Travel Insurance that covers competitive MTB'ing

[Chris Nicholson]

Hi all

I will be doing the Swiss Epic in August and I cannot find an insurance company that covers mountain biking. All travel insurance policies specifically have "competitive mountain biking" as an exclusion. I have tired TIC, Bytes and Holland. Does anyone know who does?

Thanks, Chris

['Kaze Pete]

https://www.allianz-assistance.co.za/
Do you want sport cover: YES

[ChrisF]

2 hours ago, Chris Nicholson said:

Hi all

I will be doing the Swiss Epic in August and I cannot find an insurance company that covers mountain biking. All travel insurance policies specifically have "competitive mountain biking" as an exclusion. I have tired TIC, Bytes and Holland. Does anyone know who does?

Thanks, Chris

 

With Santam there is a distinction between:

- an amateur taking part in an event (not professional)

- A "pro rider" taking part in an event.

 

My broker explained to me the difference is when the rider is a paid rider, or has "professional sponsors" (not just a back-a-buddy for a bucket list event).

 

 

Not sure if this helps in your case.

 

 

There are a couple of insurance brokers that are active on the other insurance threads

[Sally E Kirk]

2 hours ago, Chris Nicholson said:

Hi all

I will be doing the Swiss Epic in August and I cannot find an insurance company that covers mountain biking. All travel insurance policies specifically have "competitive mountain biking" as an exclusion. I have tired TIC, Bytes and Holland. Does anyone know who does?

Thanks, Chris

I have used Discovery Medical Aid's International Travel benefit extensively in the past - the first 90 days of travel outside of South Africa are covered.  Both my sons do competitive DH racing in Europe on an amateur level.  I also buy them general travel insurance (Bryte or TIC) which covers loss of luggage, theft, flight cancellations etc.  When the 90 days with Discovery are up, I buy per race or per month insurance online from Insubuy, which is $ based but does cover a whole host of sports.  I also use Outsurance out and about which covers theft/loss of bikes, phones, Garmin, Gopro, laptop etc anywhere in the world.  I have checked out the Allianz link one of the other responses mentioned and I am waiting for them to reply to me with specific details on the "Sport" cover.

[michaelbiker]

Check out SafetyWing. We use it quite often and I believe it covers mountain biking. Not sure if there is a distinction between competitive and recreational though. 

[Shebeen]

3 hours ago, Sally E Kirk said:

I have used Discovery Medical Aid's International Travel benefit extensively in the past - the first 90 days of travel outside of South Africa are covered.  Both my sons do competitive DH racing in Europe on an amateur level.  I also buy them general travel insurance (Bryte or TIC) which covers loss of luggage, theft, flight cancellations etc.  When the 90 days with Discovery are up, I buy per race or per month insurance online from Insubuy, which is $ based but does cover a whole host of sports.  I also use Outsurance out and about which covers theft/loss of bikes, phones, Garmin, Gopro, laptop etc anywhere in the world.  I have checked out the Allianz link one of the other responses mentioned and I am waiting for them to reply to me with specific details on the "Sport" cover.

Probably the best advice you will ever get on the subject! 

[Dusty]

14 hours ago, Sally E Kirk said:

I have used Discovery Medical Aid's International Travel benefit extensively in the past - the first 90 days of travel outside of South Africa are covered.  Both my sons do competitive DH racing in Europe on an amateur level.  I also buy them general travel insurance (Bryte or TIC) which covers loss of luggage, theft, flight cancellations etc.  When the 90 days with Discovery are up, I buy per race or per month insurance online from Insubuy, which is $ based but does cover a whole host of sports.  I also use Outsurance out and about which covers theft/loss of bikes, phones, Garmin, Gopro, laptop etc anywhere in the world.  I have checked out the Allianz link one of the other responses mentioned and I am waiting for them to reply to me with specific details on the "Sport" cover.

Momentum Health have similar cover.

[dave303e]

Literally been on this mission for a few days now.

TIC covers sports, but if you go over 3500m above sea level it does not cover the sport.
If you are from the UK, the race organiser(Silk Road MTB) recomended yellow jacket.
Otherwise you are probably best off with SafetyWing but it is fairly expensive

I have Discovery and have topped up with TIC and hoping for the best between the 2...

[Chris Nicholson]

Hi all

Thank you for the feedback. For everyone's benefit, I have now tried TIC, Bytes, Santam, Safetywing, Allianz and they all have the same exclusion, regardless if you are a professional or amateur, if its a mountain biking "competition" its specially excluded. I am also unfortunately not a member with Discovery, I am with another medical aid (CAMAF).

So I am completely stumped now and cannot believe there isn't anyone who would cover this. Any other recommendations would be welcome.

Edited July 2, 2025 by Chris Nicholson

[ChrisF]

35 minutes ago, Chris Nicholson said:

Hi all

Thank you for the feedback. For everyone's benefit, I have now tried TIC, Bytes, Santam, Safetywing, Allianz and they all have the same exclusion, regardless if you are a professional or amateur, if its a mountain biking "competition" its specially excluded. I am also unfortunately not a member with Discovery, I am with another medical aid (CAMAF).

So I am completely stumped now and cannot believe there isn't anyone who would cover this. Any other recommendations would be welcome.

 

Do ask Santam again - via a broker.

 

I am insured with Santam, FULL cover when doing events from Argus to the 3-day Trans-Augrabies, as an AMATEUR taking part in a timed event.

 

 

Seriously frustrating when they give out conflicting information.

[Sally E Kirk]

1 hour ago, Chris Nicholson said:

Hi all

Thank you for the feedback. For everyone's benefit, I have now tried TIC, Bytes, Santam, Safetywing, Allianz and they all have the same exclusion, regardless if you are a professional or amateur, if its a mountain biking "competition" its specially excluded. I am also unfortunately not a member with Discovery, I am with another medical aid (CAMAF).

So I am completely stumped now and cannot believe there isn't anyone who would cover this. Any other recommendations would be welcome.

You could try Wayne Axford at www.teamabm.com or wayne@teamabm.com.  His team made some recommendations last year when I was struggling to find the right cover.