Understanding Travel and Diving Insurance

Now that the world has opened its doors again to travelers and wanderers, it is about time to plan that well-deserved diving trip. But other than the complexities of travel requirements, another thing to ponder is whether your travel insurance covers scuba diving.

Travel insurance and diving insurance are two different types of insurance that protect you from different aspects of your trip and that include diving-related activities.

Travel insurance is purposely designed to protect you against unexpected events that may happen before or during the trip covering a wide range of risks. Common coverage includes cancellation or interruption of flight, lost or damaged luggage, medical emergencies, and personal liability. Travel insurance can be purchased for both local and international trips.

When it comes to diving, standard travel insurance will cover you for scuba diving but only to a certain extent. Standard travel insurance may protect for:

• Trip cancellation due to a diving-related medical condition. For example, if you are unable to push through with your diving trip due to a medical condition related to diving, your policy may cover the expenses associated with the trip interruption.
• Standard travel insurance may also cover the medical expenses for injuries or accidents that occur during the trip. The medical expense coverage may include the cost incurred when seeking emergency medical treatment, evacuation to a medical facility, and hospitalization.
• Travel insurance may also cover third-party liability claims like accidental damage to property or third-party injury obtained from your scuba diving activities.
• Standard travel insurance can also protect you from equipment loss, stolen or damaged scuba diving equipment like regulators, dive computers, and other scuba diving essentials.

Meanwhile, diving insurance is specifically tailored for diving-related dangers. Diving insurance can be for recreational or professional diving activities with varying coverage. Diving insurance may provide coverage for:

• Medical expenses like emergency medical treatment and successive checkups resulting from diving accidents or injuries
• Diving equipment coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged diving equipment
• Dive trip cancellation due to injury, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances
• Liability coverage for damages caused by others during the diving trip

At a glance, travel and diving insurance may look the same, but the latter provides more comprehensive protection for diving-specific risks. Thus, it is important to always check the coverage inclusion, limits, and specific needs. 

A talk with an insurance provider is always a good idea to see the best option available to ensure you get the best protection for your travel and diving needs.