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Scuba diving travel insurance

Scuba diving travel insurance

Maybe you're an experienced diver, or maybe you're taking the trip of a lifetime. No matter your experience, the right policy can cover you if you have an accident, or need replacement equipment while scuba diving.

Sometimes, scuba diving travel insurance is included as an add-on to standard travel insurance. But, you can also get it as a specialist travel insurance policy.

Here, we help guide you through what you need to know about scuba diving and travel insurance. So, you can enjoy your underwater adventures with peace of mind.

If you're ready, select "Get a quote" to start comparing quotes now. But, if you want to learn more before you do that, keep reading!

Alvaro Iturmendi - Confused.com travel insurance expert

Reviewed by Alvaro Iturmendi Travel insurance expert 5 min read | Published 24/07/2024

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Do I need specialist diving insurance?

This depends on the nature of your scuba diving. Some standard travel insurance policies cover scuba diving, but many don't. If your standard policy doesn't cover scuba diving, scuba diving cover can be included as an add-on for a cost. You may find that certain adventure travel insurance policies will cover scuba diving, but you should double-check the policy wording to see if there are any restrictions before you buy.

For example, it's common for policies to only provide cover up to a certain depth. Usually, this is 18 metres. You might also need to be accompanied by a diving instructor, certified guide, or marshal. So, if you're a beginner or only plan to dive as part of a holiday excursion, a scuba diving add-on might be just right.

A specialist policy with additional scuba diving cover will usually cover you to dive deeper. They can also offer cover for other issues specific to scuba diving, like equipment malfunctions.

What does scuba diving travel insurance cover?

What's covered?

Equipment damage or replacement

Most specialist scuba diving policies can cover for lost, damaged or malfunctioning equipment.

Bad weather

If you're unable to scuba dive because of bad weather. In most cases, policies that cover scuba diving can provide reimbursement.

Diving depth

Most scuba diving insurance policies provide cover for diving to a depth of 18 metres. But this is usually dependent on being a certified diver, or if you're going to be diving with a qualified instructor.

Types of diving

Some policies can cover special types of scuba diving. This includes things like cage diving or diving with sharks. Read the policy details to know what's included.

Cancellation cover

If you need to cancel or cut short your trip for an unexpected reason, like illness.

Medical expenses

If you need emergency medical treatment, you'll be covered. For example, if you surface too soon and get decompression sickness. You'll also typically be covered for the cost of returning to the UK if needed.

Lost or stolen baggage

If your baggage is accidentally lost, stolen, or is delayed, you'll be covered.

What isn't covered?

Any medical conditions you didn't declare to your insurer

If you need treatment for an undeclared medical condition, your policy won't be valid.

Travel against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice

If the FCDO advises against travel to a certain country, but you go anyway.

Incidents involving drugs or alcohol

If illness, injury, or death occurs due to being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you won't be able to claim.

Natural disasters

If a natural disaster occurs, a standard scuba diving policy won't cover this. For example, a tsunami.

Diving before your travel insurance policy starts

If you dive before your cover begins, any claims you make won't be valid.

Does standard travel insurance cover scuba diving?

"Going scuba diving and looking for travel insurance? While there’s some insurers that cover scuba diving as standard, this isn’t always the case. Scuba diving can come with lots of unique problems, and insurers can see them as high-risk. For example, the cost of medical treatment for diving-related incidents. Or, having to reimburse for cancelled dives due to bad weather.

"So, this means you may need to take out specialist scuba diving insurance. Or, purchase a scuba diving add-on to your standard travel insurance policy. Take the time to read the policy details to know what you’ll be getting covered for. That way, you'll be able to make sure you have the level of cover needed to enjoy your scuba diving trip with peace of mind."

Alvaro Iturmendi Travel insurance expert

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Is there a limit on how deep I can scuba dive?

If you're an experienced or qualified diver, you might find the 18m diving depth that most travel insurance policies with scuba diving cover to be too limiting. In that case, a specialist diving policy might be better. If you choose a specialist policy with added scuba diving cover, you'll be covered to dive much deeper, usually up to 30 metres.

Top tip: If you want to go deeper than 30 metres, you'll need to check if your policy provides cover. If it doesn't, contact your provider to see if they can offer enhanced cover to a deeper depth.

Important information

All insurance products exclude cover for known events. These are global events that can put you in danger and/or disrupt travel. The COVID-19 pandemic is an example of this. This exclusion applies if the event was declared as a ‘known event' when you bought your insurance.

If you're travelling to a place where there's a known event, you won't be covered by your travel insurance. The ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories is an example. If you travel against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice, you won't be covered by any travel insurance you buy. The same applies if you fail to meet your destination's entry requirements.

There are a lot of popular scuba diving destinations across the world, including Indonesia, the Philippines and Australia. Currently the FCDO is advising against all travel to all areas of Mindanao in the Philippines* and to Mount Sinabung, Mount Marapi, Mount Semeru, Mount Ruang and Mount Ibu in Indonesia, so this should be considered before you travel.

Travel insurance with scuba diving cover for pre-existing medical conditions

It's possible to get scuba diving cover if you've got a pre-existing medical condition. Hooray!

But it's important to speak with your GP before you travel or make plans to go diving. This is to make sure it's safe for you to take part in scuba diving, and other water sports activities.

If you're offered cover, you may find that your policy is more expensive. This is because insurers may see you as having a greater chance of needing to make a claim.

Some examples of pre-existing conditions include:

Diabetes
Cancer
Stroke
Heart conditions
Respiratory conditions
Terminal illnesses

You must tell your insurer about any health issues before you buy a policy to make sure you get the right cover. If you don't and need to make a claim, it could be rejected, and you may have to pay for the medical treatment yourself. If you're in doubt about whether you have a pre-existing condition, you can always contact your insurance provider for help.

If you can't find suitable cover, don't worry. The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) might be able to help you. They have a directory of insurers who cover customers with serious medical conditions. You can also phone MaPS for free, impartial advice on 0800 138 7777.

Types of travel insurance

Activity travel insurance

Activity travel insurance is also known as adventure insurance. It's an enhanced type of cover that gives you extra sports cover and also allows you to take part in activities such as scuba diving that aren't usually included in a standard policy.

Backpackers travel insurance

Backpackers' travel insurance is a type of cover aimed at people who want to travel for a long period of time. It usually covers 1 trip for up to 18 months, in various countries and can be useful if you plan on scuba diving in different countries that you're visiting.

Ski travel insurance

Ski travel insurance provides tailored cover to trips involving skiing and snowboarding. This includes things like piste closures or damaged equipment.

Single-trip travel insurance

Single-trip travel insurance covers you for 1 trip in a 12-month period, usually up to a maximum of 31 days.

Worldwide travel insurance

Worldwide travel insurance gives you cover in destinations outside of Europe when buying an annual travel insurance policy. This includes places like Canada, Asia and the USA.

Cruise travel insurance

Cruise travel insurance is a type of cover designed to protect against the things that can go wrong on a cruise. This includes things like missed ports and unused excursions.

Long stay travel insurance

Long stay travel insurance is a type of travel policy aimed at extended trips. It can provide cover for a trip that lasts for at least a month or longer.