Insurance Isn't Always Included In Tour Packages
Many guided or self-guided European bicycle tour packages have headline pricing without travel insurance. Examine the fine print to stay out of trouble. Should insurance not be included or the included policy not satisfy your requirements, you must purchase a separate coverage.
Not All Travel Insurance Covers Cycling
Usually covering merely "incidental" cycling—like hiring a bike for a day—standard travel insurance. A basic policy might not be sufficient if riding is your primary means of transportation—mainly if it entails long distances, many days, or rugged terrain. Search for regulations that mostly cover "bikepacking," "bicycle touring," or "cycle touring." Make sure the policy addresses your intended racing or competitive bicycle event participation.
Your Bike Might Need Separate Coverage
Often, with a per-item cap, most travel insurance policies provide minimal coverage for personal items. This cap can be far less than the worth of your bike. Consider specific bicycle insurance coverage for travel-related theft, damage, and loss if your bike is a high-end model. A few travel insurance companies tailored especially for cyclists combine bike coverage with their policy.
Medical Coverage Is Crucial
Medical emergencies overseas can be very costly. Ensure your selected policy offers strong medical coverage for emergency evacuation and repatriation. Tell the insurer about your pre-existing medical conditions, then confirm the insurance covers them. If your journey involves rugged terrain, consider the possible requirement for specialized coverage like mountain rescue.
Liability Coverage Matters
Accidents happen; while riding, you could be held responsible for harming another person's property or injuring another person. In such circumstances, liability coverage guards your financial position. Check that your policy covers riding in the countries you visit since some policies prohibit liability coverage for particular activities or locations.
| Insurance Provider | Country of Residence | Type of Policy | Coverage Highlights | Cost | Bicycle Coverage | Medical Coverage | Trip Duration Limit | Cycling Activities Covered | Exclusions/Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Nomads | 130+ countries (including US, UK, Australia) | Travel Insurance, requires add-on for cycle touring. | Baggage, emergency medical, evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption/delay, 200+ adventure activities. | Variable, example: £261 (3 months Europe), £1,073 (12 months worldwide) | Up to the plan limit for baggage and personal belongings if damaged in transit by a common carrier. No details on theft outside of baggage coverage. | Up to specified limits based on plan (Standard, Explorer, Epic, Annual) | Up to 180 days per trip (except Annual plan, 45 days max) | Cycle touring (level 2 required for independent touring for UK), mountain biking. Intercontinental cycling excluded for UK. | Pre-existing conditions (unless Epic or Explorer plan), professional cycling, influence of alcohol/drugs, within 100 miles of home. |
| Adventures Cover | UK | Travel insurance with "cycle touring" activity option. | £10m medical, £2m personal liability, £1,000 activity equipment. | £155 (3 months Europe), £605 (6 months worldwide) | Up to £1,000 under "activity equipment" | Up to £10 million | Up to 6 months | Cycle touring | Pre-existing conditions unless declared via medical screening, professional/competitive cycling, FCDO advice not followed. |
| Big Cat Travel Insurance | UK | Travel insurance with "activity pack" add-on. | Various, including baggage, medical, and "gadgets and valuables" add-on. | Variable, example: £84 (3 months Europe - Standard), £563 (12 months worldwide - Standard). Gadgets & Valuables add-on extra. | Up to £1,000 with "gadgets and valuables" add-on. | Up to £10 million (Standard plan) | 31 days (Single Trip), 365 days (Long Stay/Backpacker) | Cycle touring (with "activity pack") | Pre-existing conditions unless declared, other exclusions not specified. |
| Yellow Jersey | UK | Cycle travel insurance and bicycle insurance | £10m medical, £2m personal liability, cycling-specific benefits (breakdown, repatriation, gadget cover) | £99 (30 days Europe), £363 (120 days worldwide). Separate policy for bicycle itself. | Up to £2,000 gadget cover, separate bicycle insurance available. | Up to £10 million | Up to 120 days | Cycle touring | Pre-existing medical conditions (unless declared), professional cycling, FCDO advice not followed. |
| SportsCover Direct | UK | Travel insurance with "cycle touring" activity option. | £10m medical, £2m personal liability (Bronze), sports equipment cover (Gold) | £154 (3 months Europe, Bronze), £612 (12 months worldwide, Bronze). Gold plan more expensive with equipment coverage. | Up to £5,600 sports equipment cover on Gold plan. | Up to £10 million | Up to 3 months single trip, or annual multi-trip (max 45/62/92 days per trip) | Cycle touring | Pre-existing conditions (unless covered by medical screening), races/events over 72 hours (unless declared), professional/competitive cycling, FCDO advice not followed. |
| Snowcard | UK | Travel Insurance for winter/adventure sports. | £10m medical and rescue, £2m personal liability | Variable, example: £53.17 (30 days Europe - tarmac), £409.31 (60 days USA/Canada - off-road). | Gadgets up to £750 (Silver/Gold) - likely requires specifying bicycle as a gadget. No specific bicycle cover mentioned. | Up to £10 million. | Up to 60 days of cycle touring. | Cycle touring (on/off-road) | Pre-existing conditions (unless declared via medical screening), professional cycling, FCDO advice not followed. |
| ETA | UK | Bicycle insurance with overseas travel coverage. | Up to 90 days abroad, new-for-old replacement, emergency cycle hire. | Variable, depends on bicycle value and add-ons. | Up to £5,000, including accessories. | Personal accident cover in Europe (up to 60 days). Does not cover medical liability. | 90 days abroad per year. | Cycle touring (leisure), mountain biking (on cycle paths, non-competitive) | Competitive cycling/events, mountain biking on trails/downhill/stunting/jumping, pre-existing conditions not declared. |
