Best dive insurance (2025 update)
We’ve chosen DiveAssure as the best blend of comprehensive dive insurance and travel coverage in 2025. Read our in-depth breakdown.
Diving accidents are rare, but when one happens you need insurance to cover the healing time and expenses. Regular health insurance generally excludes dive-related incidents, so it’s important to have specialized coverage1. To pick the right policy for you, we’ve compared three leading options for 2025.
Our top pick for frequent divers and travellers is DiveAssure. For those interested in a lower-cost option with fewer travel benefits, Divers Alert Network (DAN) offers solid dive-only plans. Lastly, for vacationers who mix scuba diving with other activities, World Nomads provides travel insurance that includes recreational diving.
DiveAssure
DAN
World Nomads
DiveAssure
DAN
Top pick: DiveAssure
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No depth or gas limits
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Coverage for recreational, technical, cave and ice dives
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Direct payment to hyperbaric facilities
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Compensation for missed dive days
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Annual, short-term and liveaboard plans available
Pros
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Higher premiums than some competitors
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Travel benefits are modest compared to dedicated travel insurance
Cons
DiveAssure focuses exclusively on diving and offers two tiers of coverage—Gold Scuba and Platinum Scuba. Both plans have no depth or gas limits, cover recreational and technical dives and include liveaboard trips234. DiveAssure also compensates for lost dive days due to weather or illness24. Policies start around $99 per year for Gold and $129 per year for Platinum and do not require a membership fee24.
The bottom line: DiveAssure offers comprehensive coverage for both recreational and professional divers, including technical, cave and ice diving. Its direct-payment service and compensation for missed dive days make it stand out despite higher premiums.
Just dive insurance: DAN
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Covers freediving, snorkeling, recreational and professional scuba
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No depth or gas limits
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Membership includes 24-hour TravelAssist
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Lost or damaged gear covered on many plans
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Low base premiums
Pros
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Membership required
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No single-trip coverage
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No compensation for lost dive days
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Search-and-rescue coverage only in top tier
Cons
DAN is one of the most established names in dive accident coverage. It requires a membership but offers three tiers: Master, Preferred and Guardian567. There are no gas or depth limits, and the Guardian plan uniquely covers search and rescue expenses7. Annual policy rates start at about $44 for the Master plan and $119 for Guardian, plus the membership fee567.
The bottom line: DAN’s dive-focused policies provide robust protection at a relatively low cost, particularly for divers who already have separate travel insurance. If you want worldwide coverage with an emphasis on dive accidents, DAN is a great choice.
Dive and travel insurance: World Nomads
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Emergency medical expenses up to $100,000
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Lost or damaged baggage and gear $2,500–$3,500
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Trip interruption and delay coverage
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Covers freediving, shark cage diving, and cave diving
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24-hour emergency assistance
Pros
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Depth limit of 50 meters
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Specialty diving only covered on Explorer Plan
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Doesn’t cover mixed gas
Cons
World Nomads is a travel insurer that covers over 200 activities, including recreational scuba diving8910. It offers two plans: Standard and Explorer. Coverage includes trip cancellation, baggage loss, emergency medical expenses and equipment protection810. Diving coverage is limited to a maximum depth of 40–50 meters, depending on your certification89. Policies are sold per trip; Standard plans start around US$103 per month and cover up to 180 days10.
The bottom line: World Nomads suits vacationers who plan to dive occasionally while traveling and want broad travel protection. Technical divers should look elsewhere due to depth and gas limits.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need dive insurance?
When dive accidents occur, treatments like hyperbaric therapy are costly. Decompression sickness treatments alone can run from $100 to over $1,000 per session, with multiple sessions often required[^1]. Dive insurance covers these expenses and ensures you have access to medical expertise when diving abroad. Even if you’re diving close to home, your regular insurance may exclude dive-related claims[^2].
Do I need dive insurance for courses?
Some dive shops offer short-term student coverage at an additional cost. PADI-affiliated shops often use DAN, while SSI shops partner with DiveAssure. If you plan to dive beyond your course, you’ll need to purchase your own policy.
Is regular travel insurance enough?
Most travel insurance excludes hazardous sports like scuba diving unless you add a sports rider[^2]. Even then, depth and gas limitations may apply[^9][^10]. Without specific dive coverage, any accident underwater could leave you footing the bill.
What does dive insurance cover?
Dive insurance generally covers emergency medical expenses, including hyperbaric treatments, evacuation and repatriation[^3][^4]. It may also protect your gear against loss or damage during dives and cover missed dive days[^3][^5]. Coverage typically begins when you enter the water and ends when you exit
How do I pick the best insurance?
accidents on the boat may not be included unless specified[^9][^10].
Conclusion
Dive insurance is a necessity for anyone heading underwater, whether at home or abroad. For 2025, DiveAssure offers the most comprehensive coverage and flexibility, DAN provides solid dive-only coverage at a low cost and World Nomads remains a good option for travellers who occasionally dive. Evaluate your diving plans and choose a policy that matches your depth, gas and travel needs.
References
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Coverage and Rates. DiveAssure. diveassure.com ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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(2019) DiveSafe Diving Accident Insurance Description of Coverage. DiveAssure. PDF document ↩
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(2022) Dive&Travel Diving and Travel Insurance Description of Coverage. DiveAssure. PDF document ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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(2022) Membership and Master Plan Benefits. DAN. media.dan.org ↩ ↩2
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(2022) Membership and Guardian Plan Benefits. DAN. media.dan.org ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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Scuba Diving Travel Insurance. World Nomads. worldnomads.com ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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Travel Insurance: Activities, sports & adventures covered by World Nomads. World Nomads. worldnomads.com ↩ ↩2
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(2022) Summary of Benefits. World Nomads. PDF document ↩ ↩2 ↩3
Last updated 30 August 2025
