Planning a liveaboard scuba diving trip is an exciting adventure, but many travelers, especially first-timers, may not be aware of the need for specialized insurance coverage for diving-related events as part of their liveaboard packing list. Choosing the right insurance for liveaboard trips can be challenging at first, but don’t worry! In this article, we’ll guide you through the best insurance options and provide tips on finding the coverage that suits you best.
Why Do You Need Dive and Travel Insurance Coverage?
When you go on international trips and liveaboard vacations, many things can happen. Accidents can happen and/or other events that cause you to cancel your trip are never out of the picture, especially if you’re travelling for quite a number of days in more remote locations.
Not only that, many trip providers also have a requirement that states that dive insurance is mandatory before you sign up, because they want to make sure that you have proper coverage first before embarking on a trip with them. Either way, having a dive and travel insurance will provide you ease of mind during your trip, knowing that you’re protected against both the expected and unexpected challenges that might arise during your adventure.
Best Dive & Travel Insurance that Covers Scuba Diving for Liveaboards
1. DAN (Divers Alert Network)
DAN is one of the most trusted names in dive insurance, offering specialized coverage for divers worldwide. The 40-year-old organization has international offices across Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe, South Africa, and more, covering many countries that host popular liveaboard dive destinations. DAN insurance policies include extensive coverage for dive accidents, such as emergency evacuations and hyperbaric chamber treatments. Additionally, they provide 24/7 access to a network of dive medicine experts in many participating countries, making it an excellent choice if you’re planning to travel outside your home country for an extensive period of time.
2. DiveAssure
DiveAssure offers comprehensive dive and travel insurance, including specific plans tailored for liveaboard trips. Their policies cover a wide range of diving activities, including deep and technical diving, with no depth limits. What ultimately sets them apart is that all their programs offer primary coverage, meaning the company will pay claims directly to you without requiring you to use your health insurance first. This ensures you’ll receive your payment faster and with less hassle.
3. Travelex
Travelex is a well-known provider of travel insurance that also offers plans with scuba diving coverage. Their policies are ideal for divers who want a combination of general travel coverage and protection for diving activities.
4. IMG (International Medical Group)
IMG offers a range of travel insurance plans with optional adventure sports coverage, which includes scuba diving. Their policies are customizable, allowing you to add coverage for diving activities to a broader travel insurance plan.
Key Factors to Choose the Right Insurance Policy for You
1. Types of dives covered
When choosing your scuba diving insurance, you should cover the specific types of dives you intend to do, whether they are recreational, technical, deep dives, or even wreck diving. Some policies may exclude certain high-risk dives, so it’s better if you pay great attention to the terms and conditions before choosing your plan.
2. Geographic coverage
Typically, dive and travel insurance policies will vary wildly in terms of geographic coverage. Some may only cover certain regions (e.g. APAC, EMEA, LATAM, etc.), and some may exclude areas known for higher risks for divers. Do make sure to verify that your chosen insurance company has a policy to cover the liveaboard destinations on your itinerary, especially if you’re planning to go on a liveaboard in remote or less common locations.
3. Dive accident coverage
We highly recommend for you to go for companies offering specialized dive accident insurance policies, as some general travel insurance might not have medical coverage for injuries or accidents sustained during diving activities. This includes coverage for decompression sickness, air embolisms, and other diving-related injuries. It ensures that you have access to specialized medical care, such as hyperbaric treatment, and emergency evacuations if needed.
4. Equipment coverage
Diving equipment can be expensive, and losing or damaging gear can be costly. Ensure your policy covers loss, theft, or damage to your diving equipment. Some policies may also include rental equipment coverage if your gear is delayed or lost during travel.
5. Cancellation coverage
Unexpected events can lead to cancellations of your travel plans, and without a proper trip cancellation coverage, you might be losing a great amount of money. This is especially useful if you’re going on a liveaboard to destinations with weather conditions and other factors that are highly unpredictable, so choose a policy that covers a wide range of reasons. This can include, but not limited to: weather conditions, illness, flight delays, and so forth.
It’s Time to Embark on Your Liveaboard Scuba Diving Trip!
Now that you’ve got your travel and dive insurance covered, it’s finally time to start choosing your liveaboard trip cruise and destination with ease. If you’re considering to go to either Palau, Indonesia, or the Philippines, then look no further! Solitude World Liveaboards and Resorts are ready to provide you world-class hospitality through our liveaboard diving vessels throughout all three premier diving hotspots, guaranteeing you the best, hassle-free experience for your scuba diving adventures. We offer some of the best facilities available, including comfortable rooms, all-inclusive gourmet meals, comprehensive diving amenities, and expert PADI-certified guides for divers of all levels.
Book your next liveaboard holiday with us today!