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Travel insurance when scuba diving

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 in the world.

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Dive into the thrills of scuba diving with World Nomads

Are you ready to plunge into the extraordinary world beneath the waves? Scuba diving is an absolute blast, and World Nomads is here to make sure your underwater adventures are as epic as can be. We've got your back with travel insurance for scuba diving enthusiasts like you. So, let's take a deep dive together to find out more about World Nomads Travel Insurance and scuba diving.

Why travel insurance is essential

Scuba diving is a mind-blowing experience that takes you into a whole new realm. Whether you're exploring the vibrant coral reefs of Hawaii, diving deep in the Red Sea's Sharm El Sheikh, or discovering the awe-inspiring Yongala wreck on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, we want you to enjoy every moment worry-free.

Our travel insurance plans offer cover for various scuba diving experiences, including:

  • Recreational Scuba Diving: Go up to 50 meters deep and discover the hidden treasures beneath the waves. (Additional premium may apply)
  • Learn-to-Dive Courses and Discover Scuba Dives: Take the plunge with qualified instructors who will guide you through your first underwater adventures.
  • Shark Cage Diving: Get up close and personal with these incredible creatures, feeling the adrenaline rush as you witness them in their natural habitat.
  • Snorkeling, Island Escapes, and Live-Aboard Trips: Dive into the crystal-clear waters, explore stunning coral reefs, and embark on unforgettable underwater journeys.

Buying the right level of cover

When selecting your scuba diving travel insurance, it's important to consider the activities you'll be doing during your trip. Here's what you need to know:

  • If you plan to go scuba diving at least once, take into account the type of diving you'll be doing, including the maximum depth and whether you need to be certified. These factors can impact your coverage.
  • Our policy covers conventional scuba diving only. To scuba dive without an instructor, you must hold a current certification from recognised organizations like Professional Association of Diving Instructors (P.A.D.I.), British Sub Aqua Club (S.A.C.), Sub Aqua Association (SAA), Confederation Mondiale Des Activites Subaquatiques (M.A.S.), or an equivalent internationally recognized qualification.
  • Remember, scuba diving requires training and precautions to ensure your safety. If you don't have a recognized qualification, dive only under the constant supervision of a certified instructor and follow their rules and instructions at all times.

Protecting your scuba diving gear

We know that scuba diving equipment doesn't come cheap. That's why we offer cover for high-value items such as scuba tanks, fins, BCDs, regulators, and underwater film and photography equipment. Though we don’t cover sports equipment while it’s in use, it can still be exposed to damage or loss. 

In case of delay, loss, or damage to your baggage and scuba diving equipment by a common carrier, follow these steps:

  1. Report the incident to a responsible officer of the carrier as soon as possible.
  2. Obtain a Property Irregularity Report or a similar official report in writing.
  3. Make a claim directly with the carrier before filing a claim with us.

Please refer to your policy wording for details on maximum benefit limits, exclusions, and conditions related to your coverage.

What's not covered? Stay aware!

While we've got your back during your scuba diving adventures, there are a few things we won't cover. Make sure you avoid the following:

  • Scuba diving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (safety first guys – the open oceans are no place to be cavalier)
  • Competition scuba diving or search and rescue costs
  • Refusal of repatriation or evacuation
  • Engaging in reckless behaviour
  • Ignoring your doctor's instructions or advice from our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team
  • Expenses related to pre-existing medical conditions, as explained in the policy wording
  • Expenses that can be recovered from another source
  • The policy amount specified in the policy wording
  • Sporting equipment while in use

Please note that this is just a summary of cover, and it's essential to read your policy wording in full to understand the complete terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions. If you're unsure about your travel insurance cover, our customer service team is here to assist you.

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: £5,000
  • Standard Plan: £3,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Dive buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Abroad Medical Expenses

Take the pain out of medical costs while traveling abroad.

  • Explorer Plan: £10 million
  • Standard Plan: £5 million
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Stepped on a stonefish?
  • Got a serious squeeze?
  • Need 02 or hyperbaric treatment?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

Expenses included in Emergency Medical limits.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Sea level medical evac?
  • Need an ambulance?
  • Medivac needed home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your lost, stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: £2,000
  • Standard Plan: £1,000
Protect your gear
  • Go Pro stolen?
  • Bags lost in transit?
  • Luggage delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Medical Expenses
  • Baggage & Personal Belongings
  • Cancellation
  • Trip Curtailment
  • Personal Accident
  • Loss of Passport or travel documents
  • Personal Liability
  • Legal Expenses (Personal Liability)
This is a general summary for United Kingdom residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the plan documents for full details.
Pre-existing medical conditions

World Nomads policies cannot cover claims due to Pre-Existing Medical Conditions (PEMC), regardless of whether the condition is serious or not (this includes if you're on separate or joint policies). You can still purchase a World Nomads policy, but the PEMC exclusion is not removable. 

For travel insurance providers that offer cover on PEMC, visit the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) Money Helper website, or call 0800 138 7777. BIBA's (The British Insurance Brokers' Association) Find Insurance Service offers information on serious PEMCs and travel insurance providers that may cover these conditions. You can also contact them on 0370 950 1790.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Wherever you are, we’re here 24/7 to help you in any emergency.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

For policies purchased on or after 1 September 2021:
+44 (0) 2030931750 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

For policies purchased before 1 September 2021:
Phone: +353 21 237 8005 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)
Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 (Call via an operator reverse charges. Not toll free.)

Contact the team

FAQ

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

  • Does my travel insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
    It will depend on the situation at the time of the medical emergency! Should you require hospitalization and/or medical evacuation the insurer will work directly with the hospital and evacuation services on your behalf. They work very hard to ensure you do not have to pay out-of-pocket. However, should you require to visit an urgent care facility they will not accept any insurance, so you most likely will have to pay out of pocket and, upon your claim being approved, be reimbursed for your expenses.
Consumer duty - CK 28 July 23