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  5. Scuba Diving Travel Insurance

Travel insurance for scuba diving

Simple and flexible travel insurance to keep you safe on your next dive trip. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

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Why should I consider travel insurance when going scuba diving?

Whether you’re an experienced diver or its your first time heading into the deep blue when going diving you may need to have the right level of scuba diving activity under our travel insurance plans

All our plans are different and may require an upgrade to go scuba diving. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip. Terms and conditions and exclusions apply, check your policy for details or contact us.

What are the different levels of activity cover?

There are three different levels of activity and sport coverage under World Nomads policies, these are as follows:

  • Level 1 - Automatically covers Level 1 sports, activities & experiences in the Standard Plan and Explorer Plan
  • Level 2 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 sports, activities & experiences
  • Level 3 - Upgrade required - Also includes Level 1 & 2 sports, activities & experiences.

Simply specify all the sports and activities you have planned for your trip when you get your quote, as you can’t add them afterwards.

What am I covered for when scuba diving?

Under our Standard and Explorer plans there are certain special conditions and exclusions depending on the type of scuba diving experience you’re planning. See our list below to know what you’ll be covered or not covered for:

  • Scuba diving (qualified to 30 metres)# (1#) - Covered
  • Scuba diving (qualified to 40 metres)# (2#) - Covered
  • Scuba diving (unqualified/discover diving tour with qualified instructor)* (1*) – Covered
  • Shark cage diving (non-qualified at surface or qualified to scuba dive to 30 metres)*# (1*#) – Covered
  • Cavern diving (qualified to 40 metres)*# (3*#) - Covered
  • Scuba diving - commercial – Not Covered
  • Scuba diving (over 40 metres) – Not Covered
  • Cave diving – Not Covered
  • Cavern diving (over 40 metres) – Not Covered
  • Free diving - Not Covered

(*) You must be with a professional, qualified and licensed guide or operator

(#) You must have the appropriate qualification, certification or license to participate in this sport, activity or experience

Note: sporting equipment that is checked-in is only covered where the carrier requires it be checked-in due to its size or weight. Always carefully read your PDS so you are clear on what is and isn’t covered under each plan. If you are still unsure about coverage you can contact us.

What's covered?

The right travel insurance can be very helpful in keeping your trip on track. World Nomads offers two policies – Standard and Explorer – that provide coverage when backpacking overseas.

Our plans are designed to provide cover for sudden and unforeseen events on your next overseas adventure, such as being left empty-handed when the airline loses your luggage, if you need to see a doctor if you are hurt or feeling unwell, if severe weather interrupts your plans, and for many other reasons.

World Nomads may offer cover for the following (up to the policy limits):

  • Cancellation protection: trip cancellations happen from time to time and travel insurance can help when the unexpected forces you to cancel your trip. Depending on what’s happened, we may pay for the value of your unused, non-refundable expenses
  • Overseas emergency medical: exploring the world  through a scuba diving lens can be a great experience, but not if it ends in sickness or an injury. Your policy may cover you for your overseas medical expenses, up to the policy limits and when agreed by us. You can submit a claim to recover unexpected medical expenses while abroad
  • Family cover: it includes overseas medical expenses for up to 12 months after sudden illness or injury. There’s also cover for dental treatment under both Standard and Explorer plans
  • Delayed baggage: It can be a pain, however, if it’s been 12 hours and there’s no sign of your bags yet, insurance will cover you for the cost of some basic replacements such as pyjamas, toothbrush, and shampoo
  • And much more…

Note: Read your PDS for details on maximum benefit limits, exclusions and terms and conditions of your coverage.

Travel insurance tip: World Nomads provides travel insurance for more than 150 activities, sports and experiences. While this list might seem exhaustive, it doesn’t cover everything. That’s why you shouldn’t take for granted that your preferred activities will be covered. You can’t upgrade your level of cover mid-way through your holiday, so do consider this wisely.

What's not covered?

Travel insurance is not designed to cover everything so understanding what’s not covered is important. There are several situations we can cover you for, but there are also some we just won’t cover.

These include, but are not limited to:

  • Diving professionally
  • Reckless behaviour while diving or doing any activity or sports
  • Search and rescue expenses
  • Your scuba dive equipment while it is in use
  • Diving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • If you don’t keep your gear safe and secure at all times.
  • Expenses that can be recovered from other sources e.g., transport carriers, accommodation providers or other insurance policies

Key tips when going scuba diving:

  • Only dive if you are fit to do so. You may need to consult your medical practitioner before going scuba diving and get a ‘fit to travel’ approval.
  • Check all your gear to ensure everything is in good working order and then do a buddy check of your fellow divers.
  • When scuba diving with a group, listen to your instructor or dive guide regarding the planned route and what to look out for.
  • Monitor your air gauge and make sure you have enough air left to get back to the boat.
  • Descend and ascend slowly during every dive.
  • Only dive with reputable companies using licensed, seaworthy boats and well-maintained dive equipment. Make sure you check your instructor's credentials.
  • Don't fly for at least 24 hours after scuba diving. The aircraft's pressurised environment can trigger decompression sickness if you still have excess nitrogen in your system.
  • Make sure you have the right level of scuba diving travel insurance and that the kind of diving you plan to do is fully covered.

Want to know more?

Our Help Desk article on scuba diving can help you out if you have any further queries on coverage.


This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your PDS in full so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

World Nomads love scuba diving

As passionate divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover dives from the Great Blue Hole to The Yongala.

  • Recreational scuba diving (qualified divers to 40 meters – an additional premium may apply)
  • Learn-to-dive courses or discover scuba dives (with qualified instructors)
  • Shark cage diving
  • Cavern diving (up to 40 meters – an additional premium applies)
  • Snorkeling, island escapes, live-aboard trips, and more

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about buying travel insurance for scuba diving. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask the customer service team. 

  • Does my travel insurance cover medical costs upfront or do I have to pay and claim later?
    It will depend on the situation at the time of the medical emergency! Should you require hospitalisation and/or medical evacuation the insurer will work directly with the hospital and evacuation services on your behalf. They work very hard to ensure you don't have to pay out-of-pocket. However, should you require to visit an urgent care facility they will not accept any insurance, so you most likely will have to pay out of pocket and, upon your claim being approved, be reimbursed for your expenses.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Protect your trip from unexpected cancellation.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000
Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Dive buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Overseas

Take the pain out of medical costs.

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $5,000,000
Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Stepped on a stonefish?
  • Got a serious squeeze?
  • Need 02 or hyperbaric treatment?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transport

We'll get you to hospital lickety-split

  • Explorer Plan: Unlimited
  • Standard Plan: $500,000
Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Sea level medical evac?
  • Need an ambulance?
  • Medivac needed home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Cover your stolen or damaged gear and tech.

  • Explorer Plan: $10,000
  • Standard Plan: $2,000
Protect your gear
  • Go Pro stolen?
  • Bags lost in transit?
  • Luggage delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Overseas Medical Expenses
  • Emergency dental treatment
  • 24 hour assistance
  • Emergency medical transport & repatriation
  • Cancellation costs
  • Trip interruption costs
  • Compassionate emergency visit home
  • Resumption of trip
  • Theft or accidental damage to baggage and personal items
  • Baggage delay over 12 hours
  • Funeral expenses overseas or repatriation of remains
  • Personal liability
This is a general summary for Australian residents only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Check the policy documents for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

If you need medical assistance or emergency medical evacuation our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Phone: +61 2 8263 0470 or Phone: +61 2 8292 1470 (reverse charges via an operator from anywhere in the world)

Contact the team
Wherever you are, whatever has happened, our multi-lingual assistance teams are here to help you and your family.
Aurelie's portrait photo
Aurelie Menard,
Emergency Assistance, World Nomads

Travel insurance. Simple & flexible.

Travel insurance for independent travelers and intrepid families. Nobody wants to think about all the things that could go wrong on their trip, but these things can and do happen. So be prepared and get your travel insurance today.

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