Travelers often purchase travel insurance that has some level of protection against unexpected costs arising from flight delays, trip cancellation or damage to a rental car. However, very few travel insurance plans cover scuba diving incidents. Some allow you to purchase coverage for an extra charge, but be sure to read the fine print carefully. The policy may require you to dive with a divemaster or hold a scuba certification from a particular agency. Most policies exclude coverage if you make dives deeper than 100 feet (30m).
Travel insurance includes coverage for:**
- Trip cancellation due to illness, accident, job loss or an act of terrorism
- Cancelled or delayed flights
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Medical coverage for an Illness or (non-diving) accident that occurs when traveling
- ID theft
DAN Dive Accident Insurance*
DAN dive accident insurance is designed specifically for divers. Chamber treatments are not typically covered by medical or travel insurance, so DAN dive accident insurance provides secondary accident medical coverage of up to US$500,000 and pays 100% of eligible expenses.
Dive accidents can be catastrophic for the diver and their bank account. Some countries require large upfront cash payments, and there may be weeks of follow-up care once the diver returns home. Neither of these expenses are typically covered by traditional medical or travel insurance.
DAN dive accident insurance plans include coverage for:
- Ambulance transportation by ground, air or sea to the nearest hospital or hyperbaric chamber
- Hospital charges
- Hyperbaric chamber treatments
- Permanent and total disability resulting from a covered diving accident
- Extra transportation or accommodation costs if the diver is unable to use their original return ticket or requires an extended stay due to their covered diving accident
- Loss of diving equipment if the diver’s gear is damaged or lost as a result of a covered diving accident.
The list above compares DAN travel insurance to DAN dive accident insurance only. If you use a different travel insurance provider, read your statement of benefits carefully.
Travel insurance coverages are underwritten by: Generali U.S. Branch, New York, NY; NAIC # 11231, for the operating name used in certain states, please see Important Disclosures.