Scuba Diving Travel Insurance Coverage
Travel Insurance for Scuba Diving Trips for US Residents
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At a glance:
- All World Nomads plans cover:
- Scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters
- Higher-tier plans offer coverage for:
- Cave diving up to 196 feet/60 meters
- Free diving up to 196 feet/60 meters
- Shark cage diving
- Working as a scuba diving instructor or guide
- Commercial diving up to 165 feet/50 meters
- Coverage for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while scuba diving, including the use of compression chambers if needed.
- Transportation if your condition is severe, acute or life threatening and adequate medical treatment is not available in your immediate area. Additional terms apply.
- Reimbursement for canceled scuba diving tours, delays, or interruptions due to covered events.
- Helps cover lost, stolen, or damaged scuba diving gear and luggage.
- Why should I consider travel insurance for my scuba diving trip?
- Scuba diving travel insurance and non-insurance services for scuba diving: What services may be covered?
- What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my scuba diving trip?
- What may not be covered when scuba diving?
- Top safety tips we recommend for your scuba diving trip
- FAQs
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 Australia, 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 protection plans include a range of adventure travel insurance benefits 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 and non-insurance services 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 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 and non-insurance services for scuba diving: What services may be covered?
As divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover scuba diving while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.
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Emergency Medical Expenses
For decompression sickness and cuts from coral when scuba diving -
24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation, on or off the water -
Baggage & Gear Coverage
Damaged or stolen diving gear, or lost luggage on the way to you diving destination -
Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
A money-saver if inclement weather throws a wrench into your plans.
Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all mentioned coverages. Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.
All plans also include several additional non-insurance services that may support you both before and during your trip. These include delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery, portable health records, and pre-departure telehealth services.
What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my scuba diving trip?
World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. Even if your main goal is to go scuba diving, you’ll probably be doing other fun things like sailing or kayaking. That’s totally fine, because you could be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.
- The Standard and Annual plans cover scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters.
- The Explorer plan covers more activities, including shark cage diving, cave diving, and serving as a scuba diving instructor or guide up to 165 feet/50 meters. It also includes free diving up to 196 feet/60 meters and has higher limits of coverage.
- The Epic plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including cave diving up to 196 feet/60 meters and commercial scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage.
Get a travel insurance quote
Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Get a quote
What may not be covered when scuba diving?
- Scuba diving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
- Scuba diving or traveling within 100 miles of your home
- Scuba diving without the proper certification (like PADI or NAUI), unless it is a discovery course with an instructor
- Diving if your doctor has advised against it
- Dives that are deeper than your adventure travel insurance coverage allow
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 may not be covered by your travel insurance plan.
- 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.
- Get a good dry bag to hold a copy of the documents showing your scuba diving travel insurance and non-insurance services: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 Non-Insurance 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
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Can scuba diving be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?
Yes, scuba diving may be covered under all four plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance. The Standard and Annual plans include non-insurance services and travel insurance coverage for scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters. The Explorer plan covers more activities, including shark cage diving, cave diving, and serving as a scuba diving instructor or guide up to 165 feet/50 meters. It also includes free diving up to 60 meters and has higher limits of coverage. The Epic plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including cave diving up to 196 feet/60 meters and commercial scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters. It also has the highest limits of coverage.
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What types of unexpected incidents may be covered while scuba diving abroad?
If your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to an unforeseen, covered event, you may be able to recover your travel expenses (up to the coverage maximum benefit amount), and this may include unused, pre-paid, non-refundable dive trips that you paid for in advance. If you get decompression sickness and you require medical assistance, emergency medical coverage could come in handy in the case of an unexpected injury. With your adventure travel insurance benefits, you may also be covered for unplanned situations such as lost bags.
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Can I purchase a plan after my trip starts?
Yes. If your trip has already started, World Nomads can still offer you coverage. You can buy a plan online anytime, from anywhere in the world. World Nomads Travel Insurance for U.S. residents takes effect at 12:01 a.m. local time the day after you purchase your plan. If you’re already traveling and want to get coverage for a scuba diving excursion, you’ll need to buy your insurance plan at least the day before you need coverage.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance offer coverage for scuba diving outside of the United States?
Yes, there are so many great places to scuba dive around the world, and World Nomads doesn’t want to limit your fun. For example, if you have travel insurance for Australia, you could have the opportunity to dive the Great Barrier Reef or the SS Yongala, which is considered one of the best wreck dives in the world. When you get a quote for scuba diving travel insurance and non-insurance services, you’ll need to input where you’ll be traveling.
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What should I do if I get hurt while scuba diving?
If you’re hurt while scuba diving, contact local authorities as soon as you’re able to do so for immediate attention. World Nomads Travel Insurance may help reimburse the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, or even emergency medical evacuation if needed (subject to approval.) Access to a 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance Team is also included for support anytime, anywhere.
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Does World Nomads Travel Insurance cover other activities during my trip?
Yes, when you purchase scuba diving travel insurance and non-insurance services, you may be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences. Things like hiking, biking, rock climbing, and camping may all be covered. You can review the list of activities, but if you’re participating in an activity and not sure if it’s covered, you can contact us and ask.
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Do I get my money back if I cancel my dive trip?
Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, diving tours, and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add optional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased.
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What happens if my bags are delayed?
When you purchase adventure travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services, 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, reasonable items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes non-insurance services that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.
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
20250730-4701483. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you
Trip Protection
Protect your hard earned vacation from unexpected cancellation.
- Standard Plan: $2,500
- Explorer Plan: $10,000
- Epic Plan: $15,000
- Annual Plan: $5,000
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.
- Standard Plan: $125,000
- Explorer Plan: $150,000
- Epic Plan: $250,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
- Accidentally injured?
- Suddenly sick?
- Need a hospital?
We’ve got your back.
Emergency Evacuation
We'll provide assistance to get you to the hospital or home quickly.
- Standard Plan: $400,000
- Explorer Plan: $500,000
- Epic Plan: $700,000
- Annual Plan: $100,000
Emergency Evacuation
- Ambulance transfers
- Medevac flights
- Medical escort services
Help starts here.
Protect your gear
Covers the loss, theft or damage of your bags, tech and gear.
- Standard Plan: $1,000
- Explorer Plan: $2,000
- Epic Plan: $3,000
- Annual Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
- Stolen I.D.s
- Checked-in sports equipment
- Damaged luggage
Help starts here.
The amounts listed represent the maximum benefit amount.
Protect your health
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance Help Line
- Emergency Medical & Dental Expenses
- Emergency Evacuations
- Bedside Companion Travel
- Emergency Medications
Protect Your Trip
- Trip Cancellation
- Optional Cancel for Any Reason (Explorer or Epic)
- Trip Delay & Trip Interruption
- Missed Connection (Explorer or Epic)
- Rental Car Damage (Explorer, Epic or Annual)
Protect Your Stuff
- Baggage Delay
- Passport and Visa Loss
- Lost or Stolen Bags
- Personal Tech, Equipment & Gear
- Baggage Return After Evacuation
Non-Insurance Services
- Medical & Non-Medical 24/7 Emergency Assistance Line
- Translators Available
- Pre-Departure Telehealth Services
- Portable Health Records
- Delayed or Lost Baggage Tracking and Delivery
24/7 emergency assistance
Whether you need medical or dental assistance or advice, emergency evacuation or travel assistance, 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?
Contact 24/7 Emergency Assistance:
Telephone:
+1 954-334-8143 (Collect outside the US)
+1 877-289-0968 (Toll-free in the US and Canada
Before your trip, check the latest government advice for any travel alerts for your destination.