Key takeaways
- Many insurers cover medical costs for motorcycle accidents if your bike is under a specified engine size, often 250cc.
- Most insurers require an Australian motorcycle licence that is valid for the bike you are riding, though a few cover mopeds and scooters on a car licence. Check the brand's conditions, and always wear a helmet.
- Coverage typically excludes personal liability for bike damage or third-party injury and off-road riding.
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| Brand | Max engine size of motorbike | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| | 250cc | Get quote |
| | 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) | Get quote |
![]() | 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) | Get quote |
| | Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS) | Get quote |
![]() | Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS) | More info |
![]() | 250cc | Get quote |
| | 200cc | |
| | Limit not specified in the product disclosure statement (PDS) Consider the PDS and TMD from TIS before purchasing. | More info |
| | 250cc | Get quote |
| | 250cc | Get quote |
![]() | 250cc | Get quote |
Note: This information was last updated October 2026
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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 licence to ride a motorcycle of 50cc or more, and to get one you must have held a Vietnamese residence permit for at least 3 months.
- 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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An International Driver's Permit IDP is often required alongside your current Australian motorcycle licence to legally ride a motorcycle overseas and ensure your travel insurance remains valid. Many countries demand an IDP for foreigners to operate vehicles so it is important to check the requirements for your destination before you travel.
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Many travel insurance policies can provide cover for you as a passenger on a motorcycle or moped. For your claim to be valid the driver must meet all the policy conditions such as holding a valid licence for the country and vehicle capacity, wearing a helmet and not being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Always review your policy's Product Disclosure Statement for specific details.
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Generally most standard travel insurance policies exclude cover for off road motorcycle riding. This means any incidents occurring while riding on unsealed roads, trails or outside of designated public roads may not be covered. If you plan to participate in off road activities always check your policy's Product Disclosure Statement for specific exclusions or if an adventure sports add-on might be available.
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Some insurers accept an Australian car licence for riding a moped or scooter overseas, subject to their engine-size limits and licensing requirements. These limits vary by insurer, with some covering vehicles under 125cc or 125cc and below, while others have different limits. For larger motorcycles, an Australian motorcycle licence of the appropriate class is generally required.
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While travel insurance policies typically do not impose separate age restrictions specifically for motorcycle activities beyond the general age limits of the policy, some insurers may have higher excesses or stricter conditions for younger or older riders. It is also important to note that motorcycle rental companies overseas often have their own age restrictions which could impact your ability to hire a bike.
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Travel insurance can cover you when participating in an organised motorcycle tour provided you meet all the policy's conditions. This typically includes holding a valid Australian motorcycle licence for the bike's capacity, wearing an approved helmet and adhering to local road rules. Cover usually applies to medical expenses resulting from an accident not damage to the tour operator's motorcycle or liability for third party injury. Always confirm these details in your policy's Product Disclosure Statement.
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Finder writers are subject matter experts and use primary sources, in-depth research and interviews with other experts to ensure you're getting accurate, up-to-date information. Articles are fact checked in line with our editorial guidelines.
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. See full bio
Gary Ross Hunter has over 6 years of expertise writing about insurance, including life, health, home, and car insurance. Having reviewed hundreds of product disclosure statements and published over 800 articles, he loves simplifying complex insurance topics for everyday readers. Gary has contributed to major outlets like Yahoo Finance, The Sydney Morning Herald, and news.com.au, and holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Glasgow, along with a Tier 2 General Advice certification, ensuring his work adheres to ASIC’s RG146 standards. See full bio
- Health, home, life, car, pet and travel insurance
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