Whether you’re a new or experienced diver, there’s always risk involved when exploring the open waters. Scuba diving insurance is a type of travel insurance coverage that can provide peace of mind and financial protection in the event your dive trip takes an unexpected turn for the worse.
While not typically a requirement, purchasing travel insurance ahead of a scuba diving trip is highly recommended by tour operators, professional divers, PADI, and other regulating bodies. Policies can vary in cost and coverage, making it easy to find one that fits your budget and travel needs.
Scuba diving insurance is designed to protect you financially if unforeseen events disrupt your travel plans. Travel insurance plans that cover scuba diving may provide reimbursement for the following scenarios:
No, not all travel insurance policies provide coverage to scuba divers. In fact, most standard travel insurance, medical insurance, and credit card insurance plans have exclusions for travelers that suffer loss while scuba diving or participating in other adventure sports during a trip.
With that said, many travel insurance companies now offer adventure policies designed specifically for scuba divers and other thrill-seeking travelers. Use the button below to begin comparing adventure plans from top-rated insurance providers.
No, most primary health insurance plans, such as Medicare or an employer-sponsored policy, will not provide coverage for dive accidents that occur while traveling, especially if you’re planning a trip outside the USA.
If you want overseas medical coverage and plan on scuba diving, snorkeling, or participating in any other commonly excluded activity, we recommend finding third-party trip insurance from a reputable provider.
Not all dive-related expenses or disruptions are eligible for coverage through your travel insurance policy. Most travel insurance providers will list specific exclusions in their Certificate of Insurance.
In general, the following exclusions typically apply to dive travel:
Yes, some annual travel insurance policies, also known as multi-trip plans, can provide coverage for scuba divers. This can be a cost effective solution for travelers that plan to take at least three trips within a 12-month period.
Similar to short-term single trip insurance, a policy must include specific benefits and policy wording in order for coverage to apply to adventure sports. Be sure to read a plan’s fine print carefully to ensure your itinerary is protected.
No, PADI, a worldwide diving organization, does not offer or sell travel insurance to its members. Their website, however, does encourage all members to get insurance if they plan on diving overseas. In addition, PADI recommends a list of providers that offer scuba diving coverage, all of which can be found and compared on Squaremouth.
The Divers Alert Network, also known as DAN, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the safety of divers. They offer trip protection options designed for scuba divers with a focus on providing them with medical assistance and dive accident coverage.
A DAN insurance plan is very similar to an adventure travel insurance policy and can be a good option for anyone planning dive travel. With that said, it’s possible to find more affordable coverage with better protection by shopping around.
We recommend comparing a DAN insurance plan with at least 2-3 other travel insurance providers in order to find the best plan for your next dive trip.