Everything you need to know about travel insurance for scuba diving
- EcoOceanEscapes
- May 8, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Do you need travel insurance for scuba diving? In our opinion, yes! Read on to discover everything you need to know about insuring yourself on a dive vacation, including the difference between standard travel insurance and DAN dive insurance.
Going scuba diving is an exhilarating yet potentially dangerous activity that warrants careful consideration of travel insurance coverage. As divers, we have control over many aspects of the experience, but not all.
Strong currents, underwater obstacles and faulty equipment can quickly transform an enjoyable dive into a life-threatening emergency.
Though experienced divers take precautions, accidents can happen, even to the most seasoned scuba professionals. The reality is, scuba diving presents inherent risks that basic travel insurance policies may not address.
This is why many dive resorts and liveaboards require guests to take out scuba diving insurance, such as DAN coverage. This is in addition to standard travel insurance, which covers all the basics, such as medical emergencies, theft and cancellations (inclusions differ depending on the policy).
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between scuba diving insurance and traditional travel insurance and why you need both for a dive vacation.
To compare travel insurance policies from leading providers, check out VisitorsCoverage, which helps you get the best price for your travel destination and trip duration. More info about this highly-rated travel insurance comparison site can be found below.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
What is scuba diving insurance?
Scuba diving insurance protects divers from paying medical bills for life-threatening injuries or situations that may not normally be covered under travel insurance policies. Some standard policies will include scuba diving (to certain depths) or you may be able to purchase coverage as an add-on. You 100% need to read the fine print!
As a general rule, the deeper you dive, the better the chance that traditional travel insurance won’t cover the dive.
In our opinion, specialised scuba diving insurance is worth the additional time, research and money due to the additional risks involved in diving. It's also a requirement if you want to dive with some liveaboard operators and at specific dive resorts - if you don't have dive insurance, they won't let you dive.
Scuba diving takes place in a sometimes unforgiving environment where even a small mistake can have catastrophic consequences. As you descend, the pressure increases dramatically and the risk of decompression sickness (commonly known as "the bends") escalates exponentially. This potentially fatal condition can cause paralysis or embolisms if bubbles form in the bloodstream during too rapid of an ascent.
Additionally, the disorienting effects of nitrogen narcosis become stronger the deeper you dive, impairing judgement and increasing the chance of drowning. Emergency evacuation and treatment in a hyperbaric chamber become a necessity in these cases, often costing tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Since standard travel insurance policies usually contain exclusions for these situations, injured divers can be stuck with crippling medical debt if they don't have dive insurance.
Specialised scuba diving insurance provides affordable coverage for decompression sickness treatment, emergency medical evacuation, lost diving equipment and other diving-related risks. Basically, dive insurance gives peace of mind and financial security in the event of an underwater emergency.
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Travel insurance for divers
DAN travel insurance for scuba diving
Divers Alert Network (DAN) provides specialised diving insurance policies that are tailored to meet the unique needs of divers. Unlike many insurance providers, DAN's coverage has no depth or gas mixture limitations - so whether you are diving deep on trimix or shallow on air, you are fully covered.
DAN offers divers three tiers of coverage to choose from: Master, Preferred and Guardian. Each successive tier provides a higher coverage limit, as well as increased benefits.
For instance, while the base Master policy covers only diving accidents, upgrading to the Preferred policy provides some coverage for non-dive related incidents when traveling internationally.
The premium Guardian policy goes even further by covering search and rescue costs for diving accidents, on top of increased international coverage.
Before purchasing a policy, divers must first become a DAN member by paying the $35 annual membership fee. This membership unlocks access to DAN's tailored diving insurance policies.
Rates are dependent on your state of residence but average around $44, $79 and $119 per year for the Master, Preferred and Guardian policies respectively. Some components of coverage are subject to a $250 deductible.
Travel insurance for scuba diving
DAN World Membership vs Dive Accident (Treatment) Insurance
If navigating the DAN website has left you feeling confused, trust us, you're not alone. On first glance, we were also unsure of what we needed to do to get coverage for our dive vacation and what was the difference between DAN World Membership and DAN Dive Accident (Treatment) Insurance).
So let's break it down.
By signing up to DAN World Membership, you gain access to DAN TravelAssist - a 24/7 global emergency hotline for assistance with medical evacuations in the event of a dive injury or illness. This alone can provide priceless support if an accident occurs in a remote location.
Additionally, membership unlocks DAN's dive accident insurance products, which are exclusive to members only.
NB: You have to sign up to DAN World Membership before you can purchase DAN Insurance.
DAN Insurance is an optional add-on coverage that helps pay for medical treatment, hospitalisation and other costs stemming from a covered diving mishap. Members also receive the Alert Diver magazine, filled with stories, cutting-edge research and safety tips related to diving.
Beyond these perks, joining DAN World directly aids diving safety worldwide. A portion of dues funds ongoing research studies on diving physics, medicine and physiology. This research then translates into practical resources made available to the diving public, like the DAN Emergency Handbook.
Education is central to DAN's mission, empowering divers with knowledge that can prevent accidents in the first place.
Do I need travel insurance in addition to DAN insurance?
Should I also take out travel insurance in addition to DAN insurance? In our opinion, Yes! Honestly, we wouldn't go on a dive vacation without both DAN insurance and standard travel insurance.
DAN (Divers Alert Network) always encourages divers to take out travel insurance in addition to their DAN coverage when they travel, as this provides more comprehensive protection.
While DAN Membership and Insurance offer invaluable coverage for diving emergencies, such as decompression sickness or arterial gas embolism, travel insurance fills in the gaps, covering general risks that divers may face during their trip.
For example, travel insurance would cover expenses related to lost or stolen luggage, flight cancellations, travel delays and other unforeseen incidents that could disrupt travel plans.
This supplemental insurance gives divers peace of mind, knowing they have financial protection that extends beyond just the time spent underwater. The relatively low cost of travel insurance is well worth it when you consider the significant financial risks it mitigates, which could end up in the thousands.
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Travel insurance for divers
VisitorsCoverage travel insurance
Whenever we're purchasing travel insurance, our first stop is VisitorsCoverage, which compares policies and quotes from reputable global insurance companies. Rather than checking each company individually, we find it saves HEAPS of time by collating search results so we can easily decide which is most suitable for our needs.
Since its inception in 2006, VisitorsCoverage has emerged as a frontrunner in the world of online travel insurance, having assisted over one million travellers to date. In our minds, this travel insurance company provides peace of mind that we're getting the best rates for the most comprehensive travel insurance policy.
In summary, VisitorsCoverage streamlines the research and purchase process. As an insurance broker, VisitorsCoverage collaborates with renowned insurance companies such as Allianz, AXA, and Travel Guard. Through its platform, users can compare, obtain quotes and purchase policies effortlessly, knowing they are getting the best price.
Once a policy is selected and purchased, the chosen insurance provider assumes responsibility for handling any claims or providing ongoing support directly.
Disclaimer:
Before buying any travel insurance policy, it is important to carefully read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS to confirm that your intended activities are covered. This will ensure you aren't left with any (expensive) surprises if you try to make a claim that isn't covered.
TrustPilot reviews of VisitorsCoverage highlight the convenient quoting process, transparent plan information and helpful customer support, especially when compared to traditional insurance purchasing. The website presents coverage details and exclusions in a clear and easy-to-understand manner, ensuring that you know exactly what you are purchasing and can embark on your dive vacation with peace of mind.
If you are traveling with family, friends or coworkers, VisitorsCoverage's group travel insurance option is worth considering. The website allows you to easily compare quotes and purchase a single policy that provides health coverage for up to five travellers in the event of an accident or illness, all at a discounted rate of approximately 20% less than buying five separate individual policies.
Travel insurance for scuba diving
Travel insurance costs
Travel insurance premiums can vary significantly, but on average, they typically range between 4-8% of the total trip expense. Most insurance premiums fall within the $100-$200 range.
Although this may appear to be high compared to other types of insurance, it is important to consider the potential costs associated with medical emergencies, lost luggage or trip cancellations while abroad.
The cost of travel insurance premiums is determined by assessing the traveller's personal risk profile and trip details. Factors such as age, health conditions, destination and duration of travel are taken into account to evaluate the potential claim risk and establish appropriate pricing.
Since each traveller has unique needs, it is worth comparing quotes from multiple providers, which is exactly what VisitorsCoverage does. This enables you to strike that perfect balance between the desired level of protection and the associated premium costs, ultimately finding the most suitable travel insurance solution for you.
Filing a travel insurance claim with VisitorsCoverage
It's important to keep in mind that VisitorsCoverage travel insurance acts as a broker, connecting travellers with different travel insurance providers, rather than functioning as a direct insurer. Therefore, it does not manage claims processing or reimbursements independently.
Instead, VisitorsCoverage serves as a bridge to guide clients to the specific insurance company that issued their policy.
By entering your policy number on the VisitorsCoverage website, the system can determine the insurer you purchased your plan from and offer you the necessary claims forms and contact information for that provider. Even without a policy number, you can still explore the site's extensive list of partner companies and access basic claims details for each.
It is essential for travellers utilising VisitorsCoverage to start the claims procedure promptly after an incident occurs during their trip. This is particularly critical for medical claims, as timely submission is crucial for the reimbursement of covered expenses.
Make sure to submit not only the claim form but also any supporting documents like passport copies, medical treatment receipts and relevant bills/invoices. Then, all you have to do is wait for a response from the travel insurance company to see whether your claim has been approved or if they require any further information/documentation.
With adequate travel insurance coverage, you can confidently explore all of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, knowing that you have a safety net in case of any unforeseen circumstances. It should act as a supplement (not a replacement) for DAN dive insurance, which provides specific coverage for dive-related accidents and injuries.
Disclaimer:
Before buying any travel insurance policy, it is important to carefully read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS to confirm that your intended activities are covered. This will ensure you aren't left with any (expensive) surprises if you try to make a claim that isn't covered.
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.
