Best Travel Insurance for Scuba Diving

Buying travel insurance for scuba diving is a confusing process. Is it worth it? What companies offer the best policies?

I never considered purchasing travel insurance for scuba diving until I heard a few horror stories – and had a few of them myself.

Dive gear getting stolen. Entire trips getting rerouted and canceled. Medical emergencies. The list goes on and on of what could possibly go wrong.

These situations happen all the time. So why not insure your next dive trip? It’s an affordable way that may save you thousands of dollars, valuable time, and many hair-pulling phone calls.

Do you need travel insurance for scuba diving?

To buy or not to buy, that is the question. And honestly, the answer is entirely personal. Many people travel and dive without insurance, and it seems to work out fine. I’ve done it a few times myself.

But after years of meeting people where something horrible did happen, I’ve rethought that stance. So today, if someone asks me, “Should I purchase insurance for my next dive trip?” I answer with:

YES! Everyone should purchase dive travel insurance in some capacity.

Why? Because shit happens. Gear gets stolen. Trips get canceled. Medical emergencies arise – particularly in a sport as risky as scuba diving.

Real-Life Examples of Why You Need Travel Dive Insurance

I often dive and guide an older woman who frequently visits the Fort Lauderdale area throughout the year. Over the two years I’ve been diving with her, she’s still trying to purchase all her scuba equipment. Again.

During a quick pit stop while diving in Saint Lucia, her dive gear was stolen from her rental car. Equipment worth thousands went in one instant. Today, she’s still trying to repurchase every piece of gear from the pricey checklist of gear required for scuba diving.

Another time was aboard the vessel we work for in Fort Lauderdale. Now, in scuba diving, particularly if you work on a vessel, it’s not a matter if something bad happens. It’s when it happens.

On this day, a gentleman visiting the area from Brazil decided to suck his tank down to zero and shoot to the surface from 70 feet down. HIGHLY not recommended.

Needless to say, he needed medical attention, and the USA certainly isn’t known for its affordability regarding medical services. Unfortunately, on top of a medical ailment, this guy had a hefty hospital bill by the end of his dive travels.

Simply put, it happens. No matter how careful you may be. It’s only time until Murphy’s law comes for you.

Who sells travel insurance for scuba diving?

The most thorough dive insurance, specifically designed for dive travel, is through World Nomads. Their keystone promise is, “Simple and flexible travel insurance to keep you safe on your next dive trip. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere worldwide.”

I purchased their insurance during my dive travels in Australia and Thailand and would do it again in a heartbeat. Although I was lucky not to need it during those trips, it helped me sleep at night, knowing that if anything did happen, I’d be well taken care of.

Four Reasons to Purchase Travel Insurance for Your Next Dive Trip

Although the list is extensive, these are the four main reasons you should purchase travel insurance for scuba diving from World Nomads:

1. Trip Protection

In the post-COVID world, trip protection is key. What if you need to cancel your trip? What if the dive operators cancel your trip? Hell, what if the dive operators go under?! These are all possibilities in today’s volatile economic climate.

Those reasons, amongst others, are enough to purchase a plan before your next dive trip.

2. Emergency Medical Insurance

To me, this is the biggest one. Scuba diving is inherently risky. Emergencies happen. Medical ailments arise. Even if you’re the most careful diver, these situations are never off the table.

That’s why, particularly if you’re diving in a foreign country, you must cover yourself if you ever need medical attention. It happens constantly – people getting stuck away from home because they can’t pay a medical bill. Don’t let that be you.

3. Emergency Evacuation

In the same breath, how would you get help if you needed medical attention? Transport to and from the hospital is often the most pricey aspect of the ordeal.

World Nomads offers Medivac back to your home country, ambulance rides, and sea level medical evacuations.

4. Protect Your Gear

But all in all, if anything were going to happen, it may just be this: your gear getting stolen.

Sure, it’s not the end of the world. But scuba gear is expensive. Like really expensive. Best not risk it!

Oh, and not to mention, World Nomads also includes gear like GoPro cameras, laptops, backpacks, sleeping bags, camping tents, etc. Almost every aspect of your travel pack will be covered!

Scuba Activities Included in a World Nomads Plan

The best part? The entire company is run by avid scuba divers. They understand diving and they understand you. Here are just a few scuba-related activities they cover:

• Recreational scuba diving (qualified divers to 50 meters)
• Discover scuba dives (with qualified instructors)
• Shark cage diving, cavern, cave, and wreck diving
• Snorkeling, island escapes, live-aboard trips and more

Get a Quote

Still considering it? Punch in your trip details at their website to get a quick quote and see if it’s worth it!

🤿 Get a Travel Insurance Quote: Head to World Nomads to get a quote on your next scuba diving adventure!

Travel Insurance for Scuba Diving Tips

• Read the fine print! Know what situations you’re specifically covered for.
• Take photos of all your gear with date stamps in the case of stolen items.
• Receipts are always a good idea to hold onto.
• Have a digital copy of the insurance policy AND hard copies in a dry bag during your dive trip.
• In the case of theft, file a police report but keep it vague. Don’t give insurance companies any room to deny a claim based on your story.

Dive, dive, dive!

You’ve worked all year long to set sail to the tropics for some scuba diving! Protect your trip and insure your diving so you’re not left with a bill of epic proportions after your vacation.