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  5. Scuba Diving

Travel insurance when 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.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

Why buy travel insurance when going scuba diving?

This information is for New Zealand residents. Calm waters, crystal clear visibility, and a bulletproof dive plan might make for the perfect underwater adventure, but accidents can happen, even to the most experienced divers. Whether you're learning or you’ve done hundreds of dives, World Nomads travel insurance can help take the pressure off you and your family when the unexpected sinks your next dive trip.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Dive buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Stepped on a stonefish?
  • Got a serious squeeze?
  • Need 02 or hyperbaric treatment?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Sea level medical evac?
  • Need an ambulance?
  • Medivac needed home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Go Pro stolen?
  • Bags lost in transit?
  • Luggage delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

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

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team

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 hospitalization and/or medical evacuation our 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team will work directly with the hospital and evacuation services on your behalf. They work very hard to ensure you do not 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.
Photo © Photo ○ Kanarys/IStock
  1. World Nomads
  2. Category
  3. Topic
  4. Activity
  5. Scuba Diving

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.

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

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 Help Centre 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

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Dive buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Stepped on a stonefish?
  • Got a serious squeeze?
  • Need 02 or hyperbaric treatment?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Sea level medical evac?
  • Need an ambulance?
  • Medivac needed home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Go Pro stolen?
  • Bags lost in transit?
  • Luggage delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team
Photo © Kanarys/IStock
  1. World Nomads
  2. Category
  3. Topic
  4. Activity
  5. Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving Travel Insurance

Canadians can protect their scuba dives with travel insurance

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

At a glance:

  • World Nomads plans provide cover for recreational scuba diving and shark cage diving up to 30 metres, with the ability to pay an extra premium and be covered for scuba diving and cavern diving up to 40 metres, and working as a scuba diving instructor or guide
  • Coverage for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while scuba diving.
  • Plans cover lost, stolen, or damaged diving gear and luggage.
  • Access to emergency assistance anytime, anywhere.

You’ve gotten your PADI certification and now you’re ready to explore beneath the ocean’s surface. From coral reefs in the Caribbean to shipwrecks in Europe, there’s no shortage of divine dive sites around the world. And while calm waters, crystal clear visibility, and a bulletproof dive plan might make for the perfect underwater adventure, accidents can still happen. Our travel insurance plans include a range of benefits for scuba diving that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my scuba diving trip?

A slip and fall on the dive boat, decompression sickness, jellyfish stings, and ear barotrauma are just some of the unexpected issues that could derail even the most carefully planned dive trip. Travel insurance coverage designed for scuba diving may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a smart way to travel confidently – whether you're diving among the abundant marine life in the Florida Keys or alongside the Great Wall of China (yes, that’s possible!).

Scuba diving travel insurance: What may be covered?

As divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover scuba diving while travelling. We also offer coverage for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    Decompression sickness and cuts from coral while diving

  2. 24/7 Emergency Assistance
    Your first call in any emergency situation

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Broken or damaged scuba diving gear (while transported via a common carrier, like a commercial airline)

  4. Trip Cancellation
    Reimbursements if you’re too sick to go on your dive trip

Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my scuba diving trip?

World Nomads offers two plans for Canadian residents – the Standard and Explorer – each with different levels of coverage. 

  • The Standard plan includes travel insurance for recreational scuba diving and cavern diving up to 40 metres, as well as working as a scuba diving instructor or guide
  • The Explorer plan also covers those activities but has higher limits of coverage.

When you purchase your policy, you’ll need to list scuba diving, and all of the other activities that you plan to participate in while on your trip. The main purpose of your trip may be diving, but you may also be doing other fun things like kayaking or sailing. There’s over 250 other sports, activities and experiences that may be covered. You won’t be able to add or remove activities after you make your purchase, so make sure you add them all at that time.  

Recreational scuba diving and shark cage diving up to 30 metres are considered Level 1 activities and are automatically covered, but you’ll still need to list them when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like scuba diving or cavern diving up to 40 metres, and working as a scuba diving instructor or guide. If you are planning to participate in an activity that isn’t listed in our policy wording, you will need to contact us to determine if you will be covered. 

Get a travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Get a quote
A group of people Scuba Diving on a reef

What may not be covered when scuba diving?

  • Scuba diving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Dives that are deeper (over 40 metres) than your adventure travel insurance coverage allows 
  • Scuba diving without the proper certification (like PADI or NAUI), unless it is a discovery course with an instructor
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
  • Travelling within your home province
  • Diving if your doctor has advised against it
  • Commercial scuba diving 

Top safety tips we recommend for your scuba diving trip

  • Research your dive company: Only dive with reputable companies using licensed, seaworthy boats and well-maintained dive equipment. 
  • Don’t dive without proper certifications: Make sure you’ve gone through the proper coursework through PADI or NAUI based upon the type of dive you’ll be doing. If you don’t have the proper certification for your dive, you won’t be covered by your travel insurance for scuba diving. 
  • Check (and double check) your scuba gear before getting in the water: Make sure everything is working properly and if you’re unsure about anything, let your guide know. 
  • Don’t dive alone or swim off on your own: Even if you see something cool underwater, don’t go check it out alone – you and your dive buddy need to stay together. Always know where your guide and buddy are at all times. 
  • Keep an eye on your air gauge: Monitor this closely so you can plan your return to the surface accordingly. Always make sure you have enough air to complete your dive.
  • Ascend slowly and safely: Coming back to the surface too quickly can cause serious problems. Make sure to do safety stops at the appropriate depths. 
  • Store a copy of your scuba diving travel insurance coverage in a dry bag: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team easily accessible, as well as your policy number. You may want to save that in your phone as well. 

FAQ

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

  • Is scuba diving covered under World Nomads Travel Insurance?

    Yes, World Nomads offers travel insurance coverage for scuba diving, but make sure you list this as an activity you’ll be participating in when you purchase your policy. Recreational scuba diving and shark cage diving up to 30 metres are considered Level 1 activities and are automatically covered, but will still need to be listed when you purchase your policy. However, you will need to pay an additional premium to be covered for Level 2 and Level 3 activities like scuba diving or cavern diving up to 40 metres and working as a scuba diving instructor or guide. If you are doing something else on your trip and aren’t sure if it’s covered, you should contact us to make sure.

  • What should I do if I get hurt while scuba diving?

    If you have travel insurance coverage for scuba diving and unexpectedly get hurt, you must contact the 24/7 Emergency Assistance team and they can help direct you to nearby medical facilities. They can also translate for you if you’re travelling outside of Canada and your medical team doesn’t speak French or English. Make sure you keep all documentation including doctor reports, invoices, etc. You’ll need those things if you plan to make a claim.

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?

    When you purchase travel insurance for diving, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for essential items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. 

Need destination inspiration for your next scuba diving trip?

Not sure where your next scuba diving adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite places around the world to dive and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Best Scuba Diving Spots on Australia’s East Coast

Into the Deep: Scuba Diving the Great Wall of China

Trinidad & Tobago Discoveries: Caribbean Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving in Cuba: The 6 Best Dive Sites

Best Scuba Diving in Japan: 5 of the Top Dive Sites

Scuba Diving in Colombia: Here’s Why It’s Perfect

This is only a summary of coverage and does not include the full terms and conditions of the policy. It is important you read and understand your policy as it contains benefits, conditions, exclusions and pre-existing condition exclusions. If you do not understand your coverage, or if you have questions, just ask us.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team
Photo © Kanarys/IStock
  1. World Nomads
  2. Category
  3. Topic
  4. Activity
  5. Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving Travel Insurance Coverage

US Residents can protect their adventures under the water with travel insurance

    As featured in:

  • As featured in:

At a glance:

  • All World Nomads plans cover scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters
  • Higher-tier plans offer coverage for more adventurous dives, including shark cage diving and free diving
  • Coverage for injuries and medical transport if you're seriously hurt while scuba diving, including the use of compression chambers if needed.
  • Transportation if your condition is severe, acute or life threatening and adequate medical treatment is not available in your immediate area. Additional terms apply. 
  • Reimbursement for canceled scuba diving tours, delays, or interruptions due to covered events.


For information relating to policies purchased prior to October 23 2024, please check the Policy Wording provided with your purchase. You can contact us if you need this sent to you again. For plans purchased after October 23 2024, please see below.

You’ve gotten your PADI certification and now you’re ready to explore beneath the ocean’s surface. From coral reefs in the Caribbean to shipwrecks in Australia, there’s no shortage of divine dive sites around the world. And while calm waters, crystal clear visibility, and a bulletproof dive plan might make for the perfect underwater adventure, accidents can still happen. Our travel protection plans include a range of adventure travel insurance benefits that may help with everything from stolen bags to unexpected medical expenses.

Why should I consider travel insurance for my scuba diving trip?

A slip and fall on the dive boat, decompression sickness, jellyfish stings, and ear barotrauma are just some of the unexpected issues that could derail even the most carefully planned dive trip. Travel insurance and non-insurance services designed for scuba diving may help you bounce back quickly with support for emergencies, delays, and disruptions. With coverage that is flexible to your needs, it’s a way to travel confidently – whether you're diving among the abundant marine life in the Florida Keys or alongside the Great Wall of China (yes, that’s possible!).

Scuba diving travel insurance and non-insurance services for scuba diving: What may be covered?

As divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover scuba diving while traveling. We also offer coverage for losses related to more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.

  1. Emergency Medical Expenses
    For decompression sickness and cuts from coral when scuba diving

  2. 24/7 Non-insurance Emergency Assistance
    Available 24/7 to assist in an emergency situation, on or off the water

  3. Baggage & Gear Coverage
    Damaged or stolen diving gear, or lost luggage on the way to you diving destination

  4. Trip Delays, Interruptions & Cancellations
    A money-saver if inclement weather throws a wrench into your plans.

Terms, conditions, and limitations apply to all mentioned coverages. Get a quote and compare the plans to see which level of coverage is right for you.

All plans also include several additional non-insurance services that may support you both before and during your trip. These include delayed or lost baggage tracking and delivery, portable health records, and pre-departure telehealth services.

What level of travel insurance coverage do I need for my scuba diving trip?

World Nomads offers four plans for U.S. residents – Standard, Explorer, Epic and Annual – each with different levels of coverage. Even if your main goal is to go scuba diving, you’ll probably be doing other fun things like sailing or kayaking. That’s totally fine, because you could be covered for more than 250 other sports, activities and experiences.

  • The Standard and Annual plans cover scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters.
  • The Explorer plan covers more activities, including shark cage diving, cave diving, and serving as a scuba diving instructor or guide up to 165 feet/50 meters. It also includes free diving up to 196 feet/60 meters and has higher limits of coverage.
  • The Epic plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including cave diving up to 196 feet/60 meters and commercial scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters. It also has the highest benefit limits of coverage. 

Get a travel insurance quote

Simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Get a quote
A group of people Scuba Diving on a reef

What may not be covered when scuba diving?

  • Scuba diving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Unattended baggage, sporting equipment or personal items
  • Scuba diving or traveling within 100 miles of your home
  • Scuba diving without the proper certification (like PADI or NAUI), unless it is a discovery course with an instructor
  • Diving if your doctor has advised against it
  • Dives that are deeper than your adventure travel insurance coverage allow 

Top safety tips we recommend for your scuba diving trip

  • Research your dive company: Only dive with reputable companies using licensed, seaworthy boats and well-maintained dive equipment. 
  • Don’t dive without proper certifications: Make sure you’ve gone through the proper coursework through PADI or NAUI based upon the type of dive you’ll be doing. If you don’t have the proper certification for your dive, you may not be covered by your travel insurance plan. 
  • Check (and double check) your scuba gear before getting in the water: Make sure everything is working properly and if you’re unsure about anything, let your guide know. 
  • Don’t dive alone or swim off on your own: Even if you see something cool underwater, don’t go check it out alone – you and your dive buddy need to stay together. Always know where your guide and buddy are at all times. 
  • Keep an eye on your air gauge: Monitor this closely so you can plan your return to the surface accordingly. Always make sure you have enough air to complete your dive. 
  • Ascend slowly and safely: Coming back to the surface too quickly can cause serious problems. Make sure to do safety stops at the appropriate depths. 
  • Get a good dry bag to hold a copy of the documents showing your scuba diving travel insurance and non-insurance services: If an accident happens, you’ll want that handy – and dry. Make sure you have the phone number for the 24/7 Non-Insurance Emergency Assistance Team easily accessible, as well as your policy number. You may want to save that in your phone as well. 

FAQ

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

  • Can scuba diving be covered by World Nomads Travel Insurance?

    Yes, scuba diving may be covered under all four plans offered by World Nomads Travel Insurance. The Standard and Annual plans include non-insurance services and travel insurance coverage for scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters. The Explorer plan covers more activities, including shark cage diving, cave diving, and serving as a scuba diving instructor or guide up to 165 feet/50 meters. It also includes free diving up to 60 meters and has higher limits of coverage. The Epic plan covers everything the Explorer plan covers, plus even more activities – including cave diving up to 196 feet/60 meters and commercial scuba diving up to 165 feet/50 meters. It also has the highest limits of coverage. 

  • Do I get my money back if I cancel my dive trip?

    Trip cancellation coverage is offered by all plans offered by World Nomads, and you may be reimbursed for pre-paid, unused, non-refundable expenses like flights, diving tours, and accommodations if your trip is cancelled for a covered reason. U.S. residents (except those that live in New York) also have the ability to add optional cancel for any reason coverage when certain World Nomads plans are purchased. 

  • What happens if my bags are delayed?

    When you purchase adventure travel insurance coverage and non-insurance services, baggage coverage is also included. If your checked-in bags are delayed more than 12 hours on the way to your destination, your plan may reimburse you for essential, reasonable items like toiletries and a change of clothes until you and your bag are reunited. Your coverage also includes non-insurance services that can help track down your bag and get it delivered to you.

Need destination inspiration for your next scuba diving trip?

Not sure where your next scuba diving adventure should take you? Check out some of our favorite places around the world to dive and get destination-specific travel insurance tips to help you plan with confidence.

Best Scuba Diving Spots on Australia’s East Coast

Into the Deep: Scuba Diving the Great Wall of China

Trinidad & Tobago Discoveries: Caribbean Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving in Cuba: The 6 Best Dive Sites

Best Scuba Diving in Japan: 5 of the Top Dive Sites

Scuba Diving in Colombia: Here’s Why It’s Perfect

20250730-4701483. This is not a full list of what is and isn’t covered, so please check your plan document for a full list of maximums, terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions that may apply to your state specific plan. Any example scenarios provided above are not a guarantee of coverage. All claims are subject to review, require documentation and are considered individually. Exclusion applies to Adventure or Extreme Activities.

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Work emergency?
  • Weather delay?
  • Travel companion sick?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Accidentally injured?
  • Suddenly sick?
  • Need a hospital?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Ambulance transfers
  • Medevac flights
  • Medical escort services

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Stolen I.D.s
  • Checked-in sports equipment
  • Damaged luggage

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are 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?

Contact the team
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