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What you need to know
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?
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
50cc or less: you must hold a current Australian Drivers Licence and a licence valid for the country that you are riding in.
Greater than 50cc: you must hold a current Australian Motorcycle Licence valid for the same class of motorcycle, regardless of the local laws and a licence valid for the country that you are riding in.
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
Motorcycles - If you have an Australian motorcycle licence that is valid in the country you are in, then there is cover for medical expenses if you were to have an accident.
Scooters - If you have an Australian drivers or motorcycle licence that is valid in the country that you are in, then there is cover for medical expenses if you were to have an accident.
Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS)
You are covered, subject to the policy terms and conditions, if you are in control of a Motorcycle and have a current Australian motorcycle licence, or you are a passenger travelling on a Motorcycle that is in the control of a person who holds a current motorcycle licence valid for the country you are travelling in.
You are also covered if you are in control of a Moped or Scooter and have a current Australian motorcycle or drivers licence, or you are a passenger travelling on a Moped or Scooter that is in the control of a person who holds a current motorcycle or drivers licence valid for the country you are travelling in.
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.
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.
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Whether it’s a motorcycle, motor scooter or moped, if it has 2 wheels and you plan to ride it while you are on holiday overseas, you will need to make sure you have travel insurance to cover you in the event of an accident. Insurers regard motor scooters in the same light as motorcycles and will only cover you for injuries sustained in an accident under the following conditions:
The motorcycle or motor scooter must be under a certain horsepower (usually 125cc), unless you have arranged cover for a larger bike.
You must hold a valid licence to ride it (either a licence to ride an equivalent machine in Australia or a local licence in the case of countries such as Cambodia and Vietnam).
The accident must not be the result of your racing, reckless or inattentive behaviour, lack of knowledge of local road rules or riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
A quad bike is another form of motorbike that is popular to ride while holidaying overseas. It too is subject to the rules of motorcycle riding when it comes to travel insurance in that:
You must be licensed to ride it (which will depend on the laws of the country).
You must be wearing a helmet.
You must not be racing or driving recklessly.
You must not be using it in a professional capacity, for example participating in a professional sport or paid activity.
As with motorcycle insurance, you will only be covered for injuries sustained in an accident, for damage to the quad bike, injury to other persons or damage to third party property.
Cristal Dyer is a travel writer at Finder. She has been writing about travel for over five years and has visited over 40 countries around the world. Cristal currently travels full-time, writing about her favourite cities and food finds, and she is always on the lookout for amazing flight deals to share.
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