Mountain bike travel insurance

Aussies are an adventurous bunch and many of us enjoy the fresh air, low-impact and sometimes messy sport of mountain biking. However, sometimes it can be quite a dangerous pursuit which is why many insurers have multiple restrictions or won't cover you at all for mountain biking as part of your travel insurance.

While some insurers provide cover if you are riding on roads or in organised tour groups, most deny cover as soon as you mention downhill or off-road mountain biking.

There are a few exceptions though. Insurers such as InsureandGo and World Nomads offer cover for mountain biking, provided you observe normal safety requirements such as wearing a helmet and not putting yourself in harm's way.

Common travel insurance conditions related to mountain biking

Insurers that do cover mountain biking often impose conditions on how the bikes should be used, including:

• Wearing a helmet at all times
• Not participating in any form of racing or competition
• Observing all local road rules and laws
• Staying out of closed or restricted areas on designated mountain bike trails
• Not behaving recklessly or taking unnecessary risks
• Informing your insurer of the kind of mountain biking you'll be partaking in

Degrees of cover also differ. World Nomads, for instance, will cover you for injuries you sustain while riding your mountain bike but provides no cover for the bike itself if it is lost, stolen or damaged.

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Why do I need to tell my insurer if I'm planning to go mountain biking?

A travel insurance policy is a legally binding contract entered into by you and your insurer. Any actions or omissions by you that affect the terms of that contract can render it null and void.

If you don't tell your insurer about a possible risk that could influence whether you can be covered or how much you are charged for cover, you run the risk of having your policy cancelled.

Whether it's a high-risk activity, such as mountain biking, or a pre-existing medical condition, you must inform your insurer. It's called Duty of Disclosure, and it protects your insurer from taking on a greater level of risk than was initially agreed upon.

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Will I pay more for cover that includes mountain biking?

As most travel insurers won't cover mountain biking, those that do are usually going to charge more for the additional risk they are taking on. But this can vary with insurers, as the following snapshot illustrates:

• Zoom Travel Insurance. You'll be covered for mountain biking as standard excluding downhill, competition or racing but can purchase the Adventure Pack to be covered for non-competitive downhill mountain biking. Under the Bicycle Pack, you'll also be covered up to $5,000 if your bike is lost, stolen or damaged.
• World Nomads. World Nomads covers mountain biking if you upgrade but only up to 6,000m and cover for the bicycle is not included.
• Budget Direct. Cover for mountain biking is included as standard but you will not be able to get cover for racing, extreme ground conditions or stunts and your bicycle will not be covered for loss or damage.

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How do I disclose my intention to go mountain biking?

You have a Duty of Disclosure to inform your insurer of your intention to go mountain biking on your holiday. If you do not tell your insurer of your plans to go mountain biking, any claim you make related to mountain biking will not be honoured.

You should disclose your intention to go mountain biking at the time of taking out your policy so that your insurer can inform you of whether or not you are covered and adjust the cost of your premium accordingly.

You can do this by either purchasing additional cover for your planned activities or, if not available, ensuring that mountain biking is included as part of your cover by reviewing the Product Disclosure Statement. If you're unsure, contact your chosen insurance provider before you travel.

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Tips for staying safe if mountain biking overseas

• Respect road and trail closures, and ride on open trails only
• Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations
• Anticipate other trail users by slowing down at corners and blind spots, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass others safely
• Keep your equipment in good order and carry spares of everything
• If riding alone, always make sure someone knows where you're going and when you'll be back

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What to do if you are injured overseas

If you injure yourself while mountain biking overseas, the first thing to do is to seek medical attention. If the injury is relatively minor, you may need to visit a medical practitioner, pay the fee and have your insurer reimburse you at a later date.

If the injury is serious and requires hospitalisation or evacuation, you will need to contact your insurer's 24/7 Emergency Assistance service. This service will need to approve any hospital treatment you receive and possibly provide a guarantee of payment to the hospital on your behalf.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Will my mountain bike and equipment be covered if they are lost, stolen or damaged?

  Many standard travel insurance policies do not automatically cover high value items like mountain bikes. Some insurers offer specific add on packs or upgrades for sports equipment cover. This cover typically comes with limits on the value of the bike or gear, often requires a police report for theft and specifies conditions for care such as being locked up or stored securely. Always check the PDS for exact coverage details.

• What types of mountain biking activities are typically covered and which are excluded?

  Coverage varies significantly between insurers. Generally recreational mountain biking on designated trails, observing all safety rules, may be covered. However, activities like competitive racing, downhill mountain biking, extreme stunts or riding in off limit areas are frequently excluded. Some policies might offer an "Adventure Pack" or similar upgrade that extends cover to some higher risk non competitive activities.

• Does travel insurance cover electric mountain bikes or e-bikes?

  The coverage for electric mountain bikes or e-bikes is not always standard and can depend on the insurer. Some policies may treat them the same as regular mountain bikes while others might have specific exclusions or require additional cover due to their motorisation and potentially higher value. Always disclose that you will be using an e-bike when purchasing your policy and confirm its inclusion in your cover.

• Am I covered if I rent a mountain bike instead of bringing my own?

  If you rent a mountain bike overseas your travel insurance may cover personal injury you sustain while riding a rented bike assuming mountain biking is a covered activity under your policy. However, damage or theft of the rented bike itself is less commonly covered by travel insurance. The rental company often provides its own insurance for the bike or may hold you liable for damage.

• Does mountain bike travel insurance include personal liability cover?

  Many comprehensive travel insurance policies include personal liability cover. If you accidentally injure someone else or damage their property while mountain biking, this section of your policy may provide cover. However, this cover is subject to the general exclusions of your policy such as not acting recklessly or participating in excluded activities.

• Can I get annual multi trip cover for mountain biking?

  Yes, it is possible to get annual multi trip cover that includes mountain biking though options may be more limited than for single trip policies. You will need to ensure that the chosen annual policy explicitly includes mountain biking as a covered activity or that you can purchase an appropriate add on for it. This can be a cost effective option if you plan multiple mountain biking holidays within a year.

• When is the best time to buy mountain bike travel insurance?

  It's recommended to purchase your travel insurance, including any mountain biking cover, as soon as you have made your initial trip payment such as flights or accommodation. Buying early means you are covered for unforeseen events that could lead to trip cancellation or interruption before you even depart. Delaying your purchase could mean you miss out on cover for these pre departure incidents.

• What do I need to do to make a claim for my mountain bike or gear?

  If your mountain bike or gear is covered and you need to make a claim you will generally need to provide specific documentation. This often includes a police report for theft, proof of ownership for the bike or gear such as receipts or photographs, and details of how the loss or damage occurred. For damage you may also need repair quotes or a professional assessment. Contact your insurer's claims department as soon as possible for their exact claim requirements.