Zoom Travel Insurance has highlighted a knowledge gap among travellers regarding licensing requirements for two-wheeled vehicles overseas.
Its recent survey found that 40% of respondents were unaware that a valid motorcycle or scooter licence is required for insurance coverage to apply – which is why insurers and brokers must ensure that their clients fully understand their coverage.
The advisory comes as Australians increasingly return to overseas travel. According to the Allianz Partners Travel Index, 71% of adults plan to travel within the next 12 months, with cost remaining a key consideration. Yet, despite financial pressures, travel remains a high priority – particularly among younger Australians. Zoom’s data also showed that travel remains a high priority for many Australians, even in the face of rising living expenses and a weaker Australian dollar.
Speaking on the issue, Zoom’s marketing manager Natasha Sullivan said there is a widespread assumption among travellers that scooter hire is automatically covered.
“Too many tourists assume they can hire a scooter without the correct license. Tourists planning to hire a scooter or motorbike must ensure they are properly licensed in order to be covered by travel insurance. Should they fail to do so, they’d likely not be covered by travel insurance in the event of an accident,” she said.
Under Zoom’s policy, travellers need a motorcycle licence to ride vehicles exceeding 125cc. For scooters at or below that threshold, an Australian driver’s licence is typically acceptable. However, Sullivan advised that the licence must be valid in the destination country, and some jurisdictions may also require an international driving permit.
The warnings come amid heightened concern following several fatal crashes involving Australians in Bali. At least three deaths linked to scooter or motorcycle accidents were reported in 2024. In many of these cases, the individuals involved lacked sufficient insurance, placing financial strain on families tasked with funding medical or repatriation expenses.
“We’ve seen a sharp increase in scooter and motorbike accidents overseas, with some resulting in horrific injuries and lifelong consequences. Travellers need to be aware of the risks and ensure they understand licensing rules and their travel insurance coverage before getting on a bike,” Sullivan said, adding that coverage conditions apply to passengers as well.
“If you're riding as a passenger on the back of a bike, your driver must be properly licensed. Additionally, both driver and passenger are required to wear a helmet in order to be covered by travel insurance,” she said.
