Travel Insurance for Motorcyclists: The Tale of My $42,000 Mistake

I still remember the exact moment. Cruising along a perfect coastal road in Vietnam, the wind in my face, feeling absolutely invincible… right until that unexpected gravel patch sent me sliding across the asphalt.

There I was, lying on a rural road with a broken collarbone, road rash down my entire side, and the sickening realization that my insurance specifically excluded “motorcycles over 50cc.”

That mistake cost me $42,000 out of pocket and taught me more about motorcycle travel insurance than any guide ever could.

💡 Tip: Most standard travel insurance policies completely exclude motorcycles, or only cover tiny scooters under 50cc. That cute 125cc bike you rented in Thailand? Probably not covered unless you have specialized insurance.

The Hidden Insurance Trap for Motorcycle Travelers

Let me be brutally honest. Motorcycle riding sits firmly in the “high risk activity” category for insurance companies. This puts it alongside skydiving and rock climbing, not regular vacation activities.

After four motorcycle trips across three continents and countless hours helping fellow riders navigate insurance nightmares, I know exactly what can go wrong:

• My collarbone break and hospitalization in Vietnam ($42,000)
• My friend Dave’s medical evacuation from rural Cambodia ($35,000)
• My riding partner Sophie’s denied claim for a crash because she lacked a proper motorcycle license
• Our stolen gear from supposedly secured hotel parking in Mexico ($3,800)

Insurance companies love to deny motorcycle claims. The key is not giving them any reason to.

💡 Tip: Your motorcycle license status at home matters enormously. Many insurance companies will deny claims if you do not hold a proper motorcycle license in your home country, even if the rental company abroad did not require one.

Coverage That Actually Matters for Motorcycle Travelers

After countless hours researching policies and too many firsthand insurance disasters, here is what truly matters:

1. Explicit Motorcycle Coverage Without Engine Restrictions

The most common insurance trap is engine size limitations. Many policies cover only “motorcycles under 50cc” which excludes almost every rental bike worldwide. Look for policies that explicitly cover motorcycles without engine size restrictions.

2. Substantial Medical Coverage

For motorcycle trips, I recommend minimum $500,000 in emergency medical coverage. My collarbone surgery, treatment for road rash, and week long hospital stay in Vietnam would have cost $42,000 if I had proper coverage.

3. Medical Evacuation With High Limits

This is non negotiable for motorcycle trips that venture beyond major cities. When my friend crashed in rural Cambodia, his evacuation to Bangkok cost $35,000. Look for policies with at least $500,000 in evacuation coverage.

4. Proper Licensing Coverage

This trips up many riders. Insurance often requires you to have a valid motorcycle license from your home country that covers the engine size you are riding abroad. An international driving permit may also be required.

5. Gear and Motorcycle Rental Coverage

Quality riding gear is expensive, and damaged rental motorcycles can lead to massive bills. Good policies should cover both personal gear and rental vehicle damage.

💡 Tip: Never assume your regular travel insurance covers motorcycle riding. It almost certainly does not unless specifically stated. The “adventure activities” section of your policy should explicitly mention motorcycles.

The Best Insurance Providers for Motorcycle Adventures

After filing claims and researching dozens of policies, these providers consistently deliver for motorcycle travelers:

For American Riders:

• World Nomads Explorer Plan – Best overall coverage when motorcycles are specifically mentioned
• Allianz OneTrip Premier with Adventure Plus Pack – Good coverage with responsive customer service
• IMG Global Medical – Strong medical and evacuation benefits

For UK and European Riders:

• Motorcycle Travel Insurance – Specialized coverage specifically for motorcycle touring
• True Traveller Extreme Pack – Excellent value with comprehensive coverage
• BMF Travel Insurance – Designed by motorcyclists for motorcyclists

For Australian Riders:

• 1Cover Adventure Plus – Comprehensive coverage with strong medical benefits
• Columbus Direct Adventure Pack – Good value with motorcycle specific inclusions
• InsureandGo Gold Adventure Pack – Solid coverage for motorcycle touring

You can compare motorcycle specific insurance options here to find the right fit for your riding adventure.

💡 Tip: Many credit cards offering travel insurance specifically exclude all motorcycle activities, regardless of engine size or licensing. Always read the full exclusion list.

What Real Motorcycle Coverage Actually Costs

Based on my research for a 21 day motorcycle trip:

💡 Tip: The price difference between inadequate and excellent motorcycle coverage is usually $150 to $350 for a typical trip. When you consider a single day in a foreign hospital can exceed that amount many times over, comprehensive coverage is worth every penny.

Coverage Gaps by Destination

Motorcycle travel risks vary dramatically by destination:

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Laos)

The most common motorcycle travel destination also has the highest accident rates. Local hospitals vary wildly in quality, and medical evacuation is frequently necessary. Insurance often denies claims here because riders lack proper licenses.

After my own accident in Vietnam, I discovered that having a motorcycle license at home that covered 125cc bikes was essential for my claim to have been approved.

Europe

Better roads and medical care, but much higher costs. A simple hospital visit in Western Europe can cost thousands, and motorcycle accidents often require specialist care. The good news is that licensing enforcement is clearer.

My friend Julia broke her leg in Italy and received excellent care, but her bill exceeded €15,000. Her insurance covered it completely because she had proper motorcycle licensing and specific coverage.

Latin America

Variable road conditions and remote areas create significant risk. Medical care can be excellent in major cities but completely inadequate in rural areas where the best riding often is.

When Dave crashed in rural Peru, his policy arranged and covered air ambulance transfer to Lima, saving both his health and finances.

💡 Tip: For Vietnam and Thailand specifically, verify your policy covers motorcycles even when local licensing requirements are inconsistent. Many insurers use this as a loophole to deny claims.

Critical Exclusions That Trap Motorcycle Travelers

After seeing too many denied claims, watch out for these sneaky exclusions:

Engine Size Limitations

The most common trap. Many “adventure” policies only cover motorcycles up to 50cc or 125cc. Most rental bikes worldwide exceed these limits.

Licensing Requirements

Insurers often require that you hold a motorcycle license in your home country for the engine size you are riding abroad. Not having this is grounds for complete claim denial.

Helmet and Gear Requirements

Most policies require you to wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. What constitutes “appropriate” can be subjective and become grounds for denial.

Off Road Exclusions

Many policies only cover riding on paved public roads. That amazing dirt track to a hidden waterfall? Probably not covered unless your policy specifically includes off road riding.

Alcohol Exclusions

Almost all policies exclude coverage if you have any alcohol in your system when an accident occurs. That seemingly innocent beer at lunch could void your entire policy.

💡 Tip: Take photos of yourself properly geared up on your motorcycle at the start of each riding day. Insurance companies have denied claims because riders could not prove they were wearing proper gear when an accident occurred.

Real Motorcycle Insurance Claims

Learning from others might save your savings and your health:

My Vietnam Nightmare

“After my crash in Vietnam, the hospital wanted $5,000 upfront before starting treatment. When I called my insurance, they immediately told me motorcycles were excluded from my policy except those under 50cc. My rental was 125cc. I ended up using credit cards and loans from friends to cover the $42,000 in medical bills. I had to cut my year long Asia trip short to fly home and work to pay off the debt.”

Dave’s Evacuation Success

“When I crashed in rural Cambodia, my specialized motorcycle insurance arranged and covered a medical evacuation to Bangkok ($35,000) and subsequent treatment ($22,000). The key was having a policy that specifically covered motorcycles over 125cc and having the proper motorcycle license at home.”

Sophie’s License Disaster

“My crash in Thailand resulted in a broken ankle. The insurance company denied my $18,000 claim because although I had motorcycle coverage, I did not have a motorcycle license in my home country that covered the 250cc bike I rented. The rental shop never asked for a motorcycle license, just my regular driver’s license.”

💡 Tip: For serious medical situations abroad, having your insurer arrange direct billing can be life saving. The alternative, paying out of pocket and seeking reimbursement, can be financially impossible for many travelers.

Buying Guide: 7 Essential Questions

Based on my experience and countless hours researching policies, always ask these questions:

1. Does this policy explicitly cover motorcycles of all engine sizes? Get this answered in writing.
2. What motorcycle licensing do I need for coverage to apply? Be specific about the countries you will visit.
3. Are there any road type restrictions? Some policies only cover paved public roads.
4. What safety gear is required for coverage to apply?
5. Does the policy cover damage to rental motorcycles? Often this requires additional coverage.
6. What are the medical evacuation limits from remote areas?
7. Is there 24/7 emergency assistance with experience handling motorcycle accidents?

💡 Tip: Email these specific questions to your insurer before purchasing and save their responses. If they are evasive or unclear, choose another provider. Clear answers now prevent devastating denials later.

Licensing Reality Check

The most common reason for denied motorcycle claims is licensing issues. Here is what you need to know:

International Driving Permits

These do not replace proper motorcycle licensing. They merely translate your existing licenses.

Home Country Licensing

You generally need a motorcycle license in your home country that covers the engine size you will ride abroad.

Local Requirements vs Insurance Requirements

Just because a rental shop hands you keys without checking your license does not mean your insurance will cover you. Insurance requirements often exceed local enforcement.

When I rented a motorcycle in Thailand, the shop never asked to see my motorcycle license. But had I crashed, my insurance would have required it for coverage to apply.

💡 Tip: If you do not have a motorcycle license, consider getting one before your trip. It not only provides proper insurance coverage but also makes you a safer rider in unfamiliar environments.

My Hard Earned Motorcycle Insurance Wisdom

After that devastating Vietnam accident and several subsequent properly insured trips:

1. Never Trust Rental Shop Insurance Advice Local rental shops often say “your travel insurance covers you” with zero knowledge of your actual policy. Always verify coverage directly with your insurer.
2. Photograph Everything I photograph the rental bike from all angles before riding, my proper safety gear, road conditions if questionable, and any incidents immediately. This documentation has saved multiple claims.
3. Carry Multiple Payment Methods Many foreign hospitals demand payment upfront, even with insurance. I always carry at least two credit cards with substantial limits in separate locations.
4. Share Your Insurance Details I make sure my riding companions know my insurance details and emergency contacts in case I cannot communicate after an accident.
5. Consider Your True Riding Plans Be honest about the engine size, road types, and countries you will actually visit. The perfect policy protects your actual adventure, not some watered down version of it.

💡 Tip: Create a “crash card” with your insurance details, blood type, allergies, and emergency contact information. Keep this in your wallet or attached to your riding gear. In serious accidents, this information can be crucial when you cannot communicate.

Final Thoughts: Freedom Through Protection

That expensive Vietnam lesson completely changed how I approach motorcycle travel. Good insurance is not about fear or limiting adventure. It is about freedom.

Freedom to take that perfect winding mountain road in northern Thailand. Freedom to explore those rural villages in Mexico. Freedom to fully embrace the joy of motorcycle travel without worrying that one patch of gravel might mean financial ruin.

Motorcycle travel remains my greatest passion. The right insurance means I can fully embrace that passion with confidence that a single mistake will not destroy my finances or leave me stranded in a foreign hospital.

Before choosing your policy, be brutally honest about your riding plans. Will you really stick to major highways? Or will those tempting dirt roads to hidden beaches prove irresistible? The perfect policy covers your actual adventure, not some sanitized version of it.

If you are comparing motorcycle specific policies for your upcoming two wheeled adventure, start here to find coverage matched to your true riding style.

Ride safe, friends. And may your insurance card gather dust unused in your wallet while you create unforgettable memories on the world’s most beautiful roads.