Which cycling insurance do you need?
Planning a big ride or heading overseas with your bike? It’s easy to think one insurance policy will cover every scenario, but Bicycle Insurance and cycling Travel Insurance do very different jobs. Picking the right one (or combining both) ensures you’re fully protected and avoids costly surprises.
Bicycle insurance- safeguarding your bike
This policy is all about your bike itself. It offers cover for:
Theft-whether at home, from a car, or while locked up mid-ride.
Damage-accidental damage from crashes, transit mishaps, or even racing incidents (depending on your policy cover level).
International travel-your bike is covered abroad as long as it’s securely packed in a hard case (Performance and Ultimate only)
Public liability-included on annual plans, protecting you if someone makes a claim against you while riding.
What it doesn’t cover: healthcare abroad, cancellation of a trip, or emergency transport home.
Travel insurance-looking after you
While Bike Insurance focuses on the bike, Travel Insurance focuses on you and your journey. It includes:
Emergency medical care abroad-hospital costs and rescue (including helicopter evacuation if medically necessary).
Repatriation-bringing you home safely if injury or illness prevents normal travel.
Trip cancellation or curtailment-cover if you can’t travel due to illness, injury, or other insured reasons.
Lost luggage or documents-protecting your wider belongings, not just your cycling kit.
What it doesn’t cover: damage or theft of your bike. For that, you need bicycle insurance.
When both policies work together
There are plenty of cycling trips where you’ll want both policies side by side, for example:
Taking your bike to the Alps for a mountain biking break.
Entering a European sportive or triathlon.
Going on a multi-day cycle tour abroad.
Here, bicycle Insurance keeps your kit safe, while Travel Insurance protects you and your trip.
Quick guide to choosing
Worried about theft or damage to your bike? You need bicycle Insurance
Travelling overseas and need medical or cancellation cover? You need Cycle Travel Insurance
Doing both? Take out both for complete cover.
Still unsure about what policy you need or simply need a little help? Why not call our customer service team on 0333 003 0046. You’ll get straight through to someone who understands your needs!