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Travel Insurance for mountain biking

Whether you’re a hobby mountain biker or serious fiend, travel insurance for mountain biking can stand you in good stead when the mountain wins.

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Nothing beats heading down a mountain or cross country with your lunch in your backpack and your feet peddling you onwards. World Nomads love mountain biking, which is why it’s on our list of covered adventures. Before you head off into the great outdoors, read our tips to make the most of your travel insurance.

What types of mountain biking adventures are covered? 

As long as you’re not doing anything stupid, like riding without a helmet or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, World Nomads offers cover for mountain biking (on and off road, cross country, or downhill) for different elevations up to 6000 meters. Please be aware that the availability to cover different mountain biking altitudes will vary by Country of Residence and will vary depending on the plan you have chosen.

Note: There are specific terms and conditions, limits and exclusions that apply to mountain biking, so be sure to check the exclusions section of this article, and also check your policy wording carefully. If you’re not sure whether something is covered, contact us.

Choosing the right policy for you

We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your specific mountain biking plans.

When buying a policy you may want to consider upgrading your cover if you want to be covered to go mountain biking up to 6,000m in altitude. You can’t upgrade your policy after the cooling-off period so choose carefully. Check out your policy wording and contact customer service if you’re unsure what your cover includes.

What’s actually covered when you go mountain biking?

  1. If you’re injured or have an accident whilst biking

It’s not nice to think about, but if you suffer an injury or accident on your ride, our emergency medical coverage may cover you for emergencies that require: 

  • Hospitalization
  • Day surgery and out-patient treatment
  • Visits to registered medical practitioners
  • Prescribed medicines
  • Ambulances

If you need medical treatment, it’s essential that you get in touch with our Emergency Assistance team as soon as possible so they can support you.

  1. If you need to be evacuated or repatriated

You might be riding in a remote area, far from medical assistance, so our policies include coverage if you need to be evacuated to a medical facility.

  1. Emergency Assistance Team available 24/7

Having an emergency in a foreign country can be overwhelming but buying a World Nomads policy means you’ll have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Our Emergency Assistance team can help with a range of services in whatever part of the world you’re traveling, can speak multiple languages, and they’re available 365 days a year.

  1. Cancellation of your ride

If your ride is cancelled or interrupted due to an unforeseen event, you may be able to recover your unused/additional travel expenses. This includes if your ride is affected by a natural disaster, or your travel destination is affected by an extreme weather event.

  1. Rental Car Excess

If you’ve hired a car to take you to go on your rides and you suffer a car breakdown, traffic accident or your vehicle is broken into, some World Nomads plans may offer damage collision waiver (also called insurance excess) coverage, depending on your Country of Residence and your choice of a Standard or Explorer plan.

Note: keep in mind that all plans are different depending on the plan chosen and your Country of Residence. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. If you’re not sure about anything, contact us.

What’s not covered when mountain biking? 

While we can offer coverage for mountain biking, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:

  • No matter how safe you are, we won’t cover any mountain biking on the infamous Death Road – otherwise known as Yungas Road in Bolivia. 
  • We only cover mountain biking that is incidental to your holiday – that means you only plan to cycle or go mountain biking for a day or two here and there and you’re not using a bike as your main mode of transport while on your travels.
  • Riding at altitudes over 6,000 metres
  • Participation in a sport or activity not listed as covered in the policy wording or agreed by World Nomads, or where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
  • Working or participating professionally in any activity or sport.
  • If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure.
  • Any pre-existing medical condition unless otherwise expressly stated in your policy.

World Nomad’s handy tips for your mountain bike adventures

  • Make sure your bike is set up correctly before you ride – check the saddle, pedals , handlebars and tyre pressure.
  • Put your safety first: only go riding with professional, qualified, licensed and reputable operators. If you don’t, your cover may be void. If something doesn’t feel right, then don’t go.
  • Keep your body loose and springy and be prepared to stand up on the bike – doing this moves you with the bike and can help you avoid injury and accidents.

Need some inspo for your next mountain biking adventure?

Check out our handy guides and insider travel tips on the best places to go mountain biking:

This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Banged up abroad?
  • Need a hospital urgently?
  • Medivac home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Passport or tech stolen?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Bags delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams 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?

Contact the team