Motorcycles

Am I covered when I ride a motorcycle or moped?

Exploring a new country on two wheels is one of the most exciting ways to travel. From cruising along Route 66 in the United States to weaving through the streets of Bali, motorcycles and mopeds offer a sense of freedom that’s hard to match. But with that freedom comes extra risk, which is why specialist motorcycle and moped cover is an important add-on for your travel insurance.

Many destinations rely heavily on scooters and motorbikes as a primary mode of transport. In parts of Asia, they are more common than cars, and even some local taxi services operate on mopeds. For travellers, this can mean more exposure to unfamiliar traffic conditions and different road rules. Even experienced riders can find themselves facing challenges abroad, which makes the right cover essential before getting on the road.

At Easy Travel Insurance, we offer two levels of motorcycle cover: Motorcycle/Moped Riding and Motorcycle/Moped Riding +. The right option depends on the type of bike you plan to ride and your experience as a rider.

Motorcycle/Moped Riding

Motorcycle/Moped Riding cover is designed for those riding bikes with an engine capacity of 250cc or less. To be covered, riders must hold either a valid Australian motorcycle licence or a standard Australian driver’s licence if they are the driver, and a helmet must always be worn. This option is ideal for travellers hiring smaller scooters or mopeds for everyday transport.

Motorcycle/Moped Riding +

For travellers hiring or riding larger bikes with an engine capacity above 250cc, the Motorcycle/Moped Riding + option is required. This higher level of cover comes with stricter requirements. Riders must hold a valid Australian motorcycle licence and must have had that licence for at least five years. They also need to be the registered owner of a motorcycle in Australia with an engine capacity equal to or greater than the bike they are hiring overseas. As with the standard cover, wearing a helmet is compulsory.

What if I am just a passenger?

Passengers are also covered under these options if you add the appropriate level of cover, provided the driver has the appropriate valid licence for the motorcycle or moped being used. 

What if the bike I am riding causes damage or injury to others?

One of the key things to understand about motorcycle and moped cover is the exclusion around personal liability. Even with the additional cover in place, there is no protection for liability if you cause damage to the bike, to property, or to another person while riding. This means that while your medical needs may be covered if you are injured in an accident, any costs for damages caused to others will be your responsibility. For this reason, it’s crucial to exercise caution when hiring and riding a motorcycle or scooter overseas.

It is important to note that there is no cover if a traveller is participating in professional riding, racing, or motocross.

Every traveller should also take the time to carefully review the Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing cover. This ensures you understand exactly what is included and what exclusions apply. Motorcycle and moped riding can be one of the most memorable parts of a trip, but it also carries higher risks. Having the right insurance in place provides reassurance that you’ll be protected if something goes wrong.

As Smartraveller reminds Australians, “If you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.” With the right motorcycle cover, you can embrace the thrill of riding overseas while knowing you have the protection you need.

You can add cover for Motorcycle/Moped Riding and Motorcycle/Moped Riding + to all our International Comprehensive and Essentials Care and our Domestic Comprehensive Care travel plans. Begin your quote here.