Considering some two-wheel time on holiday? Here's some fast facts about this popular sport:
Keep reading to find out what travel insurance can help you with if you’re planning to go cycling this holiday.
If you find yourself in trouble, we might be able to help:
You won’t be covered for anything arising from your cycling if:
New Zealand takes its cycling seriously. This country is the home of the “New Zealand Cycle Trail”, a network of 22 dedicated mountain- and road-bike paths that cover more than 2500 kilometres of both the North and South islands, and cater to riders of all ages, abilities and fitness levels.
If you’re after a country to do some cycling, this is the one. You won’t even need the help of an organised tour: just bike rental and accommodation will do it.
And what awaits? Serious adventure. Or, just a bit of fun. Depends on your preference. At one end of the scale you have the Hawke’s Bay Trails, on the east coast of NZ’s North Island. This is a series of four trails that barely have a bump in them, let alone a hill. They’re designed to allow even the most inexperienced cyclist to get around the wineries, waterways and coastal reaches of the region and enjoy everything it has to offer, while spending their nights in towns like Napier and Hastings.
At the other end of the scale: the Queen Charlotte Track, a badass 70km single-track mountain-biking path, a third of which is rated Grade 4, for advanced riders only. This is a two-day journey through rugged forest in the Marlborough region at the top of the South Island. It’s filled with steep climbs and rapid descents, with lumps and bumps and knobbly bits. It’s a challenge - but it’s fun.
In between those two extremes you have a whole heap of great trails, ranging from single-day to those that take almost a week, covering the whole country, from mountains to coastline, forests to open plains. If you’re into cycling and you want some of the world’s best nature, then perhaps NZ is the place to go.
Ever notice how people who cycle a lot seem to wear very bright clothing? There’s a reason for that, and it all comes down to visibility, for both other cyclists, and more importantly, cars.
Too big or too small: neither is good for controlling a bike. When hiring a bike, make sure you choose the right bicycle frame size for your height. Whoever you’re hiring or buying a bike from, they should be able to help you.
It sounds obvious, but in many countries round the world, the locals shun helmets. Sure, they might seem a little less hampered than someone who’s safety conscious, but studies show that helmets reduce serious head injuries by up to 50%.
When you’re approaching a red light, or riding between slow-moving cars, it’s important that you don’t get boxed in. Make sure you’re always alert and planning ahead.
1Cover does not provide cover for bicycles, we only provide cover for you medically whilst riding. (Please note that medical cover doesn’t apply if you have a Frequent Traveller Domestic or Domestic policy.)
We do not provide cover for bicycles under our policies, whether these are rentals or your own.
There is a provision to claim for Cancellation Fees and Lost Deposits of unused travel arrangements if you have to cancel your trip or your trip is shortened due to claimable events such as injury/illness, and the fees cannot be recouped from the provider.
We would not be able to provide medical cover for you if you are going against medical advice.
Provided you are within the parameters stated in the PDS, and you don’t have a Frequent Traveller Domestic or Domestic Policy, then the benefit we offer is unlimited. Please note that we don't cover for Search and Rescue.
In an emergency, get yourself to hospital. As soon as it's possible, we advise that you or a member of your travelling party call our medical assistance team who will be able to liaise with you or the hospital.
We cover 100+ activities. Find out all information you need about what’s covered and what’s not before you go adventuring.
Have a pre-existing medical condition that might affect your cycling? Pregnant? Or want to know about repatriation? Find out everything you need to know here.
If you have any other questions or queries, please visit our Contact Us page.
If you are experiencing an emergency, please use the details on our Emergency Assistance page.
1Cover ® is a registered trademark of 1Cover Pty Ltd. 1Cover Pty Ltd ABN 91 105 954 265, is an authorised representative of Coffre-Fort Pty Limited ABN 66 125 358 518, AFS Licence No. 472457. Before you buy, please read the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination. Any information contained on this website is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider these having regard to the Product Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’). Before you purchase, please note in particular, the eligibility criteria, travel warnings in place and limitations to claim under multiple policy sections.
This insurance is underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia, principal place of business at Level 19, 20 Martin Place, Sydney NSW, 2000. 1Cover's postal address is PO Box 6798, Baulkham Hills, NSW 2153, Australia.
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