Safety guide
Safety & Insurance for Motorcycle Holidays
Staying safe on tour and having the right insurance in place are non-negotiable. Here's what you need to know before you leave.
What you need to know
Know the local road laws
Traffic laws differ significantly across countries — speed limits, overtaking rules, helmet standards, and mandatory kit vary widely. In France, Spain, and Portugal you must carry a high-visibility vest accessible without opening luggage. In some countries, daytime headlights are mandatory.
Check your motorcycle insurance
Verify your policy covers touring abroad and every country on your itinerary. Many standard policies exclude off-road riding or specific non-EU countries. Consider a touring-specific policy that includes breakdown recovery and repatriation of your bike.
Get the right travel insurance
Separate travel insurance covering motorcycling is essential. The EHIC/GHIC covers state medical treatment in EU countries but not repatriation or private hospitals. Look for policies that explicitly list motorcycling as a covered activity — not all do.
Emergency preparedness
Save 112 (EU universal emergency number) and local equivalents before entering each country. Share your itinerary with someone at home. For remote routes, consider a satellite communicator. Know how to describe your location in the local language — Google Translate offline works well.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about booking a motorcycle holiday.
