Motorcycle Travel Insurance

Motorcycle travel in Europe. Almost all travel insurance policies either have restrictions on the engine size of the motorcycle you are riding to 125 cc or even 50cc, many don’t even cover you for riding a motorcycle at all. They call it a "dangerous activity". Make sure that you are covered for your bike on your policy. You may have to look very carefully to find that you are not covered, it may just be in the small print as an exclusion.

If you are travelling in Europe either in a self organised group or on an organised tour you must get yourself a EHIC. The European Health Insurance Card replaces the old E111.

Note: The EHIC does not cover you for the cost of repatriation to the UK and the Depertment of Health's advice is:
“You are advised to take out comprehensive private insurance for visits to all countries, regardless of whether you are covered by your EHIC.”

Apply online here European Health Insurance Card

You can apply for one on-line here and you would need to be daft to not do so, if you are planning a European biking tour. "A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles you to free or reduced-cost medical treatment that becomes necessary while you’re in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland." Source. So if you fall of or get knocked over that will get your emergency treatment but it will not get you or your bike home and it will not cover you for other consequential costs, or pay for a new lid and leathers.

Here are some companies that have policies specifically aimed at bikes travelling in Europe.

Motorcycle travel insurance
Biker Travel Insurance
Insure and Go

USA Motorcycle Tour
If you are planning a trip to the 'States things get even more complicated. First you need to insure your bike. Try this specialist broker who can arrange bike insurance for visitors.

Breakdown
If you are going on a driving or riding holiday there is an overlap between your travel insurance and your breakdown/recovery insurance. You need to make sure that one or other will pay the cost of repatriation of your vehicle if you are taken ill while on holiday and as a result there is no one in your party able to drive (or ride).

First time touring - here are some useful sites.
Motorcycle Touring Europe
BMF Touring Tips
European Travel Tips

More travel insurance guides and information on this site.

Your use of this web site is subject to your acceptance of our Terms of Use.

Don't leave reading the small print until you need to make a claim. If you do it may be too late if you find that you have not complied with a specific requirement of the policy......................

In addition to what you would expect from a standard travel policy for motorcycle insurance look out for:

Adequate medical cover
Repatriation costs
Bike gear cover

IMPORTANT: Make sure that the activities that you plan are fully covered and check for exclusions. You will probably have no cover if you are under the influence of drink or drugs.