Travel insurance for mopeds or scooters

Every year without fail I am astounded to hear that an Australian has fallen off a moped after colliding with an elephant in Thailand. Actually, that hasn’t happened to my knowledge but an Australian will be involved in a scooter accident overseas twice a week!

This isn’t what astounds me. The fact that some do not have travel insurance, a motorbike license and/or were not wearing a helmet does.

If you ask for a crash helmet whilst hiring your moped in Thailand you are likely to be greeted with a chuckle followed immediately by a “are you being serious” frown. If you’re lucky, you may get given a cardboard box with eye holes. Instead of backing out of the hire shop, hiring a tuk-tuk for 50 cents or walking to your desired destination, most tourists will shrug, climb on board the rickety wreck with a slightly flat tyre, and speed off. Death or disaster will not greet me today, it is sunny and I am on holiday!

Wait for a second though, before speeding off… I must apply sunscreen and put on my baseball cap. I wouldn’t want to get sunburnt. Most of us have succumbed to the “slip slop slap” ads to prevent skin cancer and we apply sunscreen at home, and overseas. It is strange, therefore, that the thought of cracking our heads open following a 70km an hour somersault, isn’t a problem.
 

Anyone who has owned a scooter or motorbike in Australia will have spent hundreds of dollars on safety gear, knowing the dangers of coming off. Oh, and they will also have had to pass a learner bike riding course before hitting the road and subsequently obtain their riders license and have bought bike insurance.
 

We would all stop and stare, slightly perplexed, if we saw someone riding down the highway in a t-shirt, shorts, thongs and… no helmet in Australia, Curiously, when we go overseas a lot of us lose all concept of risk. We are indestructible. Roads are statistically more dangerous in Thailand and Bali yet we are happy to “see what happens”.

So, will travel insurance cover me?

Sometimes. If you haven't worn a helmet, or do not have a current Australian motorcycle license (or one valid for the country you are travelling in), allowing you to drive the same cc powered bike, then you have a problem!  Please don’t get angry with your travel insurer when they don’t pay your rather large hospital bill if you haven't followed these common-sense rules. No travel insurance provider on planet earth is obliged to cover you for such events.

The same goes if you’re a passenger travelling on a motorcycle, moped, scooter or any other two-wheeled ride that is in the control of a person who does not hold a current motorcycle licence valid for the country you're in.

Eugene Wylde, Insurance Geek Extraordinaire from Comparetravelinsurance.com.au explains:

“Travel insurance policies exist to cover you for unforeseen events, not situations where risk is rife. To quote the insurers themselves…You will not be covered if you do not act in a responsible way to protect yourself or your property to avoid making a claim.”

"If you’re not insured to ride a Harley in Australia, what makes you think you can do so overseas!?  Travel insurance policies have different terms and exclusions, so it's important to pay attention to the detail, particularly when it comes to licences and the maximum engine sizes you’re permitted to ride."

Most insurers do not require you to have a license if riding a low capacity engine less than 50cc, but let's face it, I'm not sure these lawnmowers still exist. Some insurers have maximum engine size limits that you’re only insured to ride - irrespective of what your license says. And then some cover you for whatever engine size you ride as long as you’re insured to do so in Australia.

So, don't assume you can just jump on a bike and go. Check out our guide on travel Insurance while riding a motorcycle or scooter overseas.

The hard facts say it all

Every year, many Australian tourists are involved in motorbike accidents overseas which result in serious injuries and tragically, even deaths.

“There are at least 100 travel insurance claims a year relating to moped and bike accidents abroad.  That’s two a week!” as claimed by Eugene Wylde, a spokesperson from Comparetravelinsurance.com.au.

According to Smartraveller, motorcycle accidents involving Australians are very common in South-East Asia, particularly in areas such as the busy streets of Bali, resort areas of Thailand and the yet to be paved roads of Vietnam.

“The most common reasons for illness or hospitalisation amongst young people who travel to Bali are injuries due to motorbike accidents and nightclub fights," a DFAT spokesman said.

“Young adults are particularly vulnerable. Traffic accidents are the leading cause of death among young people between 10 and 24 years. Each year nearly 400,000 people under 25 die on the world’s roads; on average more than 1000 a day. Most of these deaths occur among vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists) and those using public transport.” According to the Global Status Report on Road Safety: time for action, World Health Organisation.

Protect your Wheels

It’s important to know that most travel insurance policies only provide cover for medical claims when it comes to motorbike accidents. There is no cover for the motorbike itself or its accessories.

One for the pros

Standard travel insurance policies do not cover competitive sports. So if you’re heading overseas to compete in a motorcycle race, look elsewhere for specialist cover.

Riding a motorcycle or scooter on holiday can be a thrilling, inexpensive way to travel...until something happens! The cost of a hospital trip overseas can send your budget skyrocketing and your stress levels too. Make sure you ride safe and have adequate cover before you hit the road.

Safe travels now,

Eugene Wylde
Insurance Geek Extraordinaire

Who covers Mopeds or Scooters?

Insurer	Underwriter	Maximum engine size	Buy Now
1300 Insurance	Allianz Australia Insurance Limited	250cc For riding a moped/scooter under 50cc, you must hold a current Australian drivers license and a license valid for the country you are riding in. For motorcycles greater than 50cc, you must hold a current Australian motorcycle license valid for the same class of motorcycle and a license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.
1Cover BUY	Certain underwriters at LLoyd's	No limit For riding a moped/scooter under 50cc, you must hold a current Australian drivers license and a license valid for the country you are riding in. For motorcycles greater than 50cc, you must hold a current Australian motorcycle license valid for the same class of motorcycle and a license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.	GO TO INSURER
AAMI	AAI Limited	200cc You must be wearing a helmet.
AIG	Allianz Australia Insurance Limited	No limit You must have a current Australian motorcycle license or motorcycle license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.
Allianz	Allianz Australia Insurance	No limit (with premium added) You must have a current Australian motorcycle license or motorcycle license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.
Amex BUY	Chubb Insurance Australia Limited	200cc You must hold a current Australian motorcycle license.	GO TO INSURER
Australia Post	Zurich Australian Insurance Limited	200cc If you wish to be covered for motorcycling or moped riding as the driver or pillion passenger, you must pay an extra premium. You must hold a valid Australian motorcycle license or Australian motor vehicle driver license, and you hold a license valid in the relevant country. You must be wearing a helmet.
Australian Seniors	Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd	No limit (with premium added) For riding a moped/scooter under 50cc, you must hold a current Australian drivers license and a license valid for the country you are riding in. For motorcycles greater than 50cc, you must hold a current Australian motorcycle license valid for the same class of motorcycle and a license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet. All motorcycle riders and passengers must purchase the Motorcycle Pack add-on to be covered.
Boomers BUY	Allianz Australia Insurance Limited	No limit (with premium added) You must hold a current Australian drivers license or drivers license valid for the country you are riding in. And you must hold a current Australian motorcycle license or motorcycle license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.	GO TO INSURER
Budget Direct BUY	Auto & General Services Pty Ltd	No limit You must hold a driving license appropriate for the country you are in and if using a motorcycle rated 125cc or higher, you hold a current and valid license required for driving an equivalent rated motorcycle in Australia. You must be wearing a helmet.	GO TO INSURER
Bupa Australia	IAG (Insurance Australia Limited)	No limit The driver must have a current Australian motorcycle license. You must be wearing a helmet and be following the local safety laws.
Columbus Direct BUY	Certain underwriters at LLoyd's	No limit (with Sports & Adventure Pack) The driver must have a valid license for operating that class of vehicle in the driver’s country of residence, and you must be wearing a safety crash helmet.	GO TO INSURER
Cover-More	Zurich Australian Insurance Limited	200cc If you wish to be covered for motorcycling or moped riding as the driver or pillion passenger, you must pay an extra premium. Whilst in control of a motorcycle or moped, you hold a valid Australian motorcycle license or Australian motor vehicle driver license, and you hold a license valid in the relevant country. You must be wearing a helmet.
Downunder BUY	Certain underwriters at LLoyd's	No Limit For riding a moped/scooter under 50cc, you must hold a current Australian drivers license or Australian motorcycle license. For motorcycles greater than 50cc, you must hold a current Australian motorcycle license. You must be wearing a helmet.
Fast Cover BUY	Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd	No limit (with premium added) For riding a moped/scooter under 50cc, you must hold a current Australian drivers license and a license valid for the country you are riding in. For motorcycles greater than 50cc, you must hold a current Australian motorcycle license valid for the same class of motorcycle and a license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet. All motorcycle riders and passengers must purchase the Motorcycle Pack add-on to be covered.	GO TO INSURER
Go insurance	Certain underwriters at LLoyd's	200cc You must hold a driving license appropriate for the country you are in and if using a motorcycle with an engine capacity of 125cc or higher, you must hold a current and valid unrestricted license required for driving an equivalent rated motorcycle in Australia up to a maximum 1200cc. You must be wearing a helmet.
Insure4Less	Chase Underwriting	No limit You must hold a current Australian motorcycle or drivers license for riding a moped or scooter. You must hold a current Australian motorcycle license if riding a motorcycle.
InsureandGo BUY	Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited	No limit You must hold a driving license appropriate for the country you are in and if using a motorcycle rated 125cc or higher, you must hold a current and valid license required for driving an equivalent rated motorcycle in Australia. You must be wearing a helmet.	GO TO INSURER
Jetstar	AIG Australia Limited	No Limit You must hold a valid license for the country/region/territory the motorcycle is being operated in.
Medibank Private	Zurich Australian Insurance Limited	200cc (with premium added) You must hold a valid Australian motorcycle license or Australian motor vehicle driver license, and you hold a license valid in the relevant country. You must be wearing helmet.
SCTI	Southern Cross	200cc You must have a valid driver’s license as required in the country you are in and must be wearing a helmet.
Simply Travel Insurance BUY	Certain underwriters at LLoyd's	No limit If riding a motorcycle over 50cc, you must have a current Australian motorcycle license. If you are riding a moped/scooter under 50cc, you must have a current Australian motorcycle or drivers license. You must be wearing a helmet.	GO TO INSURER
Tick Insurance BUY	Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited	No limit You must hold a driving license appropriate for the country you are in and if using a motorcycle 125cc or higher, you must hold a current and valid license required for riding an equivalent rated motorcycle in Australia. You must be wearing a helmet.	GO TO INSURER
Travel Insurance Direct	Pacific International Insurance	No limit You must have a valid license as required in Australia and in the country of travel for the same class of motorcycle you are operating. You must be wearing a helmet.
Travel Insurance Saver BUY	Pacific International Insurance	250cc You must have a valid unrestricted full Australian motorcycle license and you must be wearing a helmet. See licensing requirements in PDS.	GO TO INSURER
Travel Insuranz BUY	Chase Underwriting	No limit You must have a current Australian motorcycle license	GO TO INSURER
Virgin Money BUY	Allianz Australia Insurance Limited	No limit (with Adventure Pack) For riding a motorcycle, you must have a current Australian motorcycle license or motorcycle license valid for the country you are riding in. For riding a moped/scooter, you must have a current Australian drivers license or drivers license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.	GO TO INSURER
Webjet BUY	Allianz Australia Insurance Limited	No limit (with Adventure Pack) For riding a motorcycle, you must have a current Australian motorcycle license or motorcycle license valid for the country you are riding in. For riding a moped/scooter, you must have a current Australian drivers license or drivers license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.	GO TO INSURER
Woolworths	Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd	No limit For riding a motorcycle, you must have a current Australian motorcycle license and a motorcycle license valid for the country you are riding in. For riding a moped/scooter, you must have a current Australian drivers license and a drivers license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.
World Nomads	Pacific International Insurance	No limit (with sports adventure pack) For riding a motorcycle, you must have a current Australian motorcycle license or motorcycle license valid for the country you are riding in. For riding a moped/scooter, you must have a current Australian drivers license or drivers license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.
Worldcare BUY	Allianz Australia Insurance Limited	250cc For riding a motorcycle, you must have a current Australian motorcycle license or motorcycle license valid for the country you are riding in. For riding a moped/scooter, you must have a current Australian drivers license or drivers license valid for the country you are riding in. You must be wearing a helmet.
Zoom Travel Insurance BUY	Certain underwriters at LLoyd's	No limit For engines under 50 cc you are covered with a valid drivers license. There is no restriction on engine displacement if you hold a current Australian motorcycle licence or motorcycle licence valid for the country you are riding in.	GO TO INSURER

General Advice Warning: The contents of this article were accurate at the time of writing. Insurers change their policies from time to time, so some information may have changed. You should always read the Product Disclosure Statement of your chosen insurer to understand what is covered and what isn't. The information provided is of a general nature only and does not take into account any personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision you should consider the appropriateness of the information having regard to your personal circumstances.

---

Carolina Tran

Carolina has been working exclusively in the travel insurance industry for over two years. With a customer consultancy background and currently studying law, she is a fine-print wizard who loves helping travellers find a policy that actually works for them. Speaking two languages and having travelled all over the world, Carolina discovered that she is not cut out for working holidays after a stint on her grandparents’ southern Vietnam farm, and is definitely a lounge-by-the-pool kind of lady.