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For cyclists travelling abroad

Mountain Bike Travel Insurance

Specialist cover for mountain biking trips, bike parks and MTB holidays abroad

Built for riders travelling to ride. Our mountain bike travel insurance covers trail riding, enduro, downhill and bike parks abroad — with protection designed around how MTB trips actually work, not generic travel assumptions.

How Mountain Bike Travel Insurance Works
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Mountain bike travel insurance
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How Mountain Bike Travel Insurance Works

Mountain biking abroad carries different risks to leisure cycling. Our travel insurance is structured around the type of riding you’re doing — from trail centres to alpine descents — so you choose cover that actually matches your trip.

MTB-Led Cover

Built around the realities of mountain biking abroad, including off-road riding, terrain risk, and specialist equipment.

Choose protection based on riding

Select the appropriate activity pack depending on whether you’re trail riding, riding bike parks, racing enduro, or tackling technical descents.

Cover When MTB Plans Change

Protection for trip disruption, injury, or equipment delays — when riding days are the reason for travel.

Specialist Claims Support

Handled by people who understand cycling and mountain biking incidents — backed by Pedal Cover.
Claims are handled by specialist travel claims partners who are trained and managed by Pedal Cover, with our team supporting you if something goes wrong.

Covering your bike itself
Cycle travel insurance protects you while you’re travelling and riding abroad.
Your bike is insured separately through Pedal Cover’s specialist cycle or home insurance — with flexible options depending on how much cover you need

Choose from bike-only cover or full home insurance, with rolling monthly options and no long-term commitment.

Explore bike insurance options

Cycling activities we cover

Travel insurance designed to cover activities such as mountain biking works differently, because not all cycling disciplines carry the same level of risk.

If you’re travelling primarily to ride off-road, at trail centres, or in bike parks, selecting the correct activity pack helps ensure your mountain biking is covered in line with your policy terms.

Activities are grouped by riding type and risk level across Packs A–C, with clear definitions provided so you can be confident you’re selecting the activity that applies to your trip.

Leisure & Training - Pack A

Entry-level cover for leisure riding and training trips

Non-competitive, casual cycling undertaken for sightseeing, transport, or general recreation, where cycling is not the primary purpose of the trip. Leisure Cycling excludes all activities defined under Packs A–C, including, for example, road cycling holidays, mass participation events, racing, triathlon, touring, etc.

Cycling on short, oval-shaped dirt tracks, typically around 70-90m in length. Riders compete on specially designed bikes with no gears, brakes, or suspension. Apart from while training, it usually involves racing four laps around the track, with riders competing in heats (individual or team-based) to score points.

Competitive cycling events that involve racing on a mixed terrain of grass, mud, dirt, and sometimes pavement, often on short, intense courses with obstacles that may mean participants have to dismount and carry their bikes. Cyclocross races usually take place on a closed course.

Road cycling activities where a large number of cyclists take part on predetermined routes. While a time of completion is provided, there is no winner. Examples include audax, sportives, charity rides and gran fondos. Road Racing and Criterium racing are not included.

Trips where the primary purpose is to undertake organised or self-directed recreational road cycling activities; this includes riding on public roads in scenic, challenging, or designated cycling environments, either individually, as part of a coached group or as a group of friends. These holidays do not involve participation in events or races. These trips can include tailored training, provided the activity is recreational and not undertaken for professional or semi-professional purposes.

Competitive cycling events where participants race individually against the clock over a set distance on roads. Time trials have cyclists starting at intervals rather than in a mass start. These events vary in distance, often ranging from short sprints to longer courses, and take place on closed or open roads.

Touring involves cycling on roads that covers distances up to (and including) 160km), with overnight stays in campsites, B&Bs, or hotels.
Bike packing involves a mixture of road and off-road cycling that covers distances up to (and including) 160km), with overnight stays at campsites or in the wild.
For both activities, your bicycle is your main mode of transport. You may visit no more than three countries in a single trip.

A type of cycling that takes place on unpaved roads, gravel paths, dirt trails, and other mixed surfaces that are less smooth than typical road cycling but not as technical as mountain biking. It combines elements of road biking and mountain biking, giving a versatile and adventurous riding experience.

Competitive events where athletes take part in a minimum of two of the following discipline completing the approximate distances:
swimming up to 1.5km
cycling up to 40km
running up to 10km
Races can take place on roads or on off-road terrain.

Specifically designed for triathletes to focus on training for any or all three of the triathlon disciplines — swimming, cycling, running. These holidays involve structured training sessions, coaching, and take place in locations with facilities such as open water swimming areas, cycling routes, and running trails. The goal is to improve endurance, technique and overall fitness in preparation for a triathlon race.

Off-road cycling using a mountain bike riding on varied terrains, such as trails through forests, hills, or mountain regions. It emphasises endurance and varied terrain and can include mountain bike orienteering but does not include highly technical or extreme downhill sections.
It also includes the use of “fat bikes” with oversized tires on soft surfaces, such as snow or sand, that enable cyclists to navigate terrains that standard mountain bikes cannot.

Riding on natural or man-made trails that can include both uphill and downhill sections, often with moderate technical features (but not downhill, enduro, freeride or dirt jumps).

Events & Performance - Pack B

Includes everything in Pack A, plus competitive and event riding

BMX pump track refers to cycling on dirt tracks with jumps, banked corners, and obstacles using BMX bikes. We do not cover BMX Freestyle (including street, park, vert, dirt, and flatland) an activity which involves performing tricks and stunts, often in skateparks or on flatland.

Track cycling refers to either competitive cycling events or cycle training held on specially designed indoor or outdoor tracks (velodromes), featuring banked curves and a smooth, enclosed surface. Track cycling races include various formats, such as sprints, pursuit races, points races, and madison races, where cyclists compete against each other in a controlled environment. Track cycling usually requires specialised bicycles with a fixed gear (the rear wheel is directly connected to the pedals) and a single gear ratio.

Touring involves cycling on roads that covers distances up to (and including) 160km), with overnight stays in campsites, B&Bs, or hotels.
Bike packing involves a mixture of road and off-road cycling that covers distances up to (and including) 160km, with overnight stays at campsites or in the wild.
For both activities, your bicycle is your main mode of transport. You can visit more than three countries in a single trip.

Road racing refers to competitive cycling events that take place on roads, where cyclists race against each other over a predetermined distance from one point to another. This includes single day events and stage races over multiple days. Road racing varies in distance and terrain, from flat courses to those with significant climbs and descents.

Criterium racing (often referred to as “crit racing”) is a form of competitive cycling that involves racing on a short, closed-loop course, usually in urban areas, purpose made cycle tracks, airfields and motor racing circuits. Criterium races are characterised by a series of laps over a relatively short distance, often ranging from 1 to 3km, and feature fast-paced riding with tight turns and frequent changes in speed. Races can involve large groups of cyclists competing at the same time.

Triathlon refers to competitive events where athletes take part in a minimum of two of the following disciplines: swimming, cycling, running. Races can take place on roads or on off-road terrain. ‘Ironman +’ refers to the approximate distance completed in each race: 3.6km swim, 180km cycle and 42km run or longer.

Triathlon multisport refers to competitive events where athletes participate in a minimum of two of the following disciplines: swimming, cycling, running. Races can take place on roads or on off-road terrain. ‘Up to Half iron’ refers to the approximate distance completed in each race: 1.9km swim, 90km cycle and 21km run.

Higher Risk Riding - Pack C

Includes everything in Packs A and B, plus activities that involve increased speed, distance, terrain, altitude or technical difficulty.

Downhill mountain biking refers to descending on categorised routes only. Categories are based on the terrain, obstacles, steepness, and overall technicality of the routes with cyclists travelling at speed, possibly encountering drops and jumps. It usually requires finding another way to the top of the route, whether hiking, shuttling, or using a chairlift. 4X (Four-Cross) racing, is a type of downhill mountain biking.

Mountain bike trials riding is a specialised discipline of mountain biking where riders navigate through challenging obstacles including drops and gaps (both natural and man-made) without putting their feet on the ground. It focuses on balance, precision, and bike control, rather than speed.

Enduro (all-mountain) refers to a style of mountain biking that combines elements of downhill and cross-country riding. Enduro is also commonly associated with competitive events, typically consisting of multiple timed stages, often with uphill transfers between stages, where riders must complete downhill segments against the clock.

Freeriding involves performing tricks and stunts on natural or man-made features, such as jumps, drops, and obstacles. It often takes place in bike parks or specially designed trails.

Dirt jumping focuses on jumping over dirt ramps or mounds, with an emphasis on performing tricks in the air. It often takes place in dedicated dirt jump parks.

Ultra-endurance racing refers to non-stop cycling events that cover long distances over a period of several hours to several days. These races often require participants to ride continuously with minimal rest. Ultra-endurance cycling races can take place on roads, gravel, or off-road terrain, and can either be supported (with crew assistance) or unsupported (self-sufficient).

Ultra-endurance refers to cycling that covers distances over 160km. This often requires participants to ride continuously with minimal rest. Ultra-endurance can take place on roads, gravel, or off-road terrain, and can either be supported (with crew assistance) or unsupported (self-sufficient).

Mountain bike guided tours refer to organised cycling excursions led by professional guides through mountainous terrain at elevations above 3,500m but no higher than 5,500m.

Our Mountain Bike Travel Insurance Cover Explained

Our mtb travel insurance includes the essential protection you’d expect when travelling abroad — with additional protection designed around mountain bikers’ needs. Below is a summary of what’s included. Full terms, conditions and limits are set out in the policy wording.

Covers emergency medical treatment if you’re injured or taken ill while travelling abroad, including injuries sustained while mountain biking during your trip.

This includes treatment for mountain biking injuries sustained on off-road trails, descents, at recognised trail centres, or in bike parks abroad, in line with your selected activity pack.

Covers non-refundable travel and accommodation costs if you need to cancel or cut short your trip for an insured reason.

This includes situations where a mountain biking–related injury prevents you from travelling or from taking part in the cycling activity your trip is based around, subject to the policy terms.

If you’re seriously injured or unwell while abroad, repatriation cover helps get you back to the UK when medically necessary.

This includes emergency transport and medical escort arrangements where required, in line with medical advice.

Includes cover elements that are particularly relevant to mountain bike trips, where mountain biking is the main purpose of travel.

This may include mtb-related medical treatment, activity-specific cancellation scenarios, and cover designed to reflect how mtb trips are planned and undertaken.

Provides personal liability cover if you’re held legally responsible for causing injury to another person or damage to their property while mountain biking abroad.

This applies while riding in accordance with the activities and conditions set out in the policy.

Choose between single-trip cover for a specific mountain biking trip, or annual multi-trip cover if you travel regularly to ride abroad.

Both options are available depending on your travel plans and how often you mountain bike overseas.

Covers loss, theft or damage to personal belongings while travelling, including cycling-related equipment where applicable.

Policy limits and conditions apply, and high-value items must be declared in line with the policy wording.

Cover applies where mountain biking activities are structured, organised, or competitive — including training camps, events, or races — provided the activity is listed within the appropriate activity pack.

This helps ensure your travel cover remains valid when riding goes beyond casual leisure use.

We cover cycling-related gadgets such as GPS bike computers, action cameras and other high-value electrical items you take with you on your trip.

This can include devices like Garmin, Wahoo or GoPro units, subject to the policy terms, limits and the activities you’re undertaking.

Cover at a glance

The table below gives a high-level summary of the main benefits and limits included with our cycle travel insurance. Cover levels vary depending on the type of trip and activity you’re undertaking. Full terms, conditions and limits are set out in the policy wording.
Benefit Limit
Trip Cancellation £5,000
Medical Expenses / Repatriation (incl. heli-rescue if injured riding in the mountains) £10mil
Dental Treatment £250
Hospital Benefit £500
Valuables £5,000
Travel Documents £250
Delayed Baggage £250
Personal Money £500
Travel Delay £250
Holiday Abandonment £5,000
Missed Departure £1,000
Loss of Limbs or Sight £20,000
Permanent Disablement £20,000
Death Benefit £10,000
Personal Liability £2m
Emergency Cycle Hire £500
Race Fee Cancellation Cover £500
Cycle Breakdown Benefit £200
Cycle Repatriation Benefit £250
Gadget Cover £2,000
Ski Equipment £350
Ski Hire £300
Ski Pack £200
Piste Closure £300
Delay due to Avalanche £300

Limits and benefits are designed to reflect mountain bike-led travel, including training trips, events and riding abroad.

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Single Trip or Annual Mountain Bike Travel Insurance?

You can choose between single-trip or annual multi-trip mountain bike travel insurance, depending on how often you plan to travel abroad to ride.

Single-trip cover is designed for a specific mountain biking holiday or bike park trip, covering you for the duration of that journey only.

Annual multi-trip cover can suit riders taking multiple mountain biking trips each year — from European trail centres and bike parks to overseas mountain biking destinations — without the need to arrange cover for each trip separately.

Both options are available subject to policy terms, trip duration limits, and the activities selected for your travel.

Mountain Bike Travel Insurance

Common questions about mountain bike travel insurance

Mountain bikers often want reassurance on a few key points before getting a quote. Below are the answers to the questions we’re asked most often about mountain bike travel insurance.

Downhill mountain biking can be covered, provided it is listed within the appropriate activity pack selected for your trip. You should always check the activity definitions to ensure downhill riding is included under your chosen level of cover.

Mountain bike travel insurance is specialist travel insurance designed for trips where mountain biking is the main reason for travel. It provides travel cover that takes into account off-road riding, trail centres, bike parks, and higher-risk cycling activities, rather than treating cycling as a minor add-on to a standard holiday policy.

Standard travel insurance often excludes or limits cover for off-road or higher-risk cycling activities. Mountain bike travel insurance is structured around cycling risk levels, allowing you to select an activity pack that reflects the type of riding you’re doing, such as trail riding, enduro, downhill, or bike park riding.

Bike park riding and uplift-assisted mountain biking may be covered where included within the relevant activity pack. Cover applies in line with the policy terms and the activities selected when arranging your insurance.

Enduro riding, including organised or competitive enduro events, can be covered where it is listed within the appropriate activity pack. Training rides and events may be treated differently, so it’s important to select cover that matches how you plan to ride.

Mountain bike racing may be covered if the race or event is included within the activity pack you select. Competitive riding is typically classified separately from leisure riding, so you should ensure racing is specifically listed before travelling.

Emergency medical expenses can be covered if you are injured while mountain biking abroad, provided the activity is included within your selected activity pack and you comply with the policy terms and conditions.

Off-road riding, including technical trails, can be covered where included within the relevant activity pack. Cover depends on how the activity is defined in the policy and the level of risk selected.

Mountain bike travel insurance does not provide cover for damage to your bike while riding, and should not be relied on to insure your mountain bike against theft or accidental damage.

If you need protection for your bike itself — whether at home or while travelling — this is provided through a separate specialist
mountain bike insurance
policy, designed specifically to cover theft and damage in line with how mountain bikes are used.

No. Mountain bike travel insurance focuses on travel-related risks, such as emergency medical treatment, trip cancellation, and travel disruption.

Damage to your mountain bike caused by crashes, falls, or riding incidents is not covered under travel insurance. Riders should arrange separate
mountain bike insurance
if they want cover for accidental damage to their bike.

Yes — mountain bike insurance and mountain bike travel insurance cover different risks and are designed to work alongside each other.

  • Mountain bike insurance covers theft or damage to your bike
  • Mountain bike travel insurance covers medical expenses, trip cancellation, and travel disruption when riding abroad

If you’re travelling overseas to ride, you may need both, depending on the level of protection you want.

The correct activity pack depends on the type of mountain biking you plan to do, such as trail riding, bike parks, downhill, or racing. Activity packs group cycling by risk level, with definitions provided to help you select the appropriate cover for your trip.

Yes. You can choose single trip cover for a specific mountain biking holiday, or annual multi-trip cover if you plan to take multiple mountain biking trips abroad within a year, subject to policy limits.

Mountain bike travel insurance can be suitable for overseas trail centres, provided the riding you plan to do is included within your selected activity pack and complies with the policy conditions.

Mountain bike training camps may be covered where training activities are listed within the appropriate activity pack. Structured or organised riding should always be checked against the policy definitions.

If you plan to ride off-road while travelling abroad, mountain bike travel insurance allows you to select cover that reflects off-road riding risk, rather than relying on standard travel insurance that may exclude it.

Cover is available for different geographical regions, subject to policy terms. You should select the appropriate destination area based on where you plan to travel and ride.

Personal liability cover may be included if you are held legally responsible for accidental injury to a third party or damage to their property while mountain biking abroad, subject to policy terms and exclusions.

Specialist mountain bike travel insurance is designed for riders travelling to ride. It reflects the realities of mountain biking abroad, including terrain, riding style, and activity risk — rather than treating cycling as a standard holiday extra.

On the Better Route

Guides and insights to help you plan mountain biking trips abroad and understand the risks before you travel.

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