Downhill Mountain Biking Travel Insurance

Downhill Mountain biking is a big step up from what might be termed as recreational mountain biking. This form of the sport, also known as Mechanical Lift Assisted Mountain Biking is a sport where participants skip the riding uphill bit of biking, instead using a ski lift or van to take them to a mountain summit or hill top, and then descend on trails to its foot. It is popular in many countries including Canada and the USA.

Daily, Short Term or Annual Policy?

If you are planning to take a two week mountain biking break, and maybe go skiing in the winter and have a weekend away at some other time of the year, getting an annual policy might seem the obvious choice. However when undertaking 'extreme' activities such as downhill mountain biking this can be an expensive way of getting cover, particularly if looking to buy a family policy and there is only one member of the family who will be biking and perhaps only for a few days of the holiday.

A typical quotation for an annual family European policy including cover for lift assisted mountain biking including winter sports can be around £500. For an individual policy for someone in their thirties it tends to vary from around £150 to £220. Now this might be good value if you are passionate followers of the sport making frequent trips. However, if it's only one person undertaking the activity for a couple of weeks, it's perfectly possible to get a standalone activity travel insurance policy for, perhaps, £80 to £100, for the individual and combine this with a standard winter sports inclusive annual travel insurance policy that is likely to cost between £40 and £100 for a family, even less for an individual.

On the other hand, if you pop over the to Alps on a regular basis, then an annual policy may well be the way forward.

If only one member of a family undertakes an extreme activity a standard policy for the rest of the family, and an individual policy for the downhill mountain biker may work out as a more reasonable option. Do be careful if you are declaring a medical condition for any member of the insured party though as cancellation may not be covered across other independent travel insurance policies if that person cannot travel due to a reason connected to the declared medical condition.

For Downhill Mountain Biking

InsureandGo Travel Insurance

Leisure mountain biking is covered under their standard sports. If you wish to take part in downhill mountain biking then you will need to add on the optional cover for hazardous activities. This will then provide cover for downhill racing as well as off-road riding. There are additional terms and conditions and an added medical excess with this section so do please read the policy carefully to ensure it will supply adequate cover.

For Leisure Mountain Bikers

Coverwise - Mountain Biking Insurance

Coverwise include leisure Mountain Biking as standard - as long as it does not entail downhill and extreme terrain biking.

This policy might therefore be suitable for someone using a mountain bike for a cycling holiday or trips out on paths and tracks.

Downhill Mountain Biking Insurance

Downhill Mountain Biking or Mechanical Lift Assisted Mountain Biking is a sport that originated in the Rockies overlooking the American West Coast

Normally those taking part wear special protective gear. Whilst there is no legal requirement to do so, any insurer expects that a policyholder ought to 'take reasonable care' which means they should be equipped appropriately.

Most policies cover non-competitive situations - if you are in any doubt as to the level of cover required or whether or not you will be insured, talk to your insurer.

As with any travel insurance it's really important that you are properly covered for what you are likely to be doing whilst away. This means that you do need to consider any other activities you might undertake whilst in the mountains, from Via Ferrata to Climbing or High Altitude Trekking. Please take a few minutes before applying for your insurance to consider your plans. Also do read the terms and conditions carefully (and certainly before your trip starts and within 14 days of buying your policy) as you have a cooling off period if you discover a gaping hole).

Ski resorts around the world are finding Downhill Mountain Biking is a great way to use their expensive lift facilities year round. Popular European locations include Scotland, France, Austria, Croatia, Italy, Wales and Switzerland, whilst further afield Australia and the US have great trails.

This content was last reviewed on 26/11/2024