Insurance & Breakdown Cover
Getting the cover right before a motorcycle tour isn't exciting — but it's the difference between a minor inconvenience and a trip-ending disaster. Here's exactly what you need, and why.
Motorcycle Insurance
Your bike, covered abroad
Motorcycle Insurance
All riders must have valid insurance for themselves — and any pillion — in every country the tour passes through. Most UK insurers include short EU trips as standard, but it's always worth confirming before you leave.
- →Check your policy covers all countries on your route — not just EU member states
- →A Green Card is no longer a legal requirement in the EU post-Brexit, but it's worth having — contact your insurer to request one
- →Some UK insurers no longer provide Green Cards for Bosnia, Morocco, or certain Balkan countries — Carole Nash and Swinton are known to still do so
- →If you can't obtain cover beforehand, border insurance is available on arrival — guided tour leaders will assist you on the day
- →Self-guided tour packs include full guidance on border insurance procedures
Andy's Note
Don't assume your standard UK policy covers touring abroad. One quick call to your insurer before departure can save significant hassle on the road.
Breakdown Cover
Don't get stranded
Breakdown Cover
Breakdown cover is not optional — it's a requirement for all riders on tours listed here. At a minimum, it must cover repatriation of both you and your motorcycle. Ideally it includes a replacement vehicle within 24 hours so your tour can continue.
- →Cover must include motorcycle repatriation back to the UK — not just local recovery
- →Replacement vehicle provision within 24 hours means a breakdown doesn't end your tour
- →RAC, AA, and specialist providers like Bikesure and MCE all offer touring-specific breakdown policies
- →Check the territorial limits — 'European cover' varies wildly between providers
- →Some comprehensive motorcycle insurance policies include breakdown — check your documents carefully
Andy's Note
The cost of repatriating a broken-down motorcycle from Spain or Scotland without cover can run into thousands. This is one piece of paperwork that genuinely matters.
Travel & Medical Insurance
For when life intervenes
Travel & Medical Insurance
Travel insurance covers two separate risks: the cost of cancelling your trip before you leave, and medical treatment if something goes wrong while you're riding. Both matter. Not all travel policies cover motorcycle riding — check the small print.
- →Policy must explicitly cover motorcycle riding — general travel policies often exclude it
- →Medical cover should include repatriation — a requirement for entry to some EU countries
- →Cancellation cover protects your tour cost if illness, accident, or redundancy prevents you from going
- →GHIC (formerly EHIC) covers emergency NHS-equivalent treatment in EU countries — apply free via the NHS website
- →Specialist providers like Campbell Irvine, Able2Travel, and Battleface offer moto-touring specific policies
- →Check the activity exclusions carefully — some policies void cover above a certain engine size
Andy's Note
Medical evacuation by air ambulance from a remote European location can cost £50,000+. This is the one insurance that most people wish they hadn't skimped on.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Motorcycle Insurance
- ✓Valid for all route countries
- ✓Green Card requested (optional but useful)
- ✓Border cover arranged if needed
Breakdown Cover
- ✓Motorcycle repatriation included
- ✓Replacement vehicle within 24hrs
- ✓Territorial limits confirmed
Travel & Medical
- ✓Motorcycle riding explicitly covered
- ✓Medical repatriation included
- ✓Cancellation cover in place
Recommended Partner · SafetyWing
Travel Medical Insurance for Motorcycle Tourers
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance covers emergency medical costs, hospital stays, and evacuation — and explicitly includes motorcycle riding. Pay monthly, cancel anytime. Covers 185+ countries including all European destinations featured on this site.
From ~$45/month
Motorcycle riding explicitly covered
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Ready to Plan Your Tour?
Once the paperwork's sorted, the fun begins. Browse the full tour catalog or ask Andy directly for a recommendation.