What is cycling travel insurance?
Cycling travel insurance is designed for anyone looking to do a spot of cycling abroad. Whether it’s a leisurely ride through the French countryside, a mountain trail in Spain, or a cycle around a city.
It provides cover for medical emergencies and accidents. Cycling holiday insurance also includes trip cancellation, travel delays, and third-party liability in case you cause injury or damage while cycling. However, it does not cover you for the loss, theft or damage of your bike or equipment.
If you plan to take part in competitive races or extreme terrain cycling, you may need to add specialist cover to make sure your policy fully protects you.
What are the benefits of travel insurance for cycling?
Cycling abroad can be unpredictable. Accidents, injuries, and thefts are more common than most expect. Cycling travel insurance covers you for any accidents and travel-related mishaps as soon as you book.
Here’s why this type of insurance matters:
- According to the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), cycling-related accidents account for around 8% of road injuries in Europe.
- In Ireland, cyclists accounted for 18% of all serious injuries between 2020-2024. With travel insurance, you’re covered from the moment you book.
- Likewise, if you were to fall off your bike in Spain and need treatment for a broken leg, you would be looking at thousands of euros. Cycling travel insurance protects you from these high costs.
Which types of cycling are covered?
We cover 100 low-risk sports and activities, including recreational cycling.
Most everyday forms of cycling are classed as low-risk and are covered as standard under JustCover’s travel insurance. Just so long as they’re not the main purpose of your trip. That means if you’re planning a few casual rides while on holiday, you’re covered under your standard policy, no need for extra add-ons.
This includes:
- Leisure cycling and touring
- Electric bike rides
- Commuting or casual cycling on your trip
Always check your Policy Wording for full details of what is and isn’t included.
Which cycling activities are considered hazardous or extreme sports?
Some forms of cycling are more hazardous than others! In these scenarios, you’ll need additional or specialist cover. These include more dangerous or high-speed versions of the sport, or those involving motors or extreme conditions.
A few of the more hazardous cycling activities that you’ll need additional cover for include:
- Downhill mountain biking (including extreme terrain or racing)
- BMX or stunt cycling
- Motorcycling over 125cc (must hold the equivalent Irish licence; no racing or off-road riding)
- Quad biking
If your trip involves any of these activities, especially if cycling is the main purpose of your holiday, make sure to declare it when you buy your policy. That way, you’ll have the right level of protection in case of injury or medical emergencies.
What does cycling travel insurance protect for?
Cycling travel insurance protects you when you’re exploring on two wheels. It’s designed to protect you if something unexpected happens, from minor injuries to major disruptions.
What’s covered under cycling travel insurance:
- Cycling accidents. Covers hospital care and treatment if you’re injured in a cycling accident.
- Personal accident cover. Provides compensation if a serious injury affects your ability to work or travel.
- Personal liability. Covers you if you accidentally injure someone or damage property while cycling.
What’s not covered under cycling travel insurance:
- Damage to or theft of your bike. Standard travel insurance doesn’t cover your bicycle itself. You’ll need to take out separate insurance.
- Competitive or extreme cycling. Such as downhill racing, BMX, or cycling on hazardous terrain, unless you add specialist cover.
- Negligence or lack of safety gear. Claims may be denied if you weren’t wearing a helmet or following local cycling laws.
What else does JustCover’s cycling travel insurance cover?
Alongside cycling, we also cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost belongings and more. Our policies are designed to be zero-fuss and zero hassle.
For full details of what is and isn’t included, read our Policy Wording.
What's covered
Medical expenses in an emergency – If you’re sick or injured while away, get up to unlimited cover for emergency medical expenses. You’ll also be covered for medical repatriation.
Cancellation – Get protection for the cost of your trip if you have to cancel for certain reasons. This could include being called for jury duty or losing a loved one. You’ll also get curtailment cover if you have to cut your trip short in an emergency.
Lost, stolen or damaged belongings – Travel knowing your bags and belongings are protected. Taking away a laptop, phone, camera or tablet? Get additional gadget cover.
Personal liability – If you face legal expenses or liability while away, we could help. For instance, if you damage property or accidentally injure someone.
Legal protection cover – Need to claim damages or compensation due to something that happened on your trip? Get cover for certain costs.
Travel delays – Compensation to cover your time if your flight is delayed.
Access to our 24/7 emergency medical helpline – Help when you need it from our team.
What's not covered
Medical conditions that aren’t declared – You must declare any pre-existing medical conditions that fall within our medical warranty. Otherwise, you won’t be covered for costs linked to them.
Cancelling for reasons that aren’t covered – You won’t be covered when cancelling for reasons within your control, such as deciding you don’t want to go.
Taking part in activities or visiting a location not covered by your policy – It’s important to read your policy documents. These will explain the activities and places that are included. We offer additional cover if needed.
Going away for medical treatment or against medical advice – We cannot offer cover if you’re going away for planned medical treatment, or if you have been advised by your doctor not to travel.
Problems you knew might come up – If you knew you might make a claim before you booked your trip or bought your policy.
Claims below the excess – If your claim is less than the excess on your policy. You won’t be able to claim.
Choose the right level of cover
We offer different levels of cover to make your Travel Insurance as cost-effective as possible.
Black
Gold
Silver
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Find the best travel insurance for cycling
Whether you’re heading on a quick weekend ride or an international cycling tour, JustCover offers options to match your trip type:
Annual multi-trip travel insurance
Ideal if you take several cycling holidays a year. Covers multiple trips with one policy.
Single trip travel insurance
Perfect for one-off cycling holidays or short breaks. Just simple and effective travel insurance.
Why choose JustCover for your cycling holiday travel insurance?
Having the right cover for your trip goes a long way. Getting covered is fast and simple and will protect you from the unexpected. Whether it’s a short city break or part of a longer European trip.
- 98% of our customers rate us as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’¹.
- 98% of our customers would recommend JustCover to family and friends².
- Get up to €10,000 cancellation cover³.
- We’re Ireland's most trusted travel insurance provider⁴.
- 100% of our customers would consider buying from JustCover again⁵.
When to buy cycling holiday insurance
You should buy cycling travel insurance as soon as you book your trip. This means you’re covered for cancellations or unexpected issues that might arise before you travel. You can book right up to the day you travel, but you won’t be protected if anything happens in the lead-up.
Specialist travel insurance for cycling
Seniors travel insurance
Designed for senior cyclists who want to stay active while travelling, with no upper age limit and cover for pre-existing conditions.
Pre-existing Medical Conditions
Covers travellers who have existing health issues, ensuring they’re protected if a medical emergency occurs while cycling.
Family travel insurance
Ideal for active family holidays where cycling is part of the fun, offering cover for all members under one policy.
Cruise travel insurance
For cyclists combining their cruise with shore excursions or cycling tours at ports of call, providing comprehensive protection both on and off the ship.
Destinations covered by cycling holiday insurance
Whether you’re pedalling through the vineyards of France, tackling Spain’s coastal climbs, or exploring the mountain passes of Italy, we have you covered.
Europe travel insurance
Cover for popular cycling destinations such as France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Austria.
Worldwide travel insurance
Planning an international cycling adventure? From the USA’s Pacific Coast Highway to Japan’s Shimanami Kaido, you can explore global routes knowing we’ve got your back.
Do you need cycling travel insurance for domestic trips within Ireland?
Even if you’re staying closer to home, cycling travel insurance for domestic trips can be a smart choice. While your public healthcare may cover medical treatment, it won’t protect you for cancellations, lost deposits, or damaged equipment.
Cycling travel insurance for pre-existing medical conditions
It’s important to declare any pre-existing medical conditions you have before your trip. No matter how minor they may be. If you experience a medical flare-up and didn't declare the condition before travelling, it may void your travel health insurance policy. Our quote process is quick and simple. You’ll just need to complete our medical questionnaire, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
We cover 1,300 medical conditions, a few of the most common include:
A simple 3-step process to book your cycling travel insurance
Get your quote in seconds
You will only need to tell us some information about yourself and your holiday plans
Select and tailor your cover
Now all you need to do is to choose the level of cover that best suits your needs
Buy your cover and relax
Purchase your cover and you’re ready to go – we’ll take care of the rest!
Expert travel insurance advice from our team
"Cycling abroad is an incredible way to explore, but it’s important to protect yourself, not just your bike. With JustCover, you can enjoy every ride knowing that if something unexpected happens, your medical and travel needs are taken care of"
Peter Clark - JustCover Director
What our customers say
“Before I renewed my holiday insurance, I had done some research, so I was very pleased with the value for money from Justcover. The person who dealt with me was very pleasant and very clear when explaining the details of the options open to me, and he made the whole renewal procedure very easy.”
see full reviewFrequently asked questions about cycling travel insurance
Will the EHIC cover injuries from cycling?
No, the EHIC only covers state-provided medical treatment in EU/EEA countries on the same terms as residents. This means you may receive basic emergency care if you’re injured in a cycling accident in Europe, but it won’t cover:
- Private medical treatment or hospital transfers.
- Repatriation to Ireland if you’re unable to fly home.
- Lost deposits, damaged equipment, or trip cancellation costs.
Are professional or competitive cycling covered?
No, professional or competitive cycling is not covered under standard cycling travel insurance. This includes races, time trials, or any event where you receive payment or sponsorship. If you plan to participate in organised competitions or long-distance endurance events, you’ll need specialist sports insurance.
Can you purchase a policy after starting your trip?
Unfortunately, no. You must buy your cycling travel insurance before your trip begins. Cover starts the moment your policy is issued, so purchasing it early ensures protection for cancellations or delays that occur before you travel. Once you’ve left Ireland, you cannot take out new cover or extend your policy mid-trip.
Is there an age limit for cycling travel insurance?
JustCover has no upper age limit for cycling travel insurance. Whether you’re 25 or 85, you can still get cover for your trip. However, premiums may be higher for older cyclists, as insurers see them as being at greater risk of injury or accident. Some activity upgrades may also have age-related restrictions, so it’s always worth checking your Policy Wording or speaking with our team before you travel.
Will your kit and equipment be covered?
Your travel insurance covers you, not your bike. Bicycles are excluded from JustCover policies, so you’ll need separate bike insurance to protect against theft, loss or damage. However, your personal cycling kit (such as helmets, shoes, or clothing) may be covered under your baggage allowance, up to policy limits.
Will you be covered for personal liability?
Yes, most cycling travel insurance policies include personal liability cover. This protects you if you accidentally cause injury to another person or damage property while cycling. However, the cover doesn’t apply if you’re racing competitively or cycling under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Can you get cycling travel insurance for a whole cycling group?
You can arrange group travel insurance for cycling trips, which covers all members under one policy. This can be especially useful for club rides, charity events, or family cycling holidays. This way, everyone’s covered under one policy. This includes medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and baggage issues.
Can you get cycling travel insurance if you have a pre-existing medical condition?
Yes, you can still be covered if you have a pre-existing medical condition. You’ll just need to declare it during the application process so we can assess your eligibility and provide accurate cover. This ensures that any health-related incidents linked to your condition are included in your policy.
Do you need specialist cover if you’re doing multiple activities on one trip?
If your holiday involves more than one activity – for example, cycling and hiking or scuba golf – you may need to add extra activity cover. While over 100 low-risk activities are included as standard, higher-risk sports quad biking and cycle touring, require additional protection.
Will you be covered if you hire cycling equipment abroad?
JustCover policies don’t cover loss or damage to bicycles or hired cycling equipment. If you’re renting a bike, check whether the hire company includes insurance for theft or damage in their rental agreement - many do. Your JustCover policy will protect you for medical costs or personal accidents that occur while cycling, but not the equipment itself.
Is cycling covered during stopovers or layovers?
Yes, you’ll still be covered for incidental cycling during stopovers or layovers as long as it’s not part of a race or extreme event. For example, if you rent a bike for sightseeing during a stop in Amsterdam or Copenhagen, you’re covered for medical treatment and emergencies under your policy.
Are cycling tours and guided group rides covered?
Yes, cycling tours and guided group rides are covered as long as they fall under the policy’s low-risk activity category. This includes cycle touring and guided recreational rides, provided they don’t involve competitive racing or hazardous conditions like downhill tracks.
What happens if your bike is stolen during your holiday?
Report the theft to local police straight away and get an official report. Contact the bike hire firm (if hired) or your specialist bike insurer. You can still claim for personal items (within limits) with JustCover, but not for the bike itself.
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2. Based on 128 responses, correct as of 27/08/2025.
3. Covers cancellation for certain reasons outside of your control and detailed in our Policy Wording . Amount of cover depends on the policy level you have purchased.
4. Based on Trustpilot reviews of all companies in Ireland within the Travel Insurance Company category - January 2025.
5. Based on 128 responses, correct as of 27/08/2025.