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Cycling Travel Insurance 



Considering some two-wheel time on holiday? Here's some fast facts about this popular sport:

  • There are currently more than one billion bicycles in the world.
  • 40% of cycling injuries are arm injuries.
  • In the UK, 71% of the reasons for cyclist collisions are due to human error.
  • Studies in Australia and Europe have found that cycling casualty rates been rising 8% per year since 2007. 
  • Countries with some of the lowest levels of bike fatalities include Denmark, the Netherlends, Germany and Switzerland.


Keep reading to find out what travel insurance can help you with if you’re planning to go cycling this holiday. 

What do we cover if you're going cycling?

If you find yourself in trouble, we might be able to help:

  • We'll cover any biking that is incidental to the trip 
  • For most policies (except Domestic policies), we provide medical and hospital assistance, and medical evacuation (if it's deemed necessary)
  • Depending on your policy, you could also be covered for pre-paid activities that you miss out on because you're unable to travel.

what don't We Cover If you're going cycling?

You won’t be covered for anything arising from your cycling if:

  • You’re under the influence of any intoxicating liquor or drugs (except a prescribed drug)
  • You’re part of a competition or cycling professionally
  • You don’t follow instructions and/or wear the appropriate safety gear
  • You are in breach of your vehicle rental agreement
  • You cycle with a pre-existing medical condition that affects your cycling and you never told us about it

 

The one Country to go cycling

By Award Winning Travel Writer Ben Groundwater
 


New Zealand takes its cycling seriously. This country is the home of the “New Zealand Cycle Trail”, a network of 22 dedicated mountain- and road-bike paths that cover more than 2500 kilometres of both the North and South islands, and cater to riders of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.

If you’re after a country to do some cycling, this is the one. You won’t even need the help of an organised tour: just bike rental and accommodation will do it.

And what awaits? Serious adventure. Or, just a bit of fun. Depends on your preference. At one end of the scale you have the Hawke’s Bay Trails, on the east coast of NZ’s North Island. This is a series of four trails that barely have a bump in them, let alone a hill. They’re designed to allow even the most inexperienced cyclist to get around the wineries, waterways and coastal reaches of the region and enjoy everything it has to offer, while spending their nights in towns like Napier and Hastings.

At the other end of the scale: the Queen Charlotte Track, a badass 70km single-track mountain-biking path, a third of which is rated Grade 4, for advanced riders only. This is a two-day journey through rugged forest in the Marlborough region at the top of the South Island. It’s filled with steep climbs and rapid descents, with lumps and bumps and knobbly bits. It’s a challenge - but it’s fun. 

In between those two extremes you have a whole heap of great trails, ranging from single-day to those that take almost a week, covering the whole country, from mountains to coastline, forests to open plains. If you’re into cycling and you want some of the world’s best nature, then perhaps NZ is the place to go.

DISCLAIMER: The views stated are the views of the author only, are written for entertainment purposes, and are not intended as advice in regards to insurance or otherwise. Note that cover is not provided if cycling is the sole purpose of your trip.

Stay safe: Cycling Top tips 

  • Always remain visible

    Ever notice how people who cycle a lot seem to wear very bright clothing? There’s a reason for that, and it all comes down to visibility, for both other cyclists, and more importantly, cars. 

  • Choose the right frame Size

    Too big or too small: neither is good for controlling a bike. When hiring a bike, make sure you choose the right bicycle frame size for your height. Whoever you’re hiring or buying a bike from, they should be able to help you. 

  • Wear a helmet

    It sounds obvious, but in many countries round the world, the locals shun helmets. Sure, they might seem a little less hampered than someone who’s safety conscious, but studies show that helmets reduce serious head injuries by up to 50%. 

  • Always make sure you have a clear exit

    When you’re approaching a red light, or riding between slow-moving cars, it’s important that you don’t get boxed in. Make sure you’re always alert and planning ahead.

Cycling FAQs

  • Is my bicycle covered if it’s gets lost or damaged? 
  • 1Cover does not provide cover for bicycles, we only provide cover for you medically whilst riding. (Please note that medical cover doesn’t apply if you have a Frequent Traveller Domestic or Domestic policy.)

  • Is my rental bicycle covered?
  • We do not provide cover for bicycles under our policies, whether these are rentals or your own.

  • Will I be covered if I miss my biking/cycling tour?
  • There is a provision to claim for Cancellation Fees and Lost Deposits of unused travel arrangements if you have to cancel your trip or your trip is shortened due to claimable events such as injury/illness, and the fees cannot be recouped from the provider.

  • My doctor has advised I don’t cycle on my holiday. Will I still be covered?
  • We would not be able to provide medical cover for you if you are going against medical advice.

  • How much am I covered for if something happens to me while I’m cycling?
  • Provided you are within the parameters stated in the Policy Wording, and you don’t have a Frequent Traveller Domestic or Domestic Policy, then the benefit we offer is unlimited. Please note that we don't cover for Search and Rescue. 

  • What if i need medical assistance?
  • In an emergency, get yourself to hospital. As soon as it's possible, we advise that you or a member of your travelling party call our medical assistance team who will be able to liaise with you or the hospital.   

READ ALL FAQS

 

Find out More about...

Activities We cover
 

Find out all information you need about what’s covered and what’s not before you go adventuring. 

cycling
Where are you off to?


Amongst other places, people go cycling in New Zealand, China, Europe, Thailand and the US. Find out all about travel insurance on our individual destination pages.

Medical Questions


Have a pre-existing medical condition that might affect your cycling? Pregnant? Or want to know about repatriation? Find out everything you need to know here.