Thinking of Doing a Moped or Motorbike Tour Abroad? Read This First!

There’s something undeniably appealing about exploring a country on two wheels. From winding mountain roads to coastal routes and rural villages, a moped or motorbike tour promises freedom, adventure, and unforgettable views.

It’s no surprise that experiences like the Ha Giang Loop in Vietnam, coastal scooter routes in Thailand, and island touring in Greece have become hugely popular with travellers. But before you book a moped or motorbike tour abroad, it’s important to understand how travel insurance works, and, just as importantly, what it doesn’t cover.

This guide explains the key differences between motorbike touring and general moped or motorbike use, so you can make informed decisions before you travel and make sure you have appropriate travel insurance.

What Do We Mean by a “Moped or Motorbike Tour”?

A moped or motorbike tour usually involves:

• Riding over multiple days
• Covering long distances
• Using a moped or motorbike as your main mode of transport
• Travelling through rural or remote areas

A well-known example is the Ha Giang Loop in northern Vietnam, a multi-day motorbike route through mountainous terrain. Other popular touring experiences include long-distance scooter routes across Thailand, island-hopping by moped in Greece, and guided motorbike tours across parts of South East Asia.

While these experiences can be incredible and exhilarating, they carry a higher level of risk. It’s this extra risk that is why insurers and underwriters treat touring differently from casual moped or scooter use.

Why Moped or Motorbike Tours Aren’t Covered by Go Walkabout Travel Insurance

At Go Walkabout, moped and motorbike touring is not covered under our travel insurance policies. This applies regardless of:

• Engine size
• Whether the tour is guided or self-led
• Whether you are the driver or passenger
• Your riding experience

Moped and motorbike touring is considered higher risk due to:

• Extended time on the road
• Increased likelihood of accidents
• Remote locations with limited access to emergency services
• Complex and costly medical evacuation scenarios

This approach isn’t unique to Go Walkabout. Many travel insurance providers apply similar exclusions when a moped or motorbike becomes the main mode of transport during a trip.

What Is Covered: General Use of Mopeds and Motorbikes Abroad

While touring isn’t covered, general use of a moped or motorbike may be covered under certain conditions.

General use typically means:

• Short, occasional journeys
• Hiring a scooter to get around a town or resort
• Local transport rather than long-distance travel

To be covered on a moped or motorbike, you must meet all policy requirements, including holding the correct licence and adding the appropriate activity pack.

You can read more in our dedicated guide:
👉 Are you insured to ride a moped or motorbike abroad?

Licence, Helmet, and Pillion Passenger Rules You Must Follow For Travel Insurance

To be covered under Go Walkabout’s travel insurance for general moped or motorbike use, the following rules apply:

• You must hold the appropriate valid UK licence for the vehicle you are riding
• If you passed your UK driving test after 1 February 2001, you’ll also need a valid CBT (Certificate of Basic Training)
• A CBT does not allow you to carry a passenger
• You must wear a crash helmet at all times, whether legally required locally or not
• If riding pillion, the rider must:
  • Hold a full UK licence, or
  • Hold a valid licence for the country being visited

If these conditions aren’t met, you won’t be covered under any section of the policy. Always read the small print to avoid common mistakes!

Moped and Motorbike Engine Size and Activity Packs Explained

The level of travel insurance cover available depends on the engine size of the vehicle and the activity pack added:

• On-road motorbiking under 125cc: Activity Pack 2 required
• On-road motorbiking over 125cc: Activity Pack 3 required

It’s important to note that activity packs only apply to general use. Adding an activity pack does not extend cover to moped or motorbike touring.

Important Insurance Limitations to Be Aware Of

Even where general use is covered, there are key limitations to understand:

• Medical expenses will be covered only if all policy conditions are met
• You are not covered for personal liability arising from the use of motor vehicles
• This means damage or injury caused to others may not be insured

Because of this, it’s essential to arrange separate motor insurance alongside your travel insurance in the country you’re visiting when hiring a moped or motorbike.

Popular Destinations Where Confusion Often Arises

We receive many questions about moped and motorbike use in destinations such as:

• Vietnam, particularly the Ha Giang Loop
• Thailand, where scooter hire is common in tourist areas
• Greece, especially on the islands

These destinations are popular for a reason, but local road conditions, traffic laws, and insurance requirements can vary significantly.

If you’re planning travel in these regions, our destination guides for Thailand and Greece, as well as our Winter Sun in South East Asia article, offer helpful planning advice.

Before You Book a Moped or Motorbike Tour Experience

We recommend you ask yourself the following questions before you book a moped or motorbike tour experience:

1. Is this a tour or my main form of transport?
2. Do I have the correct licence and CBT?
3. Am I legally allowed to carry a passenger?
4. Have I arranged separate local motor insurance?
5. Does my travel insurance clearly explain what is and isn’t covered?

Taking a few minutes to check these details before you travel can save a lot of stress later.

FAQs: Moped and Motorbike Use Abroad

Is the Ha Giang Loop covered by Go Walkabout travel insurance?

No. The Ha Giang Loop is considered a motorbike tour, where the bike is the main mode of transport over multiple days. This type of touring is not covered by Go Walkabout travel insurance.

Can I ride a scooter abroad with travel insurance?

Yes, general use of a scooter or moped may be covered, provided you meet all licence requirements and add the appropriate activity pack. Touring is not covered.

Do I need a full licence to ride a moped abroad?

You must hold the appropriate valid UK licence for the vehicle you are riding. If you passed your test after 1 February 2001, you’ll also need a valid CBT.

Does travel insurance cover motorbike accidents abroad?

Medical expenses may be covered if all policy conditions are met and the riding qualifies as general use. However, personal liability related to motor vehicles is not covered, so separate motor insurance is essential.

Are guided motorbike tours covered?

No. Even if the tour is guided, moped and motorbike touring is not covered under Go Walkabout travel insurance.

Know Before You Twist and Go

Moped and motorbike tours can be an unforgettable way to explore a destination; we get that, and we love that! But they also come with responsibilities and risks that standard travel insurance isn’t designed to cover.

By understanding the difference between touring and general use, checking licence requirements, and arranging appropriate local insurance, you can make safer, more informed choices and enjoy your travels with confidence.