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Travel insurance when going scuba diving

Simple and flexible travel insurance to keep you safe on your next dive trip. Buy at home or while traveling, and claim online from anywhere in the world.

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Going on an underwater adventure? World Nomads has got you covered

Calm waters, crystal clear visibility and a bulletproof dive plan might make for the perfect underwater adventure, but accidents can happen. Whether you're learning or you’ve done hundreds of dives, World Nomads travel insurance can help take the pressure off you and your family if the unexpected sinks your next dive trip.

What types of dives are covered?

As passionate divers ourselves, we’ve designed our plans to cover dives from the Great Blue Hole to The Yongala, and we can offer cover for:

  • Recreational scuba diving (qualified divers up to 50m on some plans)
  • Discover scuba dives (with qualified instructors)
  • Shark cage diving, cavern, cave and wreck diving (some plans only, check yours carefully)
  • Snorkeling, island escapes, live-aboard trips and more.

Keep in mind that all plans are different and may require an additional premium when going scuba diving to specific depths depending on the plan chosen and your Country of Residence. Terms, conditions, limits, and exclusions apply. Read the policy wording carefully to choose the right plan and/or adventure sport option for your trip.

Choosing the right policy for you

We offer two plans – Standard and Explorer – each of which offers different levels of coverage. It is up to you to choose what plan has the right level of coverage to meet your travel needs and that matches your specific scuba diving plans.

For more information on what you may be covered for, check out our article on specific coverage when scuba diving. Make sure you add in your country of residence for accurate information.

Cover for your scuba diving gear

We know that scuba diving equipment such as scuba tanks, fins BCD and regulator, underwater film and photography equipment can be expensive, so we can offer cover for high-value items.

We also offer cover for your baggage in general so if your baggage or scuba diving gear is delayed, lost and/or damaged, you may be able to claim for a replacement, reimbursement or delay up to a per item and total maximum limit. Terms and conditions apply so be sure to check the policy wording and contact us if you have any questions.

Your coverage will vary according to your Country of Residence and whether you choose a Standard or an Explorer PlanRead your policy wording for details on maximum benefit limits, exclusions, and the terms and conditions of your coverage.

If your gear is delayed, lost or damaged, you must report the incident as soon as possible to a responsible officer for the carrier. Make sure you get a Property Irregularity Report, or a similar official report, in writing and make a claim directly with the carrier before making a claim.

Cover for medical emergencies

Your health and safety are a priority when you’re exploring the ocean, which is why our plans cover emergency medical expenses should you become sick, get into an accident or get hurt whilst diving or snorkelling.

Cover for medical evacuation

You might be on a reef far from medical assistance on your dive, and our policies include coverage if you need to be evacuated to a medical facility.

Emergency assistance 24/7

Having an emergency in a foreign country can be overwhelming but buying a World Nomads policy means you’ll have access to our 24/7 Emergency Assistance team. Our Emergency Assistance team can facilitate a range of services in whatever part of the world you’re traveling, can speak multiple languages and they’re available 365 days a year.

Scuba diving: What’s not covered

While we can offer coverage for a lot of scuba diving events, there are also things we just won’t cover. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Any unaccompanied dive, any dive for gain or reward, any dive which takes you deeper than your current qualification limits, or any dive deeper than 50 metres under any circumstance – sorry, but that’s a no-go for us.
  • If you travel against medical advice or neglect to adhere to government ‘Do Not Travel’ warnings issued prior to departure.
  • Any pre-existing medical condition unless otherwise expressly stated in your policy.
  • Participation in a sport or activity not listed as covered in the policy wording or agreed by World Nomads or where you haven’t paid the required additional premium.
  • Expenses you incur after you return to your Country of Residence.
  • Working or participating professionally in any activity or sport.

Handy tips for safe scuba diving:

  • Only dive if you are fit to do so. You may need to consult your medical practitioner before going scuba diving and get a ‘fit to travel’ approval
  • Check all your gear to ensure everything is in good working order and then do a buddy check of your fellow divers. (Note: many products do not cover gear while in use.)
  • Only dive with reputable companies using licensed, seaworthy boats and well-maintained dive equipment. Make sure you check your instructor's credentials.
  • When scuba diving with a group, listen to your instructor or dive guide regarding the planned route and what to look out for


This is only a summary of cover and does not include the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the policy. You should read your policy wording in full, so you understand what is and isn’t covered. That way there won’t be any surprises if you need to use it. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

FAQ

Here are our most frequently asked questions about scuba diving. You can also find the answers to other questions in our Helpdesk or you can ask our customer service team

Travel Insurance Benefits: how we can take care of you*

Trip Cancellation

Been working hard for your trip?

We'll work hard to protect it.

Trip Protection
  • Unexpectedly hospitalised?
  • Dive buddy unfit to travel?
  • Close relative suddenly dies?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Expenses

Feeling fit and healthy? What if you get sick or injured?

Take the pain out of medical or dental costs.

Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Stepped on a stonefish?
  • Got a serious squeeze?
  • Need 02 or hyperbaric treatment?

We’ve got your back.

Emergency Medical Transportation

Know where the nearest hospital is?

Don’t stress, we’ll get you there quickly.

Evacuation and Repatriation
  • Sea level medical evac?
  • Need an ambulance?
  • Medivac needed home?

Help starts here.

Protect your gear

Love photography, filming or sport?

Cover your bags, tech or gear.

Protect your gear
  • Go Pro stolen?
  • Bags lost in transit?
  • Luggage delayed?

Help starts here.

  • Emergency Overseas Medical & Dental Expenses
  • Emergency Medical Evacuation & Repatriation
  • Trip Cancellation or Interruption
  • 24-Hour Assistance Services
  • Baggage
  • And more (depending on your country of residence)
*This is a general summary only. Restrictions, exclusions and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be available for all countries, states or provinces. Benefit limits may vary depending on the plan chosen. Get a quote for full details.

24/7 emergency assistance

Whether you need medical assistance or emergency evacuation, our teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year before and during your trip.

Are you in need of emergency assistance right now?

Contact the team

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Simple and flexible travel insurance designed by travelers, for travelers. See why over 3 million travelers have chosen World Nomads for more than 20 years.