Insurance....

[AmyJ]

Ok, not trying to start a war here.... :54: ok, but really just looking for some info. We are new divers... ( I think I keep saying that! ) and are looking into insurance. Of course we got info about DAN right off the start and didn't know there were other options. Now we are hearing bad things about DAN (from rip off scams to promoting harm to the environment)... I am just wanting to hear some non-flaming opinions and experiences. I did a search and came up with some general comments, but not a specific thread. We currently don't have any dive insurance, but it makes sense to me. Thanks in advance !!

 

[roakey]

Equipment or medical insurance?

Roak

 

[The Chairman]

I do both with Dan... but I really have never had to file a claim with them. I hope to never have to.

 

[AmyJ]

Equipment or medical insurance?

Roak

ummm... guess primarily medical at the moment, since we don't have our own equipment yet. but someday....

 

[Genesis]

The equipment insurance is pretty much worthless; it doesn't cover anything other than theft, really (which you probably have covered under your renters or homeowners insurance anyway), unless you are paying for flood coverage on a camera or other similar item.

Dive insurance, from someone, is a must-have. Whether DAN's the right choice for you is another matter. Pay CLOSE attention to the costs, limits, exclusions and exactly what is and is not covered. Be aware that most medical insurance companies will not cover recompression treatment for DCS, and that it is VERY expensive.

For under $100 a year, its not a bad deal - but do shop carefully. One insurance company, for example, excludes coverage if you are "underwater fishing" (spearfishing) - so if you intend to do that, this company is not for you! Others have depth limits (some are for "planned depth", some just "depth" - so if you have an incident where you ACCIDENTALLY exceed the depth limit, you're hosed!)

It pays to read the policies offered CAREFULLY, and to do so before plunking down your money.

 

[Michael Schlink]

I've had DAN for 15 years, never needed it. But I'll always have it. The have been great. I have had friends that "used" DAN and were happy they did. I always say get a roomfull of people and you'll get a roomfull of opinions. As far as equipment insurance, check with your agent and make sure your Homeowners covers it. Mine doesn't so I get extra insurance. If you travel on a plane you should be aware that the international baggage liability is less than $10/pound, that means that if Continental looses your dive bag they are liable for about $500-$700. Hardly enough to cover the contents. NEVER check your reg's I always carry my reg's on. I ask all my students to join DAN

 

[Genesis]

Be aware that a LOT of "equipment coverage" does NOT cover anything that falls into the category of "mysterious disappearance". This is a major problem, as a LOT of thefts leave no obvious signs of forced entry.....

There's another thread on the board right now about a gent who discovered that DAN's "equipment insurance" does not cover a piece of gear lost while boatside (e.g. its clipped off, the clip fails, you get on the boat AND ITS GONE.)

You definitely don't want to find out about that kind of exclusion AFTER the equipment disappears!

 

[AmyJ]

right... the thread on equipment got me starting thinking and looking... you know how one thing leads to another.

 

[Warren_L]

Personally, I went with DAN for medical coverage. I've got some equipment coverage through my house policy and through DEPP. FOr me, DAN had everything that I wanted to have covered. You never know if and when you might need to go to a chamber. Hopefully never, but it's nice to know it is covered if you need to.

On our recent cozumel trip, someone was suspected of having DCS (note - suspected) and went to the local chamber. $4,000.

 

[AmyJ]

Sorry to be so uninformed....

What is DEPP? Thanks!