The thrill of exploring the underwater world is unparalleled. But even the most experienced divers know that accidents can happen. While safety is paramount, being prepared for the unexpected is crucial. The best way for any diver to be prepared is by purchasing a scuba diving accident insurance policy.

Scuba diving accident insurance offers a vital safety net, ensuring you have access to the medical care you need, no matter where your diving adventures take you. Here, we delve into the specifics of this essential coverage, helping you understand the different types of plans, what they cover, and how to choose the right one for your diving needs. So, gear up for knowledge and ensure peace of mind on your next underwater escapade.

Dive Safe, Dive Secure: Understanding Why Insurance Matters

While scuba diving is generally considered a safe activity when proper precautions are taken, there are still inherent risks involved. Here are some of the ways in which a diver can be hurt while scuba diving:

• Ear barotrauma: This is the most common injury experienced by divers, occurring when the pressure changes are not equalized in the middle ear. It can cause pain, dizziness, and even rupture the eardrum.
• Pulmonary barotrauma: This is a serious condition that can occur if a diver ascends too quickly, causing air in the lungs to expand and rupture lung tissue. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing up blood, and difficulty breathing.

• Decompression sickness: Also known as “the bends,” this is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the bloodstream and tissues due to rapid ascent from depth. Symptoms can range from mild joint pain and fatigue to paralysis and even death.

• Stings and bites: Divers can be stung by jellyfish, fire coral, or other venomous marine life. These can cause serious wounds, pain, swelling, and allergic reactions.

While traveling, it can be difficult to know where to get help when the unexpected happens. It can also be stressful not knowing if your personal health insurance will cover the costs of treatment. Consider this – one treatment (typically an hour) in a hyperbaric chamber costs between $200 – $600 USD. It’s common for multiple treatments to be needed to treat decompression sickness, easily costing thousands of dollars. The average travel insurance policy doesn’t cover activities like scuba diving, making it important to purchase coverage that will.

The Three Major Scuba Insurance Providers

The average travel insurance company doesn’t offer coverage for scuba divers. Thankfully, three companies are well known for the insurance policies they provide to divers.

Divers Alert Network (DAN)

DAN is arguably the most well-known dive insurance company. Their official mission is “to help divers in need of medical emergency assistance and promote dive safety through research, education, products, and services.”

Depending on which plan a diver selects, coverage may include:

• Accident Medical Expense Coverage (for diving and non-diving accidents)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Permanent and Total Disability
• Search and Rescue
• Extra Transportation
• Extra Accommodation
• Lost Diving Equipment

Pricing is based on several factors, including the applicant’s residential address, age, and the plan selected. Plans include a year’s membership and insurance coverage.

DAN provides a 24/7 emergency hotline that is available to all members (1 (919) 684-9111). For non-emergency situations, a medical information line is also available.

DAN has an excellent reputation and has helped thousands of divers throughout the world get the care they need during stressful situations.

In addition to dive insurance, DAN also provides travel insurance, liability insurance, and equipment insurance.

Dive Assure

With Dive Assure’s “Dive Safe” policy, you’ll rest easy knowing that you have great coverage if the worst happens. The Dive Assure Diving Insurance Plan offers: