Travel Insurance for Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: Explained

There are various adventure sports that people like to indulge in or want to experience at least once in their lifetime. Sports such as skydiving, rappelling, kayaking, and river rafting are some to name a few. However, there are other adventure sports that also quite dangerous. Snorkelling and scuba diving are some of them. These sports, while available in India, are more popular in foreign destinations. If you are planning a trip abroad, should you participate in these sports? If yes, does your travel insurance offer cover for them? Continue reading to find out.

What is travel insurance?

Travel insurance is a type of general insurance which is designed to provide financial assistance to you during your domestic or international trip. The policy provides coverage for the following:

1. Loss of luggage
2. Loss of valuables
3. Loss of documents
4. Delay/Cancellation of flight/train
5. Medical expenses
6. Emergency evacuation

Other than those mentioned above, the cost of the flight for the return of the mortal remains of the policyholder is also covered under the policy. *Standard T&C apply

What are adventure sports?

Sports that carry a degree of risk and are adrenaline-inducing are known as adventure sports. These sports are based on land, air, and water. Examples include trekking, skiing, paragliding, parachuting, jet skiing and surfing. Participating in these sports without proper guidance and training can be dangerous. It can cause serious injuries which can lead to partial or total disability, or even death in some situations.

Why are Snorkelling and Scuba diving considered dangerous?

Both snorkelling and scuba diving are water-based adventure sports. Scuba diving is considered to be one of the riskiest adventure sports in the world as it requires years of training. People who try it for the first time face serious complications such as decompression sickness, arterial air embolism, or even drowning. These complications are related to air circulation in the body and can cause serious problems. Snorkelling, though less risky compared to scuba diving still has its risks. Snorkelling does involve diving into the sea/ocean, but not to the depths of scuba diving. Instead, snorkelling is mostly done in shallow waters. However, risks such as getting swept away by strong currents, coming in contact with predatory marine life, and getting injured by corals and rocks cannot be ignored. Without proper guidance, you could end up with nasty injuries.

Does travel insurance cover adventure sports?

Domestic insurance in India has begun offering coverage for adventure sports, but this coverage is already included in international travel insurance. The coverage also includes scuba diving and snorkelling. * Do make sure you read the policy document carefully to see which sports are covered under it.

How to file a claim?

If you participated in an adventure sport and get severely injured, you can file a claim under the coverage depending on the circumstances. These include:

1. Improper equipment

If the safety equipment provided to you by the organiser were in a poor condition or of cheap quality, they can be held accountable in the event of a mishap. You can raise a claim and show the condition of the equipment as evidence. It would benefit you to check the quality of the equipment before you use them.

2. Lack of guidance

Scuba diving and snorkelling require a certain amount of training before you can properly participate. It is the organiser’s job to provide this training as a part of their package. They also must check if you are performing it correctly. However, if they do not provide adequate training or do not pay attention to your safety, you can file a claim against them. *

3. Not implementing safety measures

Each adventure sport has a set of rules that need to be followed. These also include safety measures. However, at times many organisers ignore these measures which can lead to serious mishaps. If you feel like your organiser ignored the safety measures, you can file a claim against that.

Things to keep in mind

Before you buy international travel insurance and are planning to participate in adventure sports, you must check the following:

1. See which adventure sports are covered under the policy. If you plan on participating in any specific sports, make sure those are included in the cover as well.
2. Check the amount of medical coverage which is offered under the policy.
3. See if the policy covers the cost of an emergency flight in the event of immediate hospitalisation. Also, make a note if the policy covers the repatriation of the mortal remains of the insured individual.

*Standard T&C apply

Conclusion

It is always advised to stay away from adventure sports. However, if you are an adventure junkie, make sure the insurance policy provides coverage. You can use the travel insurance premium calculator to know the premium of your policy and compare different options before your trip.   Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.