Travel Insurance Coverage for Cycling
Canadians can protect their trips on two wheels with travel insurance
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At a glance
- Travel insurance for cyclists is important for riders who want protection against unexpected emergency medical expenses, trip interruptions, and damage or theft of gear during their biking adventures.
- World Nomads offers coverage for a wide range of cycling activities, including road biking, mountain biking and BMX with plans that cater to everything from casual rides to extreme expeditions.
- 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance is available if you run into trouble on or off the bike.
- Choose from four travel insurance plans: Standard, Explorer, Epic and the Annual Multi-Trip
- World Nomads plans also cover 250+ other adventure activities, from rock climbing and hiking to snorkeling and trekking.
When planning a cycling adventure—whether it’s scenic touring, urban exploration on a motor bike, or tackling challenging off-road terrain—investing in travel insurance for your cycling trip can be just as important as tightening your helmet. And with 16% of Canadians cycling at least once a week, more riders than ever are hitting the road. With plans designed to match your ride, you can travel confidently knowing both your body and your equipment are covered.
Why should I consider travel insurance for my cycling trip?
Even the best-laid cycling plans can face unexpected detours. A crash, sudden illness, or travel delays might throw off your itinerary, while stolen or damaged gear could cut your ride short. That’s where travel insurance coverage for your cycling trip could come in—it may help cover emergency medical expenses if you’re injured mid-ride, reimburse you for prepaid, unused, non-refundable trip costs if you have to cancel for a covered reason, and assist if your essential biking equipment is stolen or damaged. Whether you’re pedaling outside of your home province in Canada or venturing to far-flung trails, World Nomads helps keep your adventure on track with 24/7 non-insurance emergency assistance and coverage for more than 250 sports and activities. World Nomads travel insurance
What types of cycling adventures can be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
World Nomads offers coverage for:
- Mountain biking/gravel biking - On or off road/downhill/cross country up to 3,000 metres in elevation
- Mountain biking/gravel biking - On or off road/downhill/cross country up to 6,000 metres in elevation
- BMX – on road
- BMX - off road/on-track/cross country
- Quad biking
- Scooter biking/riding
Triathlons and endurance races that are less then ultra-distance (non-professional) may also be covered! Note: In addition to the General Conditions and General Exclusions of the policy, special conditions and special exclusions may apply while taking part in certain sports or activities.
Cycling Travel Insurance: What’s covered?
World Nomads Travel Insurance for Canadian residents may cover a range of unexpected problems you could face on and off the road. Plans may include:
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Emergency Medical Expenses
For broken bones and gashes after an cycling fall. -
24/7 Emergency Assistance
Your first call in any emergency situation -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Broken or stolen biking gear (no coverage for in-use damage, though)
Choosing the Right Cycling Travel Insurance Plan
World Nomads offers four plans for Canadian residents – the Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual Multi-Trip – each with different levels of coverage.
| Standard Plan | Explorer Plan | Epic Plan | Annual Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
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Best suited for budget travellers. Includes up to $1,500,000 CAD in emergency medical expenses and up to $2,500 CAD for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This is our most basic plan, but it packs a punch. Get a quote |
Provides increased benefit limits, such as trip cancellation and trip interruption up to $10,000 CAD. You can also choose to purchase additional ‘cancel for any reason coverage’ with this plan Get a quote |
For those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! Cycling trips can get pricey, and this plan offers the most coverage to protect it. This plan includes higher maximum benefits limits compared to the Standard and Explorer plans as well as higher benefit limits for travel inconveniences and security evacuation compared to the Explorer plan. Get a quote |
If you have multiple trips planned throughout the year – including just to different provinces – you may want to consider this plan. World Nomads Annual Multi-Trip Plan provides travel insurance coverage for an unlimited number of trips of 14 days or less, within a 365-day period. Get a quote |
Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health insurance Plan provides limited, if any, emergency medical coverage once you leave your home province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels outside of your home province too.
At World Nomads Travel Insurance, we know your cycling trip is more than just biking from one destination to the next. That’s why our plans include travel insurance coverage for cyclists and protection for over 250 other adventure sports and experiences – from camping and rock climbing to zip-lining and snorkeling. Whether you’re flying downhill or taking a trail straight up a mountain, our travel insurance plans come with different levels of coverage to suit your trip style, budget, and adventure level. Check out our (lengthy) activity list and ensure you pick the plan that covers everything you plan to do.
To see the cost of adding your particular adventure, get a quote and choose your plan first, then the system will prompt you to add the activities you plan to do. Make sure you list them all; you won’t be able to make changes once on your trip.
*All coverage is subject to plan terms and conditions. Be sure you read and understand your plan documents. Any questions, just ask!
We cover 250 activities you love + more
- Scuba diving
- Mountain biking
- Surfing
- Bungee jumping
- Skiing
What’s not covered when cycling?
World Nomads travel insurance offers coverage for many unforeseen and unexpected circumstances relating to biking trips, but there are some things that may not be covered. These include, but are not limited to:
- Participating in any activity or sport as a professional athlete.
- Bicycles and other sporting equipment that are damaged while in use due to wear and tear.
- Search-and-rescue missions.
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items.
- Cycling while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Top safety tips we recommend for your cycling trip
As cyclists ourselves, we have learned that it helps to be prepared. Before you hit the road with your bike, helmet and gear, check out a few of our safety tips for having the best cycling trip ever.
- Check you have all your paperwork. Make sure you have all your appropriate documents before you leave. This can include things like proof of any required vaccinations, visitor permits if you plan to visit any national parks, and special tourist visas for the countries you’ll be visiting.
- Be responsible when choosing a cycling destination or activity. Does the cycling tour suit your experience level? Are there any travel or weather alerts for your destination?
- Wear a helmet and visible clothing. This should be a no-brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning because in many countries around the world, the locals don’t wear helmets when cycling. Another no-brainer is if you’re planning to ride at night, you should use lights and wear high-visibility clothing to make sure other riders and vehicles see you.
- Make sure your bike is set up correctly before you ride. Check the saddle, pedals, handlebars and tire pressure before you set forth on your journey.
- Save your receipts. Hopefully you will have a perfect trip and won’t need to make a claim. But if you do have a mishap, make sure to save all supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases.
- Get bike fit: Be sure you are physically capable of the cycling routes you are planning. Have you got a ‘fit for travel’ thumbs up from your doctor to take on the mountains and specific altitudes?
Nomads tip: Using an e-bike for the first time? Give yourself plenty of practice time. These bikes are heavy and can take longer to brake than you are used to. Start off in a low assist mode and then gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
FAQ
Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for cycling. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Help Center or you can ask the customer service team.
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What does travel insurance for cycling cover?
Travel insurance for cycling trips covers emergency medical treatment, emergency medical evacuation, and repatriation if you’re injured while riding, plus trip cancellation, interruption, and coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged cycling gear checked as luggage. Whether you’re road biking, mountain biking, or embarking on a motor bike tour, plans can be tailored to your style of cycling. The Explorer and Epic plans offer higher coverage limits and can cover more expensive cycling trips, and offer the ability to add on optional ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage for an additional premium. With 24/7 emergency assistance and protection for over 250 activities, World Nomads helps keep your cycling adventure on track even if the unexpected happens.
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Does travel insurance cover bicycle damage or loss?
World Nomads travel protection plans include baggage and personal effects and sporting equipment coverage that could reimburse you if your bicycle is damaged or stolen while travelling. Keep receipts and incident reports to support your claim.
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Can I get reimbursed if I have to cancel my cycling trip?
If your trip is cancelled due to a covered reason—such as unexpected illness or injury—World Nomads’ travel insurance may reimburse you for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights and accommodation. If you want ultimate flexibility to simply change your mind about your trip, you may want to purchase optional ‘cancel for any reason’ coverage as well.
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Are cycling competitions or races covered?
Your participation as a professional athlete in any sporting event or race is not covered. Always review your plan details to understand any exclusions related to professional sports.
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What plan should I choose for a cycling trip abroad?
World Nomads offers four plans tailored to your adventure style and budget:
- Standard Plan – Great for budget-conscious riders with less expensive trip costs. Offers coverage for level 1 activities such as mountain biking up to a 3,000 metre maximum ride elevation
- Explorer and Epic Plans – Has higher maximum benefit limits that may be best for someone pushing the limits, or cycling in more remote locations. Offers coverage for level 1 activities such as mountain biking up to a 3,000 metres maximum ride elevation
- Annual Multi-Trip Plan – Can protect all your cycling adventures, of 14 days or less, outside of your home province with a 365-day period. Offers coverage for level 1 activities such as mountain biking up to a 3,000 metre ride elevation
- Optional additional activity level coverage –provides coverage for level 2 and level 3 activities such as rides up to 6,000 metres in elevation
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Does travel insurance cover cycling injuries like concussions or broken bones?
Yes, if you’re hurt while cycling, World Nomads’ Emergency Medical Coverage may help reimburse you for doctor visits, hospital stays, or other emergency medical treatment needed due to an accident on a bike. You can get travel insurance for your Canadian rides, but you must not be in your home province for the plan to take effect.
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What may not be covered by travel insurance for your cycling trip?
Travel insurance may not cover injuries that occur while cycling under the influence of drugs or alcohol, participating in professional competitions, or damage to your gear from regular wear and tear.
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Are there altitude limits for cycling insurance coverage?
Yes, all four World Nomads travel insurance plans have elevation limits for covered activities. If you're planning to bike at high altitudes (like in the Andes or Himalayas) of up to 6,000 metres, you will need to pay an additional premium. If you need help, give our customer service team a call.
Need destination inspiration?
Planning a holiday on two wheels? The view from a bike is a world apart from the driver’s seat. Cycling offers incredible freedom and opens the door to spontaneous adventures. Discover top cycling destinations and essential travel tips to make your ride unforgettable.
How to Plan for a Cycling Trip
5 Destinations that are Putting Cyclists Ahead of Cars
How to Safely Cycle on New Zealand’s Bike Trails
This article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical, legal, insurance, or travel advice and provides only a general summary of certain features that may be available under applicable travel insurance policies. Coverage is subject to the specific terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions, and pre-existing condition provisions of the applicable insurance policy. In the event of any inconsistency between this article and the wording of any insurance policy, the policy wording shall govern and take precedence. It is important that you read and understand your policy before travelling. If you have questions about your coverage or are unsure how your policy applies to your circumstances, please contact us for clarification.
Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Cancellation
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Explorer Plan: $5,000
- Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
- Unexpectedly hospitalized?
- Travel buddy unfit to travel?
- Close relative suddenly dies?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Medical Insurance
Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.
- Explorer Plan: $10 million
- Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Need meds quick?
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
- Banged up abroad?
- Need a hospital urgently?
- Medevac home?
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.
- Explorer Plan: $3,000
- Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
- Passport or tech stolen?
- Airline lost your gear?
- Bags delayed?
Help starts here.
- Emergency Medical Expenses
- Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
- Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
- Emergency Professional Services
- Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
- Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
- Return to Your Trip Destination
- Return of Remains
- Travel Accident
- Flight Accident
- Trip Cancellation
- Trip Interruption
- Trip Delay
- Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
- Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
- Travel Documents Theft or Damage
- Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
- Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services Included
- LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
- Worldwide Travel Assistance
- Adventure Travel Hotline
- 24/7 Security
- Travel Medical Assistance
- Bag Trak
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.