you were racing, riding whilst intoxicated, under the influence of drugs or behaving recklessly in any way.
- No cover if you were not wearing a helmet. Even though not all countries require a helmet to be worn, it is a prerequisite in most motorcycle travel insurance policies.
- No cover if you were not licensed. That means licensed to ride the same sized motorcycle in Australia and in the country you are visiting.
- No cover if the accident occurs due to your negligence, inattention or lack of knowledge of the road rules that apply in the country you are visiting.
- No liability cover for injuring someone or causing property damage while in charge of the motorcycle.
- No cover for theft or criminal damage of the motorcycle.
- No cover for the insurance excess if you are hiring the motorcycle.
Tips for popular motorcycle destinations
Rules that typically apply to motorcycles in South East Asia include:
- If you have a valid Australian motorcycle licence, an International Driver’s Permit is acceptable in Bali, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, but not in Vietnam.
- In Vietnam, you need a temporary Vietnamese driver’s licence (requiring you to have a 3-month residency visa) in order to ride any motorcycle over 50cc capacity.
- While it is not compulsory for some locals to wear helmets in Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia and Bali, the police will enforce this rule for visitors.
Whichever country you visit, you should observe the following safety tips when riding abroad:
- Always wear a helmet, whether it is the law or not.
- Always wear leathers, long pants, gloves and boots to protect exposed skin, even in hot climates.
- Stay alert to what is going on around you at all times and make allowances for other drivers, particularly when the road rules are different from what you are used to.
- Know where you are going. Planning your route will reduce the likelihood of unforeseen circumstances.
How do I make sure I can claim if I am in a motorcycle accident?
Most travel insurance policies that cover motorcycles use almost the same wording in their product disclosure statements (PDS):
No cover is provided without a current Australian motorcycle licence or a current motorcycle licence that is valid for the country you are travelling in.
If you remember this above all else, you are half way to being fully covered.
Follow these guidelines to ensure you are covered
- Wear a helmet and protective clothing.
- Know and obey the road rules of the country you are in.
- Make sure you are fully licensed to ride in the country you are in.
- If drunk, drugged or in doubt, take the bus.
Frequently asked questions
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