Dive Trip Insurance: Dive Assure, DAN? Necessary?

[mediumone]

I select the PRIMARY insurance provider option for my annual DiveAssure policy.

Which would make sense if there is no deductible or co-pay.

I select secondary because I'd turn my claim in to Blue Cross, and if you want to figure out their deductibles, co-pays, and allowable expenses, be my guest. Whatever they decide is fine with me. My secondary, (Arch Roam Right), will pick up whatever is not covered by the primary up to a maximum of $50,000 - which could be increased.

 

[DandyDon]

I select the PRIMARY insurance provider option for my annual DiveAssure policy.

Their site does not allow me to read the fine print before buying which strikes me as fishy. If you check yours closely, I think that you will see that they will still share expenses with whatever coverage you have so they are using the term Primary loosely.

DiveAssure is an option for diving outside the US and they offer some choices that DAN doesn't offer like single trip coverage. Good personal medical coverage that includes diving, as well as travel outside of the US, may make DAN unnecessary for some. Good trip insurance may as well. Final answer will vary from person to person after careful comparisons of benefits.

I'm keeping my DAN membership even when I get too old to dive for the Travels Assist benefits. Just be sure that they set up repatriation as that is required.

 

[krbailey]

Several years ago, I had a serious DCS incident in Cozumel. A week of chamber treatments and another week at the resort before I was cleared to fly. DAN (primary insurance) covered everything but the 8th chamber treatment (This was picked up by my secondary insurance, Allianz.). Even covered an upgrade to first class as recommended by my doctor.

Total cost was $60,000+.

My out of pocket was zero.

 

[Dan]

Which would make sense if there is no deductible or co-pay.

I select secondary because I'd turn my claim in to Blue Cross, and if you want to figure out their deductibles, co-pays, and allowable expenses, be my guest. Whatever they decide is fine with me. My secondary, (Arch Roam Right), will pick up whatever is not covered by the primary up to a maximum of $50,000 - which could be increased.

May be I am over insured as I have Aetna health insurance too. The difference between annual DiveAssure Primary & Secondary travel insurance is $200. May be next year I make it as secondary.

 

[Dan]

I'm keeping my DAN membership even when I get too old to dive for the Travels Assist benefits. Just be sure that they set up repatriation as that is required.

I have been a DAN member for over 15 years and will continue till my body tells me I can’t dive anymore.

 

[flyboy08]

Why on earth would I want to do that instead of my current trip insurance policy?

If your "current trip Ins" is diving specific, then you probably dont...but for the low cost, its peace of mind!

 

[Jcp2]

May be I am over insured as I have Aetna health insurance too. The difference between annual DiveAssure Primary & Secondary travel insurance is $200. May be next year I make it as secondary.

It’s hard to determine whether you are insured appropriately until you need the insurance. Then you’ll find out if you are under insured.

 

[Gareth J]

For diving trips I have take out DAN, specifically.
I have general 'holiday' insurance associated with various credit cards, etc. For an expensive trip, I take out specific holiday insurance.
For work, we have specific insurance travel policies.

One other thing, although this may be different in the USA.
A lot of dive guides, instructors, shops, facilities and boats have their insurances with DAN. When I had to call on DAN it was seamless, the shop, guide, and myself all where covered by DAN. No posturing over which insurance company was responsible for what. It was the same insurance company, one phone call by the shop, and everything moved forward quickly with no arguments.

 

[mediumone]

If your "current trip Ins" is diving specific, then you probably dont...but for the low cost, its peace of mind!

No, it is not diving specific,

BUT:
Scuba diving is covered unless:

1) "the depth exceeds 130 feet or if You are not PADI or NAUI certified to dive and a dive master is not present during the dive", and:

2) "We will advance payment to a Hospital up to the Maximum Benefit Amount shown on the Schedule of Benefits ($50,000), if needed to secure Your admission to a Hospital because of a covered Emergency Condition", and;

3) Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains" as needed/required: $500,000.

This coverage gives me peace of mind.

 

[ggunn]

Scuba diving is covered unless:

1) "the depth exceeds 130 feet or if You are not PADI or NAUI certified to dive and a dive master is not present during the dive"

Does the DM have to be in the water with you? Cozumel is unusual; I hear that many (most?) other places if there is a DM s/he stays on the boat. What if you are shore diving, a la Bonaire?