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Travel Insurance for Cycling and E-Biking

Take life by the handlebars and check out World Nomads travel insurance plans when cycling on your next adventure.

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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 flexible 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 two travel insurance plans: Standard or Explorer
  • 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 challenging off-road terrain—investing in travel insurance for your cycling trip may be just as important as tightening your helmet. With plans designed to match your ride, you’ll hit the road confident that both your body and 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 medical costs if you’re injured mid-ride, reimburse you for non-refundable expenses if you have to cancel for a covered reason, and assist if your essential biking equipment is stolen or damaged. Whether you’re pedaling 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.

What types of cycling adventures can be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?

World Nomads offers coverage for:

  • Mountain biking - On or off road/downhill/cross country up to 3,000 metres in elevation
  • Mountain 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: Special conditions and exclusions, in addition to the General Conditions and General 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:

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For broken bones and gashes after an cycling fall.

  2. 24/7 Emergency Assistance
    Your first call in any emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Broken or stolen biking gear (no coverage for in-use damage, though)

  4. Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations

Get a quote to see which level of coverage is right for you.

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, we offer two travel insurance plans 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!

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my cycling trip? 

  • Standard Plan – Best suited for backpackers, budget travellers and families. Includes up to $5,000,000CAD in emergency medical expenses and $2500 for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This is our most basic plan, but it packs a punch.
  • Explorer Plan – For those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come! Our plan with the highest benefit limits, including up to $3,000 for baggage, personal effects and sporting equipment coverage and $5,000 for trip cancellation.

Nomads tip: World Nomads Travel Insurance can also cover your travels within Canada! Your Government Health Plan is limited once you leave your province. Your travel insurance plan can protect your domestic travels outside of your home province too. 

Get a travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Get a quote
A woman hiking in front of a snow capped mountain

What’s not covered when cycling?

While we can offer coverage for many losses relating to biking, 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 Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • What does travel insurance for cycling cover?

    Travel insurance for cycling trips covers emergency medical treatment, 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, with the Explorer plan offering higher coverage for more extreme rides. 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.

  • Are cycling competitions or races covered?
    Your participation as a professional athlete in any sporting event is not covered. Always review your plan details to understand any exclusions related to professional sports.
  • What plan should I choose for a cycling trip abroad?

    World Nomads offers two plans tailored to your adventure style and budget:  

    • Standard Plan – Great for budget-conscious riders. 3,000 metres maximum ride elevation 
    • Explorer Plan – Has higher benefit limits that may be best for someone pushing the limits, or cycling in more remote locations. 3,000 metres maximum ride elevation 
    • Optional additional activity level coverage – provides coverage for rides up to 6,000 metres in elevation 
  • 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 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.

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 is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions about your coverage, just ask us. 

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
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

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
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

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
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

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
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

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
This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

Contact the team