Dive Insurance Explained: DAN and Alternatives, and Why Travel Insurance Isn't Enough
A single hyperbaric chamber treatment or medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Dive insurance is cheap in comparison, and many dive operators now require it.
On this page
Insurance products, prices and conditions vary by country and change over time. This page explains what to look for. Always read the actual policy wording and contact providers with questions. We're not affiliated with any insurer.
Why regular travel insurance may not cover you
Many standard travel insurance policies exclude scuba diving or cover it only under strict conditions, such as:
- Only to a certain depth (often 18 m or 30 m), sometimes only with a certification for that depth
- Only when diving with a licensed operator or instructor
- No cover for hyperbaric chamber treatment
- No cover for medical evacuation from remote areas or liveaboards
- Exclusions for "hazardous activities" unless you buy an add-on
Discovering these exclusions after an accident is a nightmare.
What dive insurance covers
Specialist dive insurance usually covers:
- Hyperbaric (recompression) chamber treatment for decompression sickness or gas embolism
- Emergency medical evacuation, including air ambulance from remote islands or liveaboards
- Medical expenses for diving-related injuries
- 24/7 emergency hotline with dive-medicine specialists who can coordinate treatment
- Often: trip cancellation or missed dives due to illness or injury, lost or damaged dive gear, and accidental death or disability
Some policies are "secondary", paying only after your main health or travel insurance. Others are "primary". Check which.
Divers Alert Network (DAN)
DAN is a non-profit organisation dedicated to diver safety, with regional organisations (DAN America, DAN Europe, DAN Asia-Pacific, DAN Southern Africa and others). Membership typically includes:
- Access to a 24/7 diving emergency hotline
- Diving medical information services
- Various levels of dive accident insurance or evacuation cover, depending on your region and plan
- Support for research and safety education
DAN is the best-known option, but not the only one. Other specialist dive insurers exist, as do travel insurers with specific diving extensions. Compare options that are available in your country of residence.
What to check in any policy
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| What's the maximum covered depth? | Must match your certification and planned dives |
| Is chamber treatment covered, and how much? | Treatments can cost US$10,000–50,000+ in some countries |
| Is medical evacuation included? | Air ambulance from remote locations can exceed US$50,000–100,000 |
| Is it worldwide, or regional? | Some plans exclude the USA or certain countries |
| Is nitrox / technical diving covered? | Some policies exclude gas mixtures or decompression diving |
| Pre-existing medical conditions? | You must usually declare them; non-disclosure can void cover |
| Annual or per trip? | Annual plans are great value if you dive more than once a year |
| Does it cover training dives and try-dives? | Usually yes, but check |
How much does it cost?
Annual dive insurance is often surprisingly affordable. Basic evacuation and chamber cover often costs a few tens of dollars a year, and comprehensive plans a bit more. Compared with the cost of one untreated emergency, it's one of the best-value purchases in diving.
Practical tips
- Buy it before your trip, and check it covers training if you're taking a course
- Save the emergency number in your phone and write it in your logbook
- Carry your policy details on the boat, in a dry bag
- Tell your buddy and the dive centre who your insurer is
- Answer medical questions honestly. See medical requirements
What happens in a diving emergency
- On site: the dive crew gives first aid and 100% oxygen and calls local emergency services.
- Call your insurer's emergency hotline (or DAN) as early as possible. Their medical team can advise on treatment and locate the nearest suitable hyperbaric chamber.
- Evacuation: the insurer may arrange and guarantee payment for an ambulance, boat or air transfer.
- Treatment: recompression in a chamber, often over several sessions.
- Follow-up: repatriation if needed and advice on when you can fly and dive again.
Having the hotline number saved, and your policy number to hand, makes this much faster. Many dive centres will ask for your insurance details before the first dive.
Insurance for dive professionals and students
If you're doing a Divemaster or instructor course, check whether your policy covers you as a professional in training. Recreational policies may exclude professional activities, and there are separate policies for dive professionals.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need dive insurance for a try-dive?
Many travel policies cover supervised try-dives, but check the wording. For courses and repeat diving, specialist dive insurance is recommended.
Is DAN insurance worth it?
DAN is widely recommended for its emergency hotline and diving expertise. Compare its plans with other specialist insurers in your country to find the right cover.
Does travel insurance cover scuba diving?
Sometimes, with limits. Many policies restrict depth, exclude chamber treatment or require an add-on. Always read the exclusions.
Keep reading
Fitness for Scuba Diving: How Fit Do You Need to Be (and How to Prepare)
How fit divers really need to be, plus a simple 6-week plan to prepare.
How to Equalize Your Ears When Diving: Techniques, Tips and Problems
Valsalva, Frenzel and other techniques, plus what to do when your ears won't clear.
Diving and Your Health: Colds, Blood Pressure, Medication, Seasickness and More
Colds, blood pressure, medication, seasickness: common health questions answered.