Travel Insurance for Riding a Motorcycle, Moped or Scooter Overseas

Whether you’re zipping through cobbled laneways in Europe, cruising on a chopper across the United States, taking a motorcycle tour through the roads of the spectacular Himalayas, or getting lost in the bustling streets of Southeast Asia, riding a motorbike, moped or scooter while you’re travelling overseas can be a thrilling way to see the sights! 

Some of the other benefits of hiring a motorbike, moped or scooter on an overseas holiday include: 

• Convenience – You can easily avoid gridlocked traffic and main highways, and take your time exploring the roads less travelled instead. 

• Flexibility – It frees up your schedule when you don't have to worry about fitting your travel plans around bus or train timetables. 

• Independence – You can come and go as you please with full control over your own travel itinerary. 

If you're considering riding overseas, read our motorcycle travel insurance guide below to learn about Fast Cover’s Motorcycle Pack and help you make a more informed decision about the type of cover that you can take out for your trip. 

Any advice is general advice only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the PDS eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply, prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.

Does Fast Cover Travel Insurance Cover Riding Motorcycles, Mopeds and Scooters Overseas? 

Fast Cover offer’s the Motorcycle Pack as an optional extra so that cover is available to you for being the rider or passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter. You must be aged 74 and under at the date of policy issue to purchase the Motorcycle Pack.  

The Motorcycle Pack can be added to the following policies: 

• Comprehensive 

• Standard Saver 

• Basics  

• Snow Sports Plus 

• Frequent Traveller Saver

License Requirements for Riding a Motorcycle Overseas 

People tend to throw caution to the wind when they’re on holiday, which can be exciting in some instances, but downright dangerous in others! 

This applies to riding motorcycles overseas. Many people who have no training or experience riding a two-wheeled vehicle at home decide to try it for the first time when they’re overseas, despite the obvious risks this poses. 

If you’re travelling to a foreign country it’s best to thoroughly research the riding laws that will apply to you. Your travel insurance will generally only provide you with cover if you’re obeying the law, and that means following the road rules, wearing a crash helmet, and having the correct licences or permits. In most cases, the licence also needs to be issued by a recognised government agency. 

If you have selected the Motorcycle Pack option under the Fast Cover policy, below are the license requirements if you are the rider in control of a motorcycle, moped or scooter with the following engine capacity. 

If you are the passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter, the person in control must hold a current licence (Provisional or higher) valid for the same class of motorcycle, moped or scooter that is valid for the country that you are in.  

You must comply with the restrictions of Your Australian license, as well as the local laws.

You should do your research, such as visiting websites relevant to the country you wish to travel to for the most up-to-date information regarding their requirements for riding or being a passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter.

What is Not Covered Under the Motorcycle Pack? 

Below are some of the circumstances that are excluded under our policies, not all, so it is important to read the relevant PDS prior to deciding which policy is right for you. 

There is no cover available: 

• For riding off road 

• For motocross, jumping, racing or competition of any sort 

• If you or the person in control of does not hold the relevant licenses 

• If You were under the influence of drugs or alcohol 

• If You were not wearing a crash helmet 

• If You were acting in an unlawful manner 

• If You are riding or are the passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter being ridden off road or on a closed road 

• For any medical or ancillary expenses incurred in Australia 

• If the claim or loss is for Permanent disability under Benefit 10, personal liability under Benefit 18, or Rental vehicle excess under Benefit 19.

As each individual’s circumstances are different, we will assess each claim on a case by case basis and in accordance with your specific circumstances, policy terms and Certificate of Insurance. Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and sub limits apply. 

Does the Motorcycle Pack Cover Rented Motorbikes? 

Whether you’re renting a motorbike in Bali, the United Kingdom, Southeast Asia or many other destinations overseas, our Motorcycle Pack may provide cover for injuries you sustain while riding or being a passenger on a rented motorbike, but not for damage to the motorbike itself. Ensure you read the rental agreement and see how much you would have to pay if it becomes damaged.  

Rental vehicles including motorcycles, mopeds and scooters are not covered by Fast Covers rental vehicle excess benefit. This refers to the amount you’ll have to pay the rental company if the motorbike gets damaged.

Would I be Covered for Injuring Someone Else in a Motorbike Accident? 

There is no cover available under the Policy  for injuring someone else when you are in control of a motorbike, moped or scooter. The Motorcycle Pack does not provide cover for claims relating to Personal Liability if you injure someone else or damage their property while riding a motorbike, scooter or moped. Check your travel insurer’s policy wording in the Product Disclosure Statement to be sure.  

Furthermore, the Personal Liability benefit under the policy excludes claims arising from the ownership, custody or use of any mechanically propelled or self-propelled vehicle (such as any motor vehicle, motorcycle, moped or scooter). 

How Do I Know If My Travel Insurance Covers Motorcycle Riding Overseas? 

To find the best insurance, compare motorcycle travel insurance terms and conditions (not just the prices!), and read the Product Disclosure Statement carefully to make sure that you're buying the right cover before you hop on a motorbike overseas! 

Motorcycle travel insurance for riding a motorbike, moped or scooter overseas may not be automatically included in your travel insurance. It may not be covered at all, or you may be able to customise your policy to add cover for riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter for an additional premium. 

If you look at a travel insurer’s Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) you’ll likely find cover for motorbike riding falls into one of these five categories:

1. Motorcycling is not mentioned 

In this case you may not have cover for any unexpected costs related to riding motorcycles, mopeds or scooters overseas. 

Check your insurer’s policy wording to see if your travel insurance only provides cover for specific listed activities and whether cover is provided for motorcycle, moped or scooter riding. 

2. Motorcycling is excluded 

Travel insurance policies have different exclusions that apply to their policies. 

Riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter overseas may be listed as a General Exclusion, meaning you would not be covered for any emergency medical expenses or hospital expenses if you have an accident while riding.

3. A restriction on maximum engine size for the vehicle 

This is likely to indicate that cover is provided, but only so long as your chosen motorbike, moped or scooter doesn’t exceed the power limits defined in the travel insurance policy or different requirements and licencing conditions may apply depending on the engine capacity. Every insurer is different so you'll need to double check your PDS.

4. Licence requirements 

Cover may be available for riding overseas if you hold the valid licenses as required under the policy.  

For example, to legally drive or ride in Thailand you may need to hold an international driver's permit, as well as a valid Australian motorcycle licence. The licence issuer is also an important consideration, as some travel insurance providers may only cover you if you have a valid motorcycle licence issued by a government authority. 

On the other hand, to ride legally in Bali you may need to hold a local licence which is only available to certain visa-holders by completing  a practical test at the Denpasar police station. 

Ensure that you check the up-to-date requirements for the relevant country you are travelling to, as their regulations may change from time to time.

5. Other requirements 

There may be other conditions or requirements you will need to meet such as requiring you to ride and act in a responsible way, obey the local traffic laws, and wear a helmet. 

These are in place to help you avoid an accident, or to at least lessen the extent of your injuries if you do get involved in an accident. 

Why Should You Consider Travel Insurance for Motorcycle Riding 

Overseas motorcycle riding does also come with some added risks. Heavy traffic conditions, poor road quality, and unfamiliar road rules are just a few of the many risk factors travellers should take into consideration before hopping on a bike overseas. 

Many travellers also don't realise that their travel insurance company may not provide financial cover for emergency medical expenses if they’re injured while riding a motorcycle, moped or scooter overseas. 

Considering a hospital stay in the USA can set you back over $5,000 USD per night, and repatriation costs from Bali can be in excess of $60,000 AUD. We think this is pretty important. 

This is where travel insurance for motorcycle riding may provide cover if you become injured while riding or being a passenger on a motorcycle, moped or scooter in the circumstances covered under your policy. 

Below are some common motorcycle injuries that you may have cover for under your policy, provided your circumstances meet the eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub limits that apply: 

1. Road rash after falling off the motorbike. 
2. Concussion after a road accident. 
3. Broken bones after a collision – whether that’s with a tuk-tuk, bicycle, another motorbike, a person, or something else! 
4. Being thrown from a motorbike or scooter can result in muscle damage anywhere on your body. 
5. There’s the risk of biker’s arm – nerve damage to your hands and arms caused by you trying to protect yourself in a fall. 
6. Leg injuries including shattered bones and fractured knees are also common in motorcycling accidents.

8 Travel Insurance Tips for Riding a Motorbike, Scooter or Moped Safely Overseas 

We want you to have fun and be safe when you travel. 

If you’ve got your licences and permits all sorted and are ready to travel, keep these tips in mind to stay safe on the roads: