Kaiser

[uwxplorer]

I know someone who got bent locally and had to go to the local private chamber, as advised by DAN. No out of pocket expenses, courtesy of the KP card shown upon admission. Bills were sent to KP, as that was that person's HMO, and were denied by KP and eventually fully covered by DAN. This is LOCAL, minor bend, no communication issue, no transportation costs, etc.
Having DAN coverage is absolutely necessary, whether internationally or locally. I know of at least one case of a diver who let his DAN insurance lapse and got subsequently bent, and had to cover the cost. And there is this recent story of a Canadian diver, crippled and expatriated, apparently for the same unforgivable mistake.
Your call. And $120 some per year and per person.

 

[btscott]

Thanks for all the feedback. Will pick up DAN to supplement coverage.

 

[House Gecko]

10 years ago I had DCI hit in Grand Cayman, I did not have DAN at the time. I paid for my chamber ride with my credit card and Kaiser reimburse me for chamber cost. The hyperbaric doctor prescribed me two additional chamber rides for when I returned to the mainland. It took three weeks for Kaiser to approve the additional chamber rides as I had to be done out of network as Kaiser did not have a chamber in my area. My doctor and Kaiser as a whole seemed to know little to nothing about decompression illness and treatment, however my doctor was wise enough to consult with DAN and follow their advice. DAN helped me manage my injury for my initial ER visit on Grand Cayman to advising me how to safely return to diving, DAN was there for me even though I did not have DAN insurance.

 

[btscott]

Thank you, this is very helpful. BTW, I'm in Oakland, so curious where was the chamber you used?

 

[outofofficebrb]

International or not, many exclude scuba or have a very low dollar limit on what can be covered so check fine print.

 

[btscott]

I will still get DAN just for the convenience of having DAN and Kaiser fight over who covers what. However, I have spoken with Kaiser at length and emergent evac (Helicopter/ambulance) and chamber are covered no matter which country you are in. Out of pocket deductibles will apply. Scuba is not an exclusion for healthcare. This is just for Kaiser. Other healthcare plans mileage may vary...

 

[House Gecko]

Thank you, this is very helpful. BTW, I'm in Oakland, so curious where was the chamber you used?

It was at a hospital in San Francisco I do not remember which one. The chamber was not adequate and had a max depth of something like 2 atmospheres. I would contact DAN and ask for a referral to a proper facility that is capable of doing deeper dives. DAN will give advice to divers that are not currently covered by DAN insurance.
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