Going scuba diving is an exhilarating yet potentially dangerous activity that warrants careful consideration of travel insurance coverage. When venturing below the surface of the ocean, a diver has 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 happen, even to the most seasoned veterans. As such, scuba diving presents inherent risks that basic travel insurance policies may not address, which is why many dive resorts and liveaboards require guests to have additional scuba diving insurance, such as DAN coverage.
Before embarking on a dive vacation, it’s important to research insurance options to ensure adequate protection is in place, both for regular travel mishaps (such as lost luggage and flight cancellations) and the risks specific to scuba diving. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between scuba diving insurance and traditional travel insurance and why you need both.
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What is scuba diving insurance?
Scuba diving insurance protects divers from paying medical bills for life-threatening injuries that may not normally be covered under travel insurance policies. As a general rule, the deeper you dive, the better the chance that traditional travel insurance won’t cover the dive. Specialised scuba diving insurance is worth the additional time, research and money due to the additional risks involved in diving.
Scuba diving takes place in a sometimes unforgiving environment where even a small mistake can have catastrophic consequences. As divers descend into the depths, 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.
Furthermore, the disorienting effects of nitrogen narcosis become stronger the deeper one dives, 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 hazardous recreational activities like scuba diving, injured divers can be stuck with crippling medical debt without proper dive insurance. Specialised scuba diving insurance provides affordable coverage for decompression sickness treatment, emergency medical evacuation, lost diving equipment and other diving-related risks. With premiums starting at just a few hundred dollars per year, 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 DAN members 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
DAN World Membership provides divers with invaluable benefits when exploring the underwater world. Upon joining, members 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, exclusive to members only. This optional add-on coverage 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? Yes! 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 risks that divers may face during their overall 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.
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Travel insurance for divers
VisitorsCoverage travel insurance
Since its inception in 2006, VisitorsCoverage has emerged as a reputable frontrunner in the realm of online travel insurance. With a commendable track record of assisting over one million travellers, the company has become synonymous with providing peace of mind for individuals embarking on overseas journeys.
While the majority of travellers are fortunate enough to never encounter the need to file a claim, VisitorsCoverage offers an invaluable service by streamlining the research and purchase process. As an insurance broker, VisitorsCoverage collaborates with renowned insurance companies such as Allianz, AXA, and Travel Guard, offering a comprehensive platform that allows users to compare, obtain quotes and purchase policies effortlessly.
Once a policy is selected and purchased, the chosen insurance provider assumes responsibility for handling any claims or providing ongoing support directly. In an industry that often appears intricate and obscure, VisitorsCoverage excels by simplifying the complexities and swiftly connecting travellers with the optimal policy for their trip.
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 expenses. 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 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 beneficial to compare quotes from multiple providers, as VisitorsCoverage allows. This enables customers to strike a balance between the desired level of protection and the associated premium costs, ultimately finding the most suitable travel insurance solution.
Filing a travel insurance claim with VisitorsCoverage
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 bought 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 supporting documents like passport copies, medical treatment receipts, and any relevant bills or invoices.
Before buying any travel insurance policy, it is crucial to carefully read the terms and conditions to confirm that your intended activities are covered.
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.