Do you really need dive accident insurance?
We highly recommends that divers carry DAN or other equivalent dive accident insurance for our dive expeditions in the Bahamas. Our diving at each location is far from complete medical care. All but minor injuries would require evacuation off island for treatment. Having dive accident insurance can be a huge money saver, as well as a life saver. Here’s some information from DAN.
Do I really need dive accident insurance? I have primary medical coverage
Your primary medical insurance may exclude scuba diving as a hazardous recreational activity. It may also not provide coverage when you are traveling out of the country. If it does provide coverage, it may pay only a minimal amount for chamber treatments. There are also often large out-of-pocket payments for deductibles and co-pays. These alone can total thousands of dollars.
The DAN Dive Accident Insurance Plans are recognized worldwide and can be confirmed 24 hours a day through the DAN Emergency Hotline (+1-919-684-9111). The DAN plans provide secondary coverage of up to $500,000 and pay 100% of eligible expenses.
What do Dive Accident Insurance Benefits Cover?
Medical Dive Accident Coverage
Covered charges include the reasonable and customary cost of medically necessary services when prescribed, performed or ordered by a Physician. This includes:
- Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment
- Physician’s Charges for Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment
- Medical transportation by ground, air or marine ambulance services
- Hospital charges
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
This coverage is for loss resulting from a Covered Diving Accident.
Permanent & Total Disability
Permanent Total Disability must result from a Covered Diving Accident. It means that an Insured Person is unable to perform the substantial and material duties of any occupation, if employed. If retired, all of the normal activities for a person of like age and sex in good health.
Extra Transportation Costs
This kicks in if a person is prevented from using their purchased ticket to return home. Must be based on the written advice of the attending Physician because of a Covered Diving Accident. The coverage pays for the cost of transportation for the return trip home.
Extra Accommodation Costs
If an insured person is delayed from returning home because of a Covered Diving Accident, the coverage pays the cost of extra accommodations for the duration of the delay.
Loss of Diving Equipment
Coverage is for diving equipment that is worn on the diver’s person that is “cut loose” and is lost or damaged as a result of a Covered Diving Accident. This coverage excludes watches, torn straps or buckles, or photographic equipment.
DAN also offers dive trip/travel and equipment insurance which is also a great idea. This type of coverage could help recover costs from lost diving days due to luggage or flight delays, damage and even inclement weather.
Check out this post on Dive Travel Insurance, which provides coverage for travel and weather related trip interruptions.
