Bicycle New South Wales Membership starts at just $139 annually for individuals ($119 for those eligible for concessions) and $186 for a family of up to six, providing a range of benefits that rival private health policies at a much more affordable price.
Canstar's website shows that the average annual cost for combined hospital and extras health insurance for individuals aged 36 to 59 is $3,456. In contrast, standalone extras policies range from $877 for basic coverage to $1,157 for comprehensive coverage. This is nearly tenfold more than a Bicycle New South Wales membership, with significantly lower yearly benefit limits.
For a mere $2.67 per week, Members of Bicycle New South Wales can receive reimbursements of up to 85% for non-Medicare medical expenses annually (including private hospital bed and theatre fees, ambulance services, physiotherapy, dental care, chiropractic, and osteopathy), with up to $7,500 per injury.
Comparison
In comparison, Bupa's top extras-only policy costs $30.04* per week ($1,562.08 per year), offering 80% cash back with selected providers and a combined annual maximum limit of $1,150 for physiotherapy, chiropractic, and osteopathy.
Medibank's top extras cover charges $26.63* per week ($1,384.76 per year), providing 75% cash back and an annual limit of $600 for physiotherapy, plus a combined annual maximum of $400 for chiropractic and osteopathy with selected providers.
For under $3 per week, Bicycle New South Wales Members also benefit from income protection and third-party coverage, which includes a market leading $20 million limit for injuries or damages to others—protections not included in standard health insurance policies.
Moreover, while private health insurance premiums have been rising above inflation rates, Bicycle New South Wales membership fees have only seen a minimal increase over the past few years.
Before you insure
Before purchasing insurance, be aware that coverage can vary between insurers. It's crucial to select a policy that aligns with your specific needs. Insurance doesn't encompass all scenarios, so it's vital to know what is and isn't included. Additionally, ensure you understand the premium expenses and any deductible you may be responsible for in the event of a claim.
* For the most current information, please refer to the provider's website as updates may have occurred since the time of this article.
Our three main Memberships are:
Household Membership: includes 2 adults of any age and up to 6 dependents.
Individual Membership: for the sole rider in a household.
Concession Membership: for the sole rider who is over 65, or under 25 and living away from home.
Join us here.
We also offer Corporate Memberships and Council Memberships. For more information please contact our office.
Bicycle New South Wales (Bicycle NSW) insurance, private health insurance, superannuation, and Medicare each serve different purposes and offer distinct benefits. Here's how they differ:
Bicycle NSW Insurance
- Tailored for Cyclists: Specifically designed to cover accidents and incidents that occur while cycling. This includes personal accident and $20 Million public liability cover. Coverage for injuries sustained while riding, is not typically included in standard health or home insurance policies.
- Income Protection: Provides income protection if you're unable to work due to a cycling accident, paying 85% of your weekly salary up to $1,000 for 52 weeks.
- Additional Benefits: Offers unique benefits such as coverage for taxis and rideshares if you're unable to drive, childcare benefits, and modification expenses.
- Legal Support: Access to legal advice and support for cycling-related issues, including an initial consultation at no charge with multi-award winning partner Advantage Legal our partner law firm.
- Advocacy and Community: Supports advocacy efforts to improve cycling conditions and infrastructure, and provides access to a community of cyclists for every type of bicycle user. This includes if you're a commuter, an e-bike enthusiast, a mountain biker, or a casual weekend rider.
Private Health Insurance
- Broad Health Coverage: Covers a wide range of health conditions and services, including hospital cover and extras like dental and optical care.
- Choice of Doctor and Hospital: Allows you to choose your doctor and access private hospital rooms, which can lead to shorter waiting times for certain treatments.
- Comprehensive Medical Services: Provides coverage for various medical services, including surgeries, specialist consultations, and emergency care.
- Preventive Care: Often includes preventive care services such as vaccinations, health check-ups, and screenings.
- Personal Accident: and $20 Million public liability coverage for injuries sustained while riding, is not typically included in standard health or home insurance policies. Also, why we have $7,500 per injury non medicare expenses benefit available. This is the reason why Bicycle New South Wales Insurance, (automatically included in our Membership) is so important.
Superannuation
- Retirement Savings: Superannuation is a long-term savings plan designed to provide income in retirement.
- Investment Options: Offers various investment options to grow your savings over time.
- Insurance Coverage: Many superannuation funds include life insurance, total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance, and income protection insurance.
- Tax Benefits: Contributions to superannuation are taxed at a lower rate, providing tax benefits to savers.
Medicare
- Universal Health Coverage: Medicare provides access to a wide range of health services for all Australian residents, including doctor visits, hospital care, and some prescription medications.
- Public Health System: Covers services provided in public hospitals and by general practitioners (GPs) and specialists.
- Bulk Billing: Many services are bulk billed, meaning there is no out-of-pocket cost for patients.
- Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS): Lists the medical services subsidised by the government, ensuring affordable access to essential health care.
Bicycle NSW Members are covered when they ride their bike for recreational or transport purposes. Some examples are: commuting to work, participating in an organised non-timed cycling event or charityride, riding with a group, riding on the road, a cyclepath or off road.
Members are not covered by this insurance policy when participating in a timed event (race).
For more details please download the Summary Brochure.
Yes! But they must comply with the NSW law.
Yes! Our members are covered by our insurance when riding to work, between workplaces or work sites or to work meetings.
Yes! Our members can ride anywhere in the world knowing they are covered by our personal accident insurance. Members are also covered by public liability insurance world wide excluding USA and Canada.
Members are not covered when participating ina timed event (race)
For more details download the Summary Brochure from our Insurance portal.
Key Differences
- Focus: Bicycle NSW insurance is focused on cycling-related incidents, while private health insurance covers a broader range of health issues, superannuation is for retirement savings, and Medicare provides universal health coverage.
- Income Protection: Bicycle NSW insurance offers income protection specifically for cycling accidents, which is not typically included in private health insurance or Medicare.
- Additional Benefits: Bicycle NSW insurance provides unique benefits tailored to cyclists, such as legal support and advocacy for cycling infrastructure.
- Coverage Scope: Private health insurance and Medicare cover a wide range of medical services, while superannuation focuses on retirement savings and associated insurance.
Ultimately, the choice between these options depends on your individual needs and circumstances. If you're an avid cyclist, Bicycle NSW insurance might provide more relevant and cost-effective coverage for you. If you need broader health coverage, private health insurance and Medicare are essential. For long-term financial security, superannuation is crucial.
Continue reading in the next question to discover who is covered by our insurance, the way it integrates with your private health insurance policy, and the benefits it provides.
Bikes are not covered under our insurance.
As Bicycle NSW Member you do receive 10% off with Oz Bike Insurance. Log in here to find out more benefits about being a Bicycle NSW Member.
Take a photo/s and note the location of the issue (cross streets or the longitude and latitude coordinates). We recommend contacting your local council through the contact details on their website or for main roads contact the Transport Management Centre on 131700 or fill out their online form.
If you are having difficulty, please contact Bicycle NSW on info@bicyclensw.org.au and we can help you.
Yes! No matter where our members live within Australia, they enjoy the same insurance cover and other membership benefits.
If you are living overseas, you must spend at least 6 months living in Australia within the Membership year (1 July - 30 June) for our insurance to cover you.
Your membership runs for 12 months for 12 months to the end of the month you joined the following year.
Your membership is valid for 12 months.
All memberships purchased are for 12 months and will expire at the end of the month you joined the following year.
Yes, you will receive communication from Bicycle NSW prior to your membership renewal.
For peace of mind, we recommend setting up your membership on an auto renewal basis so you will always be covered by our insurance.
If you have take up automatic renewals we start renewing Memberships before they expire to ensure our Members are not unintentionally left without insurance cover when the (old) Membership expires.
This allows time for credit card details to be updated if there is a failed payment.
When you join Bicycle NSW, you will receive a link to your Digital Membership Pass through your emails. Alternatively you can login to your account and download it there. If you are having issues with your card, please see this page.
You can easily update any of your personal details ( phone number, email or postal address) online by logging in to your Membership Account.
You can also send us an email with your new details.
Once you are logged in, please visit "My Account" Please click on the "Payment Options" tab. From here click “View membership” in order to enter your new credit card details.
If you want to set up an automatic renewal for the first time, please hit the Renew Now button on the discount code tab and pay for your membership and select the option to automatically renew in future years.
Yes you can. Please email us with your request or contact us on (02) 9704 0800.
Yes! In fact, we recommend automatic renewal as it gives peace of mind knowing that you Membership will be rolled over into the new Membership year and your insurance will remain valid.
To set up an automatic renewal for the first time, please login here, hit the Renew Now button on the discount tab and pay for your membership and select the option to automatically renew in future years.
If you have not logged in since 1 June 2022 please click on "Forgot Username?" and follow the prompts.
If you do not receive an email after clicking "Forgot Username" then please click "Forgot Password" or send an email to us or call us on (02) 9704 0800.
If you have not logged in since 1 June 2022 please click on "Forgot Username?" and follow the prompts.
If you do not receive an email after clicking "Forgot Username" then please click "Forgot Password" or send an email to us or call us on (02) 9704 0800.
First of all, we hope that you are ok.
Here are the instructions on how to make a claim through our insurer, V-Insurance.
You can visit our page here for rides in your area.
Please go to our NSW Riding Map or check out the rides run by our local Bicycle User Groups.
We recommend reaching out to your local Bicycle User Group.