Motorcycle Travel Insurance: Protect Your Ride and Your Wallet

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Man Sitting on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle on the Road
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Motorcycle travel insurance is a must-have for any rider who wants to protect their ride and their wallet. In the US, motorcycle accidents are a leading cause of death among drivers under 30.

The average cost of motorcycle repairs in the US is around $3,500. This can be a significant financial burden, especially if you're not prepared.

Many motorcycle insurance policies offer coverage for bike theft, which can be a major concern for riders. In 2020, over 45,000 motorcycles were stolen in the US alone.

Why You Need Motorcycle Travel Insurance

Motorcycle travel insurance is an essential part of planning a motorcycle adventure. Travel Medical Insurance protects you in the event of illness, injury, or accident, providing key medical benefits in case of an emergency.

Riding without travel medical insurance can leave you vulnerable to paying extremely high out-of-pocket medical expenses, which you may not be able to afford. Depending on where you travel, you may encounter language and currency barriers that can prevent you from accessing the high-quality medical care you may need.

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Motorcycle travel insurance isn't just a precaution, it's a lifesaver. After 16 years of riding and traveling in far-flung countries, a couple learned this the hard way when they faced a £20,000 hospital bill. Luckily, they had an excellent policy that covered all the bills and put them on a first-class flight home.

Travel medical insurance plans, such as the IMG Patriot Medical Insurance plan, can cover medical evacuation, acute-onset of pre-existing medical conditions, and both on- and off-road riding. If you intend to drive while overseas, be sure to obtain an International Driving Permit – digital IDPs can be issued within 24 hours.

Navigating foreign healthcare systems while riding overseas can be a major stressor, but with a Patriot Platinum travel medical insurance plan, motorcycle tour riders can experience less worry and more adventure. Rest assured knowing you have comprehensive medical coverage and a trusted health advisor by your side, ready to assist you in your time of need.

Types of Motorcycle Travel Insurance

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Motorcycle travel insurance can provide coverage for a variety of benefits, including emergency medical expenses, cancellation or interruption of your trip, lost or stolen luggage and personal belongings, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and accidental death and dismemberment.

These benefits can give you peace of mind while traveling, knowing that you are protected in case of unexpected events. Having motorcycle travel insurance can be a lifesaver in times of crisis.

You can buy Touring Travel Insurance online with instant cover BEFORE you set off, and it's essential to fully understand the cover you're getting and go through the medical screening questions if you have pre-existing health conditions.

Motorcycle touring is covered as standard, even if you're going off-road, and there are also options for trackdays and motocross if you plan on something more extreme.

Here are some of the key types of motorcycle travel insurance:

  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Cancellation or interruption of your trip
  • Lost or stolen luggage and personal belongings
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation
  • Accidental death and dismemberment

Remember to complete the medical screening questions honestly and accurately to ensure your policy covers you for any pre-existing medical conditions.

Coverage Benefits and Limitations

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Having motorcycle travel insurance can provide peace of mind while traveling, knowing you're protected in case of unexpected events.

Emergency medical expenses, cancellation or interruption of your trip, lost or stolen luggage and personal belongings, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and accidental death and dismemberment are all covered benefits.

Make sure to check the policy's medical coverage, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation, to ensure you're fully protected in case of an emergency.

The key features of travel medical insurance plans for motorcyclists include the ability to purchase cover even after leaving your home country, no mileage limits, and riders covered up to age 80.

Here are some benefits and limitations to consider:

Coverage Benefits

Having travel insurance as a motorcyclist can give you peace of mind while exploring new places. It's essential to understand the benefits you'll receive in case of unexpected events.

Emergency medical expenses are covered, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about medical costs. You'll also be protected in case of cancellation or interruption of your trip.

High-speed motorcycle adventure on a winding mountain road with stunning views in Italy.
Credit: pexels.com, High-speed motorcycle adventure on a winding mountain road with stunning views in Italy.

Lost or stolen luggage and personal belongings are also covered, which is a relief when traveling with valuable items. Emergency evacuation and repatriation are also included, giving you added security.

Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is a vital benefit, providing financial support to your loved ones in case of the worst.

If you're a pillion passenger, you're also covered as long as the rider holds a full license for the bike. This is a great reassurance for those who enjoy riding with a partner.

Here are some key benefits at a glance:

  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Cancellation or interruption of your trip
  • Lost or stolen luggage and personal belongings
  • Emergency evacuation and repatriation
  • Accidental death and dismemberment

Coverage Limitations

Coverage Limitations are crucial to consider when choosing motorcycle travel insurance. Make sure the policy covers the countries you plan to visit.

You'll want to check if the policy covers off-road riding or racing, as these activities may not be included in standard policies.

Medical coverage is also a must, including emergency medical evacuation and repatriation. The policy should cover the full cost of medical treatment, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and medication.

Exclusions

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Exclusions are situations or circumstances that the policy does not cover, so it's essential to read the policy's exclusions section carefully.

Pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded, including conditions like Alissa's broken leg from a motorcycle crash in Nepal, so it's crucial to declare any existing conditions.

Reckless behavior and participating in illegal activities are also common exclusions for motorcycle travel insurance.

Some policies may exclude coverage for certain types of motorcycles or riding in specific areas, so be sure to check the policy details carefully.

Make sure to understand what's not covered by the policy to avoid any surprises in case of an emergency.

Cost and Policy Options

The cost of motorcycle travel insurance can vary depending on factors like your age, destination, and length of trip. It's essential to compare different insurance policies to find the best coverage at a reasonable price.

Comparing insurance policies can help you avoid unexpected expenses like medical bills or lost deposits, which can far exceed the cost of insurance. Reading the fine print is also crucial to understand what's covered and what's not.

To make sense of the different policy options, it's a good idea to review the scope of coverage for your motorcycle holiday.

Annual

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Annual insurance is a good choice for those who plan to take multiple trips throughout the year.

It covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and emergency assistance, similar to single trip insurance, but with more flexibility. Annual insurance can be a cost-effective option for frequent travelers.

With annual insurance, you can take as many trips as you like within a 12-month period, with each trip typically lasting up to 90 days. This means you can explore different destinations without worrying about running out of coverage.

Annual insurance may also include coverage for personal belongings and rental vehicle excess, providing extra peace of mind for your travels.

Policy Options

Policy Options are crucial when it comes to choosing the right motorcycle travel insurance. The cost of insurance can vary depending on your age, destination, length of trip, and coverage options.

You can compare different insurance policies and providers to find the best coverage at a reasonable price. This will help you understand exactly what is covered and what is not.

Man Performing Stunt on Motorcycle
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All our motorcycling travel insurance policies will cover you for on-road motorcycling, with no cc restrictions, as long as you hold a FULL licence to be riding a bike of that size in your home country, and wear a crash helmet.

These policies are only available to UK residents, though some Short Stay policies are also available to residents of certain other European countries.

Risks and Precautions

Motorcycle travel can be riskier than other forms of travel, with accidents and injuries being a common risk that motorcycle travelers face.

Having motorcycle travel insurance can help mitigate these risks, but it's essential to be aware of the potential dangers.

Accidents can happen due to various reasons, including medical emergencies or unforeseen trip cancellations or interruptions.

Motorcycle travelers are also at risk of theft or loss of personal belongings, which can be devastating.

To minimize these risks, it's crucial to take necessary precautions, such as being prepared for emergency situations and having a plan in place in case something goes wrong.

Here are some common risks that motorcycle travelers face:

  • Accidents and injuries
  • Illness or medical emergencies
  • Theft or loss of personal belongings
  • Weather-related incidents
  • Unforeseen trip cancellations or interruptions

Common Risks

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Motorcycle travel can be riskier than other forms of travel, and it's essential to be aware of the potential hazards.

Accidents and injuries are a common risk when traveling by motorcycle. According to the statistics, they are a leading cause of concern for many riders.

Illness or medical emergencies can also occur while traveling, and it's crucial to have a plan in place in case of an unexpected medical issue.

Theft or loss of personal belongings is another risk to consider, especially when traveling to unfamiliar destinations.

Weather-related incidents can be unpredictable and may require you to adjust your plans or seek shelter.

Off-Road Riding on Navigator Policies

Off-road riding on Navigator policies is a bit more complicated than on-road riding.

On-road riding is covered at standard prices, even if roads aren't fully tarmac, as long as they're official highways or byways marked on a map.

Proper off-road riding on a guided tour can be covered on Navigator Silver, Gold, and Diamond policies for up to 7 days by selecting the "Action Plus" option.

This doubles the cost of the policy, so make sure you factor that in.

You'll still need to hold a full licence for the size of bike being used, even for off-road riding.

How to Buy and Purchase

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Buying motorcycle travel insurance online is a convenient and efficient way to get the coverage you need. You can visit the website of a reputable insurance provider, such as InsureMyTrip, to compare different policies and prices.

To buy online, follow these simple steps: visit the website of a reputable insurance provider, select the type of travel insurance you need, enter your travel dates and destination, choose the level of coverage you require, provide personal and travel details, review the policy terms and conditions, make the payment using a secure online payment method, and receive your policy documents via email or download them from the insurer's website.

You can buy touring travel insurance online 24 hours a day, and it's essential to understand the cover you're getting and complete the medical screening questions honestly and accurately to ensure your policy covers you for any pre-existing medical conditions.

Here are the steps to buy motorcycle travel insurance online:

  • Visit the website of a reputable insurance provider
  • Select the type of travel insurance you need
  • Enter your travel dates and destination
  • Choose the level of coverage you require
  • Provide personal and travel details
  • Review the policy terms and conditions
  • Make the payment using a secure online payment method
  • Receive your policy documents via email or download them from the insurer's website

International Coverage and Repatriation

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You'll need to research each country's laws on insurance if you plan to ride a foreign registered motorcycle into countries not covered by your policy. This includes countries outside of Europe or the US.

If you ride your UK insured bike outside of Europe or your US insured bike into South America, you'll need to abide by that country's laws on insurance.

It's exceptionally difficult or even impossible to get fully comprehensive insurance for a foreign registered motorcycle in most countries, so you'll likely only be able to get third-party insurance. This means your motorcycle won't be covered against theft or damage.

Here are some examples of insurance requirements for popular motorcycle travel destinations:

Abroad

So you're planning a motorcycle trip abroad and want to know what to expect? Make sure to research each country's laws on insurance, as it's your job to find out what you need. It's not always easy, and some countries don't allow fully comprehensive insurance for foreign registered motorcycles.

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You'll likely only be able to get third-party insurance, which covers other people involved in an accident, but not your bike itself. This means you'll be footing the bill if your bike is stolen or damaged. It's a good idea to buy at least third-party liability insurance to cover you in case of an accident.

Some countries require you to buy insurance at the border, like Turkey where you'll need Green Card insurance. Others, like New Zealand, don't require any insurance at all. Always check the Destinations section of our website for country guides and motorcycle travel guides, which explain the insurance requirements for each country.

Here are some countries and their insurance requirements:

Just remember to buy cover before you travel and for the whole duration of your motorcycle holiday.

Repatriation Information

Having a clear understanding of what repatriation insurance covers is crucial when planning your international motorcycle trip. It can reimburse you for some of your costs if the trip gets cancelled.

Credit: youtube.com, Medical Repatriation Definition

Repatriation insurance specifically caters for riding motorcycles over 125cc, a common exclusion on 'normal' travel insurance policies. This type of policy can cover you for up to £100,000 of Emergency Repatriation Costs.

You can buy Single Trip or Annual Multi Trip cover, with the maximum age for Multi Trip being 66 and Single Trip being a maximum age of 75. It's essential to buy cover before you travel and for the whole duration of your motorcycle holiday.

To be eligible for repatriation insurance, you must have been a UK resident for at least 6-months and still live in the UK, registered with a GP surgery. You also need to have a UK driving licence that covers you for the class of bike you are riding.

Here's a quick reference guide to help you understand the basics of repatriation insurance:

  • Cover for emergency medical and repatriation costs after an accident on track abroad
  • It's like a normal travel insurance policy, except this one also covers you for riding motorcycles over 125cc (a common exclusion)
  • Buy cover BEFORE you travel and for the whole duration of your motorcycle holiday
  • You must have been a UK resident for at least 6-months (and still live in the UK) registered with a GP surgery
  • You need to have a UK driving licence that covers you for the class of bike you are riding
  • You need to wear an approved motorcycle helmet

Frequently Asked Questions

What insurance company is best for motorcycles?

For motorcycle insurance, consider top-rated options like Dairyland, Allstate, and Progressive, each offering unique coverage and benefits. Research these companies to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Can you insure a motorcycle seasonally?

Yes, seasonal motorcycle insurance is available, allowing riders to adjust coverage options and lay-up periods based on their usage. This flexible insurance option can provide cost savings for seasonal or recreational riders.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

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