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Cycling travel insurance

Whether you want to explore the French Alps, pedal through sunny Majorca, or explore Eurovelo cycle routes, make sure you're not forgetting about travel insurance. The right policy can cover you and your bike, just in case things don't go to plan.

Alvaro Iturmendi - Confused.com travel insurance expert

Reviewed by Alvaro Iturmendi Travel insurance expert 6 min read | Published 15/04/2025

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Does travel insurance cover cycling?

If you're planning some leisurely cycling while you're abroad, you might be covered by an existing travel insurance policy - just check your policy documents to make sure.

But, if you're planning a cycling tour, or doing anything a bit more risky like mountain biking, you might need additional cover. This is where cycling travel insurance comes in. It can offer extra cover for you and your bike, just in case things go wrong.

What is cycling travel insurance?

Cycling travel insurance is a type of adventure travel insurance designed to cover the unique things that might go wrong when you're on a cycling holiday. These types of policies often have higher cover limits for things like your bike and kit.

Many providers will offer different levels of cover. So, you can ensure you're getting the right cover for your needs, whether you're planning a cycling tour or taking part in a triathlon.

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You can compare holiday insurance in a few simple steps:

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All you need to do is provide a little bit of information, such as your age, destination and the length of your trip.

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We'll compare your details to the panel of travel insurers we work with to find you a policy.

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Simply compare the policy details and prices and choose the one that best suits you and your budget!

What our travel insurance expert says

"If you’re planning to do a bit of casual cycling while you’re on holiday, standard travel insurance should have you covered. But if you’re cranking up the inclines of Majorca or travelling through Europe on one of the Eurovelo cycle routes, you’ll need an extra level of insurance. Get a quote to see what you’ll pay for your base policy, contact your chosen insurer and see what they can offer you."

Alvaro Iturmendi Travel insurance expert

What does cycling holiday insurance cover?

Each policy will be different, but here's what you can normally expect to see on travel insurance for a cycling holiday:

What's covered:

Theft or damage to your gear: If anything happens to your bike, helmet or other cycling gear, travel insurance can cover the cost of replacements or repairs.
Search and rescue: If you get lost or stranded on a long ride and need rescuing, your policy can cover these costs.
Medical cover: If you fall off your bike or become ill and need medical treatment, travel insurance can cover your bills.
Repatriation cover: If you need to be flown home following an emergency, insurance can cover the transport costs.
Baggage cover: Travel insurance can cover the cost of replacing your belongings if they're lost or stolen.
Cancellation cover: If you need to cancel your holiday, travel insurance can cover your costs.

Common exclusions:

Travel against FCDO advice: If the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has advised against travel to your destination, you won't be covered.
Incidents that occur under the influence: Mishaps that occur as a result of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol won't be covered.
Changing your mind: Deciding you no longer want to travel isn't a valid reason for making a claim.
Known events: If something happens, like a natural disaster, before you buy your insurance, you won't be covered for any disruption it causes.

Will my cycling travel insurance cover my bike?

Many insurers will cover customers with medical conditions. All you have to do is declare your medical condition when you buy your insurance. When you compare quotes with us, we'll ask you for a few details about any medical conditions you have. That way, we can find you policies from insurers that will cover you, so you don't have to spend ages looking.

When you're buying travel insurance for activities like cycling, you might find that insurers are a bit more strict with what they'll cover. It's also a good idea to check with any event organisers that they'll let you take part with a medical condition, especially if it could affect your ability to take part safely.

If you're struggling to find cover, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has a directory of insurers through MoneyHelper who offer travel insurance for medical conditions. You can also phone MaPS for advice on 0800 138 7777.

Cycling travel insurance limitations to look out for

It's always important to carefully read your policy documents before buying travel insurance. That way, you know if you're getting suitable cover. Here are some things to look out for to make sure your cycling travel insurance suits your needs:

Single-item limits. When you make a claim for lost, stolen or damaged belongings, there's usually a limit to how much each item will be covered for. For example, you might have a single-item limit of £1,000. If you're travelling with a specialist bike, make sure this limit is enough to cover a replacement if necessary.
Type of cycling that's covered. Some insurers offer different levels of cover depending on how high-risk the cycling you'll be doing is. So, if you're planning to go mountain biking, you might need a higher level of cover than if you were just planning to hire a bike for a few days and cycle around a city.
Age limits. Some insurers will only offer cover for cyclists up to a certain age. If this is the case, you might be able to find a specialist insurer who will cover you. But, bear in mind that these policies can be a bit more expensive.
Policy stipulations. Cycling travel insurance will often outline certain safety guidelines that you must follow. For example, wearing a helmet at all times, or having suitable clothing and footwear. Failing to follow these guidelines could invalidate your cover, leaving you unprotected if you have an accident.

What types of cycling are covered?

Insurers often offer different levels of cycling travel insurance, covering different activities. It's common to find cover for:

Cycle tours
Bikepacking
Races and other competitive events
Mountain biking, both on and off-trail
BMX cycling

It's important to check your policy covers the specific activities you're planning. If they're not, you can contact your insurer to see if you can add extra cover to your policy. Just bear in mind that this'll come at an added cost.

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