Does Travel Insurance Cover Scooters and Motorbikes Abroad?

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I learned to ride a motorbike by riding the entire length of a country. I mention it in why I became a digital nomad. It was the kind of trip where insurance small print really matters.

Scooters are how most of Southeast Asia, Central America and the islands get around. They are cheap, fun and everywhere. They are also where travel insurance small print matters most. So, does travel insurance cover scooters? Usually yes, but only if you meet the conditions.

The short answer

Most travel health policies cover you on a scooter or motorbike as long as you ride legally and safely. That normally means three things: you wear a helmet, you hold the right licence where the law requires one, and you are not racing or riding off road. Break one of those rules and many policies will not pay.

What to check before you rent

1. The helmet rule. Most policies require the driver to wear a helmet. Some also require it for passengers. Wear one either way.
2. The licence rule. Many insurers only cover you if you hold a licence that is valid for that vehicle in that country. In some countries that means a motorbike licence plus an International Driving Permit. The UK government explains when you need an International Driving Permit.
3. The engine size. Some policies only cover small scooters, often up to 125cc. A bigger bike can fall outside your cover.
4. Passengers. Check whether riding on the back is covered, and whether a helmet is required there too.
5. Racing and off road riding. Dirt tracks, races and riding where you are not allowed are common exclusions.
6. Damage to the bike and other people. Health insurance pays for your treatment. It does not pay for the rental scooter or for someone you hit. Ask the rental shop what insurance comes with the bike.

How Genki Traveler treats scooters and motorbikes

I use Genki for my own cover. Under the current Genki Traveler insurance conditions:

• Normal driving is covered, including supervised recreational use and go kart racing. Other racing, race training and unsupervised off road driving are not covered.
• If you drive a motorcycle, you must wear a helmet.
• If you are a passenger on a motorcycle, you are covered even without a helmet. Genki still strongly recommends one.
• If you drive, you must hold a valid licence for the vehicle where the law requires one.
• You are covered even without a licence on a Light Motorcycle. Genki defines that as a two wheeler with a top speed of 110 km/h or less and an engine of 125cc or less, or an electric motor of 11 kW or less.
• Ambulance transport to the nearest suitable hospital is covered in a medical emergency, and hospital stays are paid directly through their emergency assistance team.

The licence point is unusual and useful, because most rental scooters are small. Genki still recommends proper training before you ride, and so do I. It covers your health, not the bike. You can check the price for your age on Genki.

How to ride more safely

• Wear a proper helmet with the strap done up. The World Health Organization says correct helmet use cuts the risk of death in a crash by more than six times.
• Cover your skin. Shoes and long sleeves save you from road rash, which gets infected fast in the heat.
• Start slowly. Practise on a quiet road before you join city traffic.
• Do not ride after drinking. It is dangerous and it can give your insurer a reason to refuse a claim.
• Photograph the bike before you leave the shop. It avoids arguments about old scratches.
• Save your insurance details offline. Keep your policy number and the emergency assistance contact on your phone.

Ride with cover

A scooter gives you freedom that buses never will. Make sure a small crash stays a small problem. If something does happen, follow my guide on what to do if you get sick or injured abroad. Heading to Indonesia? Read my guide to travel insurance for Bali before you rent.

Photo by Polina Kuzovkova on Unsplash.