At what point should I get diver insurance?

[Edward3c]

Yes - they have a finite list of high-risk activities that are covered by the travel-insurance (eg., SCUBA is covered, but jetskis isn't). Unfortunately, the travel insurance only applies when accidents occur outside of my country of residence (ie., the US)

There have been issues where scuba insurance was provided as part of an unrelated activity, like the banks provide. Read the small print, many only cover you on try-dive or basic courses whilst diving with an instructor.

 

[alex_can_dive]

I waited for well over a year as I live in Canada; free health care, if they can see you in a timely manner I got DAN for a trip and have maintained it since because the benefits outweigh the cost, specifically search and rescue and gear replacement while diving at home. I did have their highest level, platinum I believe, when travelling and mid level currently; wish I had gotten it from the start.

Wait, hang on - DAN gives you equipment insurance too??? (Say my stuff broke, they'd help me find replacement asap?)
Hmmm, with this new piece of info, maybe I'm changing my mind about not getting it Seems like a pretty good deal

 

[alex_can_dive]

There have been issues where scuba insurance was provided as part of an unrelated activity, like the banks provide. Read the small print, many only cover you on try-dive or basic courses whilst diving with an instructor.

Hmm, that's ominous.

The literal text of my policy was:

[...] you will be covered for any medical emergencies and Medical Evacuation and Repatriation for Scuba diving while you're abroad. [...]emergency medical care related to Jet skis or ATVs are not covered (travel in or on any off-road motorized vehicle not requiring licensing as a motor vehicle is an exclusion).[...]

 

[SlugLife]

Wait, hang on - DAN gives you equipment insurance too??? (Say my stuff broke, they'd help me find replacement asap?)
Hmmm, with this new piece of info, maybe I'm changing my mind about not getting it Seems like a pretty good deal

No, the equipment insurance only applies when you have a medical incident.

For example, they have to cut loose the BCD, and you lose your tank, BCD, regs, etc.

 

[Edward3c]

Wait, hang on - DAN gives you equipment insurance too??? (Say my stuff broke, they'd help me find replacement asap?)
Hmmm, with this new piece of info, maybe I'm changing my mind about not getting it Seems like a pretty good deal

Bare in mind if something is covered by more than one policy, the companies will spend time arguing which picks up the bill or whether they’ll share it. Then you have multiple forms to complete.

 

[tursiops]

Bare in mind if something is covered by more than one policy, the companies will spend time arguing which picks up the bill or whether they’ll share it. Then you have multiple forms to complete.

DAN is secondary coverage. They pay what your other coverage does not cover. Fewer arguments that way, too.

 

[TMHeimer]

Check what your regular travel insurance covers (in and out of the country) regarding dive accidents. Figure out what if anything you need for local diving. Know where the nearest chamber is and what all that (including travel to it) would cost you, if anything.
Then look into DAN or some extra coverage if it is needed.

 

[OceanEyes]

This thread is entitled "At what point should I get diver insurance?"

Now. Jut join DAN. Hopefully you'll never need it, but it can be indispensable should the fates take a hand.

 

[ThatDogDontHunt]

Even if you have experience interpreting insurance policies, they can be modified by the Insurer unilaterally with notice after the fact. ...

Interesting statement. What do you base this on?

 

[Rob9876]

Interesting statement. What do you base this on?

A good bit of experience dealing with (including doing work for) insurance companies.