Does Travel Insurance Cover Scuba Diving? Squaremouth Explains
The growing popularity of adventure travel has sparked many travelers to search for specific travel insurance policies tailored to their active trips. Among the most popular activities travelers are adding to their itineraries is scuba diving.
From the crystal clear water of the Caribbean to the majestic reefs of Australia, scuba divers plan trips destinations around the world to experience life under the sea. For peace of mind, many are curious if travel insurance covers dive trips.
Squaremouth explores scuba diving insurance, and how scuba divers can protect their upcoming travel plans.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Scuba Diving?
Many travel insurance companies offer plans that cover common water sports, such as jet skiing and snorkeling. Due to the increased risk, it is less common for standard travel insurance plans to cover scuba. However, there are some policies tailored to the most adventurous travelers, and can provide insurance coverage for a more extensive list of activities.
Travel insurance policies with the Sports & Activities filter allow travelers to denote which specific activities they plan to participate in. Scuba diving is one of these activities. A policy with this coverage can extend all relevant benefits to a traveler in the event something occurs while they are diving, including Emergency Medical, Medical Evacuation, and Trip Interruption.
Are There Limitations or Exclusions to Scuba Diving Insurance?
Even if the travel insurance policy you purchase covers scuba diving, there may still be limitations to watch for. Some policies may require you to be certified, and accompanied by a dive master. Additionally, there may be depth limitations that you cannot exceed.
If you do not meet these requirements, any applicable benefits will be nullified, and you will not have any coverage in the event of a scuba diving-related emergency.
To search for travel insurance for scuba diving, travelers can use Squaremouth’s Adventure Travel Insurance activity selection matrix.
Best Travel Insurance Benefits for Scuba Divers
Scuba diving is an adventurous activity, and it’s essential for scuba divers to have comprehensive trip insurance that covers their specific needs. Here are some key benefits to look for in travel insurance for scuba divers:
Emergency Medical Coverage:
- Emergency Medical Coverage: Ensure the policy provides adequate coverage for emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, and evacuation. Verify that the coverage includes treatment related to diving accidents, such as decompression sickness and hyperbaric treatments.
- Dive Trip Cancellation: Choose a single-trip policy that reimburses non-refundable trip expenses in case your scuba diving trip gets canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen events such as illness, injury, or natural disasters.
- Diving Equipment Coverage: Look for a policy that covers the loss, theft, or damage to your scuba diving gear, including regulators, wetsuits, masks, and fins. Some policies may also cover rental equipment if your own gear is lost or delayed during transit.
- Medical Evacuation & Repatriation: Make sure the policy includes coverage for emergency evacuation, particularly if you’re in a remote diving location and need to be transported to the nearest suitable medical facility. Most Medical Evacuation plans also include coverage for repatriation of remains.
- Coverage for Trip Delays: Ensure the insurance includes coverage for additional expenses incurred due to delayed travel arrangements, especially if the delay impacts your diving plans.
- Search and Rescue Expenses: Opt for a policy that covers the cost of search and rescue operations in case of emergencies while diving.
Does a PADI License Cover Medical Treatment?
A PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification, by itself, does not provide medical coverage. A PADI certification is a qualification that indicates you have completed a certain level of training in scuba diving. While PADI courses focus on safety and dive skills, they do not include insurance for medical treatment or emergencies.
If your planning dive travel overseas, it’s recommended to find travel health insurance from a third party travel insurance provider.
Should I Get an Annual Travel Insurance Plan to Cover Scuba Diving?
Getting an Annual travel insurance plan that covers scuba diving can be a wise decision, especially if you are a frequent diver or plan to engage in multiple diving trips throughout the year. Annual plans, also referred to as multi-trip plans are a type of travel insurance that covers multiple trips within a 12 month period.
Annual plans can be cost-effective to divers that plan on exploring the open water often. These plans often include strong coverage for medical care, transportation, and other expenses incurred during a medical emergency.
When comparing Annual plans, it’s important to read the fine print to ensure that the plan explicitly covers the items on your itinerary.