Does Travel Insurance Cover Cycling?

Nielsen Cerbolles -
Not all travel insurance policies factor in cycling (Credit: Dan Hughes)

Last updated: April 2023

Whether you're looking to tackle some bucket list climbs abroad, or you're looking forward to a relaxing holiday where you have just happened to take your bike without telling anyone, bicycle holidays are amazing.

The wind in your hair, the cool mountain breeze, you are truly at peace. That's until you realise that the travel insurance you took out doesn’t actually cover you or your bicycle.

But we’re here to tell you that it doesn’t have to be this way- if you take out specialist cycling insurance before you travel. So, the short answer is no, travel insurance does not always cover cycling. Let's look at what policies do cover you abroad and why you should factor in cycling insurance on your next adventure overseas.

You may also be interested in:

Check before you travel

Your bog-standard travel insurance provider may not cover your cycling

Never assume that travel insurance covers you when you’re cycling abroad. Clauses and dead ends will be buried in the small print of some policy documents so if there is any confusion it’s best to ring your provider direct and iron out any details regarding sportives, races, travel costs, damage, theft, personal liability etc.

But while travel insurance may not cover your bike or cycling...
whenever you travel abroad, we ALWAYS RECOMMEND you take out a dedicated travel insurance policy. Travel insurance will cover you for medical expenses and for getting back to the UK if you're injured or fall ill abroad, for example. These costs can be very high. Our foreign travel option is not a substitute for travel insurance.

Our foreign travel option

When it comes to protecting your bike while cycling abroad, call Pedalsure on 0800 888 6745 before your next trip. Not only are we not a team of automated bots, we are also all cyclists who understand what you need. Choosing the foreign travel option on our cycle insurance policy will cover you while riding abroad, just like it covers you when you’re back on home roads.

What we cover

So, what does the foreign travel option cover? Well, the foreign travel option will extend your cover overseas for up to 60 days. So that will include theft and damage to your bike (including in sportives and charity rides abroad) and it will also include the following if they're part of your policy:

  • Races
  • Personal liability
  • Personal accident
  • Accessories and personal items

It is important to note that we are unable to provide public liability cover if you’re travelling with your bike to USA or Canada and we do not offer any short-term policy that will just cover the one trip.

Transit

Without a doubt, the most stressful part of any bike holiday comes at the very start and end of your trip abroad… the dreaded airport. Don't ruin your entire holiday before it has even started by believing that your chosen airline has your best intentions for your bike (come on, we've all seen the videos).

The addition of our foreign travel option to a policy means that your bike is covered from the moment the airline takes it. However, the policy does have some very important details to note when you're at the airport:

  • Always keep the receipt from the airline when you check your bike in
  • And always pack your bike in a hard or rigid cased bike box

We will reimburse you up to £500 if your bike fails to arrive at your destination outside of the UK or your bike/bike box is damaged in transit.

Tips for taking your bike abroad

Always plan your trip ahead of time (Credit: Dan Hughes) 

There is a lot to consider before even stepping on the plane, so we have endeavoured to make your life a little simpler with some top tips. Always plan well ahead of time, the amount of planning you do is totally up to you but it’s best to know the essentials before you embark on your event, tour or race in another country:

  • Get a solid bike case for transit
  • Get a bike service before you travel
  • Pack all the essential tools you may need (you don’t want to be halfway up a mountain trying to barter for a bike pump in a foreign language)
  • And of course, make sure you’re covered

The process

Pedalsure’s process is as easy it ever has been. Get a quote and get cycling insurance for your next cycling holiday in place today.