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

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Ready to swap the UK drizzle for sunnier cycles abroad? Whether you dream of dodging sheep in New Zealand's trails or weaving through Tuscany's vineyards, consider packing World Nomads travel insurance with your helmet. It could be your backup plan for when those quaint cobbled streets throw a spoke in your wheel, covering everything from scrapped knees to swiped gear. Gear up, get insured, and go!

How you may benefit from World Nomads travel insurance cover

Hitting the road on two wheels is exhilarating, but every turn brings the unknown – especially abroad. While cycling lets you connect with landscapes and cultures intimately, it also exposes you to risks not present back home. From navigating unfamiliar traffic rules and road conditions to potential mishaps like a fall or a collision with a vehicle, the physical risks are real. And then there's theft – bicycles are a popular target.

When choosing World Nomads products, you’ll have access to two simple and flexible plans – Standard and Explorer. We offer cover (up to the policy limits) for:

  • Baggage & Gear protection: With our travel insurance, whether it’s the Standard or Explorer plan, you're protected. If your baggage is delayed for more than 24 hours, we cover the cost of essential items. And if your prized cycling gear is lost or stolen, we’re here to help cover replacement costs. For high-value gear, consider upgrading for coverage up to £750 per item on the Explorer Plan and £400 per item on the Standard Plan, with maximum upgrade limits of £2,250 and £1,200 respectively.
  • Emergency overseas medical: cycling through the Alps and taking in the fresh air can be great for the body and the mind, but not if it ends up in a bad injury. Emergency medical coverage will come in handy in the case of an accident, illness or injury.
  • Evacuation: your cycling route may be far away from medical facilities. With our cover, you can get transported to the medical facility best for your care, subject to approval from World Nomads. Note, there is no cover for search and rescue expenses.
  • Trip disruption: has a sick or injured travelling companion put a stop to your cycling abroad? You may be able to recover your unused, prepaid travel expenses.
  • 24-hour emergency medical assistance: if you find yourself in need of urgent medical help, it’s not always easy to find help. World Nomads provides 24-hour Emergency Medical Assistance.

Traveller tip: always carry enough water, especially in hot climates, and use sunscreen and sunglasses to protect against sunburn and glare.

What’s covered for cycling?

Under both of World Nomads plans – Standard and Explorer – you may be automatically covered. However you may need to upgrade and pay an additional premium depending on the type of cycling activity you'll be doing. United Kingdom travellers could be covered for the following cycling activities:

  1. Cycling (incidental to the trip): level 1 activity
  2. Cycling (on an organised tour): Level 2 activity – upgrade required
  3. Cycling (independent cycle touring): level 3 activity - upgrade required

Note: all our plans are different and may require an upgrade to include cycling at certain altitude. In some instances, you must be with a professional, qualified and licensed cycling guide, instructor or operator. Terms and conditions, limits and exclusions, apply. Read your policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and cycling option for your trip.

For more information on cycling and mountain biking coverage check out our Help Centre article, ‘Am I covered if I'm cycling or mountain biking?’ in the Help Centre which explains what you need to know to be adequately covered. Choose your “for European residents” and you’ll access the most up to date information.

Traveller tip: keep your essential documents (passport, travel insurance details, and emergency contacts) secure in a waterproof pouch.

Know where you’re going and what to do if the unexpected happens

Before you hit the road with your bike, helmet and gear, it pays to arm yourself with these cycling tips for a safer trip:

  • Include all countries you’re visiting or traveling through on your policy: as well as all the adventure activities you’re planning to do or participate in. With World Nomads you’ll have a choice of more than 150+ activities, sports and experiences to choose from.
  • Check you have all your paperwork: you’ll need to have all the appropriate paperwork, these may include 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 your planning suit your experience level? Are there any travel or weather alerts for your destination? Have you got a ‘fit for travel’ thumbs up from your doctor to take on the mountains and specific altitudes? Do you need to use an accredited tour provider or operator? Can our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team reach you if you get into trouble?
  • Wear a helmet and visible clothing: this should be a no brainer, but it’s still worth mentioning, as 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 have high vis clothing on yourself, your bike, or both to make sure other riders and vehicles see you.
  • Proof of purchase: remember that any claim you make will need supporting documentation such as receipts of your purchases. Keep these with you in printed or digital form if you intend to make a claim.

Travel insurance tip: World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 150+ activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem exhaustive, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you shouldn’t take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered. You can’t upgrade your level of cover mid-way through your holiday, so do consider this wisely.

What's not covered?

Some things we may not cover include:

  • Costs incurred if you refuse to be repatriated after being declared medically unfit to continue your trip.
  • Costs incurred if you ignore the advice of your doctor or our 24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance Team.
  • Damage to any sporting equipment while in use; loss, damage or theft of any sporting equipment left unattended.
  • Pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Expenses that can be recovered from another source, e.g., transport carriers or accommodation providers
  • Unattended baggage or personal items
  • Participating or training in activity or sport at a professional level
  • Any search or rescue operations as explained in the policy wording
  • Misuse or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Fraudulent or criminal acts.

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.

Traveller tip: keep a list of local emergency contacts, including medical facilities and the local police, on your person when cycling – just in case.


True Claims Stories

  • Never travel without insurance. This was the first time I ever purchased travel insurance and I am so glad I did. A few days into my trip to Spain I twisted my foot heading down to the metro. Thanks to World Nomads I was able to get medical attention in Spain and since, as luck would have it, I had a fracture that required surgery, they got me a flight home the next day. Filing a claim was surprisingly easy and when the claim was finally processed, I was reimbursed for all of my expenses including things like the extra week in the hotel I didn't get to take advantage of.
    L.D.
    U.S. resident in Spain
  • I recently had a serious injury traveling on my own & the team was amazing. Being confused with a brain injury they took care of everything. Claiming was no problem, they were on the phone constantly to see if all was OK. I can't recommend them enough. Absolutely fantastic & l will always travel with World Nomads Insurance. Thanks guys for getting me home safely.
    A.B.
    Australian in Thailand
  • I was bitten by a monkey at the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur. I went to a nearby clinic and they gave me a rabies shot, antibiotics to take for 4 days, pain medicine, and anti-inflammatory medicine.
    T.R.
    Canadian in Malaysia

24/7 Emergency Medical Assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of Emergency Medical Assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 27 June 2024
+44 (0) 144 444 2021 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 27 June 2024:
Phone: +44 (0) 203 093 1750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Travel buddy unfit to travel?
  • Been made redundant?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Need meds quick?
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

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

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £3,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,500
Protect your gear
  • Luggage lost?
  • Airline lost your gear?
  • Tech trashed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

You are not eligible to buy a policy if you travel against medical advice, travel with the intention of receiving medical treatment, or have a terminal illness. World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not. You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion cannot be removed, and you will be responsible for any related costs.

For information on travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit Money Helper or call 0800 138 7777.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for cycling. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team.

  • Can I upgrade my cycling coverage mid-trip?
    Good news is, if you already have World Nomads travel insurance, all our plans cover incidental cycling adventures (T&Cs apply). However, if you’re planning some independent cycling touring, you will need to plan and purchase an appropriate activity cover and pay an additional premium from the beginning, as you cannot upgrade mid-trip.