Insurance while riding motorbikes overseas

[albatross710]

Over the past few weeks I became aware that while I am allowed to hire a motorbike in the Philippines with my Australian car licence, it seems that I am not covered by my credit card insurance (Westpac/QBE). My alternate option TID, also would not cover me.

Now I'm back in Australia I'm intending to do the QLD licence, although I have no intention of riding bikes on Australian roads. I just need the minimum licence qualification.

I see an earlier discussion http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ding-scooters-motorcycles-thailand-45469.html and wonder if there is more up to date intel.

While I'm on this track, is anyone aware of a travel insurance policy that would cover an Australia driver (non bike licenced) to be covered for medical expenses while riding a bike overseas?

Alby

 

[Pushka]

From my understanding it seems that no Insurance policy will cover you for a motorbike accident if you as the driver did not have an Australian licence (or Licence from the country you live in).

 

[SuzieQ68]

IMHO, I don't think anyone should be allowed to ride a motorcycle of any size in any country if they do not hold a valid motorcycle licence from their own country. I hold a motorcycle licence but there are places in some countries that I wouldn't ride - and I've learnt how to ride. In some countries, road rules are just a guide! It can be an absolute free for all!

I really do think that people are courting disaster if they believe it's ok to ride a motorcycle outside of Australia even if they don't hold a licence to ride one in Australia, and especially if they've had no actual riding experience. The amount of broken bones on foreign tourists (not just Australians) that I've seen travelling throughout SE Asia is mind boggling - many of which come from motorcycle accidents. Just my opinion though and probably one of the reasons why is becoming more and more difficult to obtain insurance for motorcycle riding when travelling.

 

[cambriamarsh]

IMHO, I don't think anyone should be allowed to ride a motorcycle of any size in any country if they do not hold a valid motorcycle licence from their own country. I hold a motorcycle licence but there are places in some countries that I wouldn't ride - and I've learnt how to ride. In some countries, road rules are just a guide! It can be an absolute free for all!

I really do think that people are courting disaster if they believe it's ok to ride a motorcycle outside of Australia even if they don't hold a licence to ride one in Australia, and especially if they've had no actual riding experience. The amount of broken bones on foreign tourists (not just Australians) that I've seen travelling throughout SE Asia is mind boggling - many of which come from motorcycle accidents. Just my opinion though and probably one of the reasons why is becoming more and more difficult to obtain insurance for motorcycle riding when travelling.

Absolutely agree with this comment. I've ridden motorbikes for 40 plus years, enjoy them and know how vulnerable you are on them. Add in lack of experience and an area you don't know and looking for trouble.

 

[mooingchicken]

I Have my Aus license now, but prior to this I use to ride scooters and such while overseas.
Generally credit card insurance is a no without an aus license.
Some of the paid ones are the same and some (covermore comes to mind) will cover upto 50cc

 

[mcbadw]

I have been investigating this . My policy states along the lines of " must have licence valid in country you are riding " . I don't have an Australian motorbike licence , but in Cambodia a licence is not required if riding under 150cc i think it is . I emailed and spoke to representatives of the insurance company and they stated that if i have ticked the ride motorbike box on my policy and i was conforming to licence regs in whichever country i was in i would be covered , even though i do not hold an Australian motorcycle licence . So i guess in Cambodia at least you can ride under 150cc without needing an Australian motorbike licence and still be covered insurance wise .

 

[albatross710]

Thank you for the feedback. I was already signed up on the Q-Ride course, so I'm looking forward to it.

 

[Cossie]

Food for thought, also the details of her crowdfunding page, very lucky (if that's the right word!) to have so many people help her.

Australian tourist stuck in Thai hospital after head-on collision, owing $56,000 in medical bills - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

[url]https://www.gofundme.com/dawns-medical-expeneses
[/URL]

 

[harvyk]

I have been investigating this . My policy states along the lines of " must have licence valid in country you are riding " . I don't have an Australian motorbike licence , but in Cambodia a licence is not required if riding under 150cc i think it is . I emailed and spoke to representatives of the insurance company and they stated that if i have ticked the ride motorbike box on my policy and i was conforming to licence regs in whichever country i was in i would be covered , even though i do not hold an Australian motorcycle licence . So i guess in Cambodia at least you can ride under 150cc without needing an Australian motorbike licence and still be covered insurance wise .

Cook Islands is another place which does not accept international licenses, so as a result I have a (now expired) Cook Islands motorbike license, but I've never held an Australian motorbike licence. While it's going back 8 years I do wonder how travel insurance would have covered that if something had happened. I just had a read of the policy I usually use and it simply excludes unlicensed riding. In my case I had a license.