Canadians can protect their scuba dives with travel insurance

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At a glance:

  • World Nomads plans provide cover for recreational scuba diving and shark cage diving up to 30 metres, with the ability to pay an extra premium and be covered for scuba diving and cavern diving up to 40 metres, and working as a scuba diving instructor or guide
  • Coverage for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while scuba diving.
  • Plans cover lost, stolen, or damaged diving gear and luggage.
  • Access to emergency assistance anytime, anywhere.

You’ve gotten your PADI certification and now you’re ready to explore beneath the ocean’s surface. From coral reefs in the Caribbean to shipwrecks in Europe, there’s no shortage of divine dive sites around the world. And while calm waters, crystal clear visibility, and a bulletproof dive plan might make for the perfect underwater adventure, accidents can still happen. Our travel insurance plans include a range of benefits for scuba diving that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my scuba diving trip?

A slip and fall on the dive boat, decompression sickness, jellyfish stings, and ear barotrauma are just some of the unexpected issues that could derail even the most carefully planned dive trip. Travel insurance coverage designed for scuba diving may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a smart way to travel confidently – whether you're diving among the abundant marine life in the Florida Keys or alongside the Great Wall of China (yes, that’s possible!).

Scuba diving travel insurance: What may be covered?

As divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover scuba diving while travelling. We also offer coverage for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    Decompression sickness and cuts from coral while diving

  2. 24/7 Emergency Assistance
    Your first call in any emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Broken or damaged scuba diving gear (while transported via a common carrier, like a commercial airline)

  4. Trip Cancellation
    Reimbursements if you’re too sick to go on your dive trip

Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my scuba diving trip?

World Nomads offers two plans for Canadian residents – the Standard and Explorer – each with different levels of coverage. 

  • The Standard plan includes travel insurance for recreational scuba diving and cavern diving up to 40 metres, as well as working as a scuba diving instructor or guide
  • The Explorer plan also covers those activities but has higher limits of coverage.

When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list scuba diving, and all of the other activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. The main purpose of your trip may be diving, but you may also be doing other fun things like kayaking or sailing. There’s over 250 other sports, activities and experiences that may be covered. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time.  

Recreational scuba diving and shark cage diving up to 30 metres are considered Level 1 activities and are automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list them when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like scuba diving or cavern diving up to 40 metres, and working as a scuba diving instructor or guide. If you are planning to participate in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, you will need to contact us to determine if you will be covered. 

Get a travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

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A group of people Scuba Diving on a reef

What may not be covered when scuba diving?

  • Scuba diving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Dives that are deeper (over 40 metres) than your adventure travel insurance coverage allows 
  • Scuba diving without the proper certification (like PADI or NAUI), unless it is a discovery course with an instructor
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
  • Travelling within your home province
  • Diving if your doctor has advised against it
  • Commercial scuba diving 

Top safety tips we recommend for your scuba diving trip

  • Research your dive company: Only dive with reputable companies using licensed, seaworthy boats and well-maintained dive equipment. 
  • Don’t dive without proper certifications: Make sure you’ve gone through the proper coursework through PADI or NAUI based upon the type of dive you’ll be doing. If you don’t have the proper certification for your dive, you won’t be covered by your travel insurance for scuba diving. 
  • Check (and double check) your scuba gear before getting in the water: Make sure everything is working properly and if you’re unsure about anything, let your guide know. 
  • Don’t dive alone or swim off on your own: Even if you see something cool underwater, don’t go check it out alone – you and your dive buddy need to stay together. Always know where your guide and buddy are at all times. 
  • Keep an eye on your air gauge: Monitor this closely so you can plan your return to the surface accordingly. Always make sure you have enough air to complete your dive.
  • Ascend slowly and safely: Coming back to the surface too quickly can cause serious problems. Make sure to do safety stops at the appropriate depths. 
  • Store a copy of your scuba diving travel insurance coverage in a dry bag: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team easily accessible, as well as your policy number. You may want to save that in your phone as well. 

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about cover for scuba diving. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

  • Is scuba diving covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?

    Yes, World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage for scuba diving, but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. Recreational scuba diving and shark cage diving up to 30 metres are considered Level 1 activities and are automatically covered, but will still need to be listed when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like scuba diving or cavern diving up to 40 metres and working as a scuba diving instructor or guide. If you are doing something else on your trip and aren’t sure if it’s covered, you should contact us to make sure.

  • What should I do if I get hurt while scuba diving?

    If you have travel insurance coverage for scuba diving and unexpectedly get hurt, you must contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help direct you to nearby medical facilities. They can also translate for you if you’re travelling outside of Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak French or English. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim.

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?

    When you purchase travel insurance for diving, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. 

Need destination inspiration for your next scuba diving trip?

Not sure where your next scuba diving adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite places around the world to dive and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Best Scuba Diving Spots on Australia’s East Coast

Into the Deep: Scuba Diving the Great Wall of China

Trinidad & Tobago Discoveries: Caribbean Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving in Cuba: The 6 Best Dive Sites

Best Scuba Diving in Japan: 5 of the Top Dive Sites

Scuba Diving in Colombia: Here’s Why It’s Perfect

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: $5,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,500
Trip Protection
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Insurance

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

  • Explorer Plan: $10 million
  • Standard Plan: $5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation

We’ll get you to hospital or home quickly.

  • Explorer Plan: $500,000
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Covers the theft, damage or delay of your bags, tech and sports gear.

  • Explorer Plan: $3,000
  • Standard Plan: $1,000
Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Emergency Dental for Injury or Sickness
  • Bedside Companion Travel and Subsistence
  • Emergency Professional Services
  • Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Return of Travel Companion/Dependent Children
  • Return to Your Trip Destination
  • Return of Remains
  • Travel Accident
  • Flight Accident
  • Trip Cancellation
  • Trip Interruption
  • Trip Delay
  • Baggage and Personal Effects Theft or Damage
  • Baggage and Sporting Equipment Delay
  • Travel Documents Theft or Damage
  • Sporting Equipment Theft or Loss by a Common Carrier
  • Covered Adventure Sports listed in Policy
Assistance Services Included
  • LiveTravelTM Emergency Assistance
  • Worldwide Travel Assistance
  • Adventure Travel Hotline
  • 24/7 Security
  • Travel Medical Assistance
  • Bag Trak
This is a general summary for Canadian residents only. It does not include all terms, conditions, limitations, exclusions and termination provisions of the travel insurance plans described. Coverage may not be available for residents of all provinces. Check the Travel Insurance Policy for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, our team are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Telephone +1 866 878 0192 (toll-free from Canada and the Continental U.S.) or +1 416 646 3723 (collect from anywhere else in the world)

Contact the team