Essential travel insurance guide for Vietnam motorbike trip

27 Mar

Essential travel insurance for your Vietnam motorbike adventure

Enjoying the scenic roads of Vietnam on a motorbike is an unforgettable adventure. In order to have a worry-free Vietnam motorbike trip, securing the right travel insurance is crucial before you twist the throttle and hit the open road. In this blog, Vietnam Biker Mates will provide an ultimate guide to help you navigate buying travel insurance for your Vietnam motorbike trip.

I. Types of travel insurance for Vietnam motorbike trip

When planning a motorbike trip through Vietnam, it’s imperative to have comprehensive travel insurance that caters to the unique needs of such an adventure. Here’s a more detailed look at the types of insurance you should consider:

1. Personal medical insurance

This type of insurance is compulsory for any traveler. It typically covers medical expenses for accidents and sudden illnesses. However, it’s crucial to check if your policy includes emergency evacuation and repatriation, especially important in remote areas where medical facilities may not be up to par.

Travel insurance covers you in the event of an motorcycle accident

Personal medical insurance – Must have travel insurance for Vietnam motorbike trip ( Source: Vietnam Biker Mates )

It’s important to note the policy exclusions, particularly regarding injuries sustained during high-risk activities, which are typically not covered unless you choose a plan specifically designed for such activities. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that adventure sports and participation in organized sporting competitions are generally not well-supported by standard insurance plans.

2. Third-Party liability insurance

Third-party liability insurance is a type of coverage that financially protects you if you’re considered responsible for damages or injury to another person or their property. Third-party liability covers (up to the specified limit on your policy), but is not limited to:

Repair costs for vehicles or property that have been damaged
Legal fees incurred during the settlement process
Settlement costs associated with resolving claims
Medical expenses for injuries caused

Travel insurance covers the repair costs for damaged vehicle

Third – party liability – Essential travel insurance for Vietnam motorbike trip ( Source: Vietnam Biker Mates )

Accidents are unpredictable and can occur to anyone at any moment. Having adequate coverage and in the appropriate amounts is crucial to shield yourself from the financial burdens that may arise if you are found accountable for any damages or injuries. Medical bills, legal costs, and related expenses can quickly become overwhelming. However, with sufficient third-party liability insurance, you can mitigate the risk of having to cover these costs from your own pocket.

To purchase this travel insurance, you will need to show the Blue Card of the vehicle and your Vietnamese driving license. Again, how valid a foreign health insurance company will see this, is unknown. However, once you have this you can legitimately claim that you did everything possible to drive legally.

3. Bike theft insurance and Damage waiver

In Vietnam, this type of insurance is generally not available due to their low popularity. For the safety of rental bikes, it is advised to utilize secure, paid parking services that charge nominal fees ranging from 25 to 50 cents. Always remember to take the key with you to ensure the bike’s security.

For those seeking additional protection, certain insurers like Liberty Insurance Vietnam offer a product named MotoCare. This policy provides coverage against theft, robbery, fire, explosion, or forced entry, provided you have the necessary registration and driving license.

Regarding Bike Damage Waiver, it’s rare to find an insurance company in Vietnam that provides this coverage. However, some rental agencies might offer a damage waiver that covers damages to the bike, with certain exceptions like theft, loss, or damages to third parties. This waiver is typically non-refundable and its cost may vary based on the bike model and rental period.

Travel insurance for Vietnam motorbike trip

Travel insurance for cases of vehicle theft or damage due to a fall ( Source: Internet )

4. Trip Delay, interruption, and cancellation

These coverages are essential for unexpected events that could affect your travel plans. Trip delay insurance can reimburse you for additional accommodation and travel expenses, while interruption insurance may cover the unused portion of your trip.

Cancellation coverages reimburse you for nonrefundable if the trip has to be canceled for one of the following reason:

The operator of the motorbike tour go bankrupt
Your illness
Illness/death of your family member
Natural disasters

Travel insurance provides coverage for trip cancellation by unexpected events

Trip cancellation coverage are essential for unexpected events ( Source: Vietnam Biker Mates )

Meanwhile, trip interruption insurance covers all nonrefundable costs for the rest of your trips if they are cut in due to reasons specified in the policies. and delay coverages help handle expenses like meals and lodging in the face of unwanted trip delay.

Many policies have all these three covered. Some travel insurance providers offer special coverage layers at a higher cost such as the canceled for any reasons option that recovers a huge part of your trip regardless of why you backed out. Please NOTE that all these insurances differ from cancellations waivers offered by tour operators and cruise lines.

II. How to buy travel insurance for Vietnam motorbike trip ?

When planning a motorbike trip to Vietnam, securing the right travel insurance is crucial for peace of mind and safety. Here’s a concise guide to help you navigate the process:

– Types of Coverage:

Understand the different types of insurance available, such as medical, trip delay, and personal belongings coverage, to choose the one that best suits your needs. But, a perfect motorbike travel insurance should cover such as: Emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation or interruption, lost or stolen luggage and personal belongings, emergency evacuation and repatriation, accidental death and dismemberment.
Additionally, ensure that the policy covers you for the specific regions you’ll be traveling to and that it doesn’t exclude certain types of roads or activities that you plan to undertake. Always read the terms carefully and consider any additional coverage you may need based on your travel plans.

What should cover in travel insurance for Vietnam motorbike trip ? ( Source: Internet )

-What‘s not covered:

Pre-existing medical conditions: Any medical issues that existed before the policy start date may not be covered.
Reckless behavior: This includes riding without a helmet, speeding, or disobeying local road laws.
Illegal activities: Engaging in unlawful acts or riding without a valid license.
Professional-level riding: If you’re participating in paid or sponsored motorbike events.
Racing or competition: Insurance usually doesn’t cover events like races or speed tests.
Intoxication: Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol can invalidate your coverage.

– Cost Factors:

The trip’s cost and length: The more expensive your tour is, the higher your insurance will cost
Local healthcare costs: High healthcare costs at your destination may also drive the insurance price.
Medical conditions that you need coverage for: Diseases/ Conditions you and your team members already have will raise the insurance charges.
Breadth and amount of coverage: More risks covered by the policy mean higher charges.
Age: Older age equals higher prices
Optional supplement: Extra fees are expected for premium options.

Read carefully about policy information in travel insurance ( Source: Internet )

III. Best travel insurance providers for Vietnam motorbike trip

Most travel companies in Vietnam will not provide this type of insurance, so you need to buy it yourself if you intend to travel motorcycles in Vietnam. Make sure that you are properly licensed and get all the required safety equipment. Then you are all covered.

Insurance requirements:

1) You must have a riding license that is recognized as valid in Vietnam;

2) You must also have a license (to ride) that is still valid in your own country;

3) The license you have must be valid for the type of bikes that you are riding.

Here are the some of the travel insurance provider for a motorbike trip to Vietnam for your considerations:

Cover More: Renowned for its medical coverage, Cover More is a top choice for travelers seeking extensive health protection. They offer a wide range of plans, ensuring that whether you’re cruising through the bustling streets of Hanoi or the serene countryside, you’re covered for any medical emergencies.
World Nomads: A favorite among adventurers and digital nomads, World Nomads provides flexible insurance options that cover a variety of travel activities, including motorbiking. Their policies are designed to protect you from trip interruptions, theft, and unexpected medical issues, making them a reliable choice for the modern traveler.

How to find the best travel insurance provider ? ( Source: Internet )

IM Global: With a focus on international medical insurance, IM Global offers policies that are perfect for those looking to explore Vietnam’s remote areas. Their coverage ensures that you have access to quality healthcare, no matter where your journey takes you.
AIA: As one of Asia’s largest insurers, AIA provides a range of travel insurance policies that include emergency medical services, trip cancellation, and baggage loss. Their strong presence in the region means they have a deep understanding of the specific risks associated with traveling in Vietnam.
AXA: AXA’s policies are known for their reliability and comprehensive coverage. They offer various levels of protection, allowing you to customize your policy according to the length and nature of your trip.

When selecting your travel insurance provider, it’s important to compare the coverage details, customer service reputation, and claim process efficiency. Look for policies that offer 24/7 assistance and consider any additional benefits that may be relevant to your trip, such as coverage for extreme sports or high-value items.

Remember, the right one will not only offer financial protection but also support and guidance in case of any difficulties during your Vietnam motorbike adventure. Choose wisely to ensure a safe and memorable experience.