DAN insurance before being certified?

[ScubaDocER]

Interesting - no one even mentioned DAN in our cert class that I recall- but it was in Indonesia.

That's unfortunate. While do not believe that DAN is the holy grail so to speak, I do believe they make a great product and seem to have a strong reputation for providing outstanding diver related coverage (even some accidents that were not directly in water events). When I became an Instructor I was bombarded by DAN's program to sign up students during their training. Of note I did not get that when I was certified in 1999 as an OW diver, but I am not sure they offered it at that time. DAN's PR people are pretty good at getting the word out about this program. As stated earlier, I think it's a good product with many upsides for student divers.

 

[elan]

As far as I know DAN is free for students during the learning process and for 6 months in total (might be wrong)

But this is what we have got during our courses here in Canada, I guess is applies to the states as well

 

[kathydee]

That's unfortunate. While do not believe that DAN is the holy grail so to speak, I do believe they make a great product and seem to have a strong reputation for providing outstanding diver related coverage (even some accidents that were not directly in water events). When I became an Instructor I was bombarded by DAN's program to sign up students during their training. Of note I did not get that when I was certified in 1999 as an OW diver, but I am not sure they offered it at that time. DAN's PR people are pretty good at getting the word out about this program. As stated earlier, I think it's a good product with many upsides for student divers.

Learned about DAN from you all on SB & it feels great to have the coverage !

 

[DBailey]

As far as I know DAN is free for students during the learning process and for 6 months in total (might be wrong)

But this is what we have got during our courses here in Canada, I guess is applies to the states as well

From the link that Clayjar provided:

The Divers Alert Network (DAN) Student Membership Program (SMP) provides you up to $20,000 recompression treatment during "entry-level" student training. Coverage ends in six months or when you complete the last dive required for certification, which ever occurs first. If you are under age 18, you'll need your Parent's or Guardian's consent to enroll.
Your coverage begins at 12:01 AM on the date of your first required dive after your student information is received at DAN and ends in six months, or when you complete the last dive for certification, whichever occurs first.

On thing to consider is if you are doing additional dives immediately after your student training. If you are going on vacation to get certified, are you only doing the four certification dives or will you be doing more once certified. If you are doing more, I highly recommend some sort of insurance.

 

[JPENDERGRAST]

I'm sure there are other agencies out there that could provide the same service, but I saw how important it is to have DAN on my 6th (maybe 7th) dive out of my OW certification class. We were in Pensacola, diving in 90' of water when the DM started seizing on the ascent. He was pulled onto the boat, and his buddy called DAN. We were only about 10 miles from shore, but they insisted he be airlifted (he was conscious by this time, but had no control over his right arm). He was off the boat within 15 minutes. I had already subscribed to DAN, but I don't how someone WOULDN'T want DAN after seeing something like that. DAN saves lives.

 

[vladimir]

While do not believe that DAN is the holy grail

Be careful with this sort of heresy around here.

 

[ScubaDocER]

Be careful with this sort of heresy around here.

I was trying not to sound like a DAN sales rep.

 

[Crowley]

Yes it's a good idea - there are places in the world where dive professionals are *not* required to have liability insurance. South East Asia in particular. Holiday/travel insurance packages often cover diving accidents but I know for a fact there is a limit - I had to put a guy in the chamber one time and when I phoned his insurers they said they would not cover the bill for the hyperbaric chamber as it would be too expensive.

As an aside to the OP, and to agree with some of the posts about DAN - there is nobody better. I have had several dealings with DAN on behalf of injured divers and they have been brilliant. I am not a DAN sales person but I would quite happily pitch for them.

Safe diving folks,

C.

 

[PTAaron]

I signed up for the Student insurance shortly after completing the classroom portion, before the open water section. There was a pamphlet in the PADI packet I got from my instructor, but there was no mention of it during the class.
I actually ended up signing my wife and I up for the full insurance a few days later after reading up more on what the benefits were. For the peace of mind it provides it is certainly worth the $70!

 

[mbalmr]

Thanks for all the great info guys, I had no idea DAN insurance was free for students. This is why I love SB, so many helpful people willing to share years of knowledge with complete strangers. No where else have I found this kind of help, I never think twice about asking a question on here and I always receive great advice. Thanks again everyone, wish me luck and hope that I stay warm up here.

GK