Travel Insurance for Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: Explained

Travel insurance is essential for adventure sports enthusiasts. It provides financial protection during your trips, covering losses and medical expenses. While snorkelling and scuba diving offer thrilling experiences, they come with risks such as decompression sickness, drowning, and injuries from marine life or equipment failure. Scuba diving travel insurance protects you against these unforeseen events, allowing you to enjoy your adventure with peace of mind. 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.

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.

Tips for Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

1. Check Equipment: Ensure all gear is in good condition before use.
2. Follow Guidelines: Always adhere to safety instructions provided by the instructor.
3. Get Proper Training: Basic training is crucial for both sports to avoid mishaps.
4. Stay Informed: Be aware of the local marine life and water conditions.

These tips can help reduce the risks of snorkelling and scuba diving, making your experience safer and more enjoyable.

Four Reasons To Purchase Travel Insurance For Your Next Dive Trip

1. Medical Emergencies: Coverage for medical expenses if you get injured while diving.
2. Equipment Failure: Protection against accidents caused by faulty or inadequate gear.
3. Evacuation Costs: Insurance covers emergency evacuation and hospitalisation costs.
4. Trip Interruptions: Compensation for trip cancellations or delays due to unforeseen circumstances.
5. Diving travel insurance is a crucial part of planning any adventure sports trip. It ensures you are protected against the unexpected and can enjoy your experience entirely. Purchase your travel insurance online to secure coverage conveniently before your next dive trip.

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. Also Read: How To Buy Travel Insurance?

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:

Improper Equipment

If the safety equipment provided to you by the organiser were in 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.

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. *

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: 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. Check the amount of medical coverage which is offered under the policy. 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. Also Read: Schengen Travel Insurance: Benefits & Inclusions

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.

FAQs

What medical conditions prohibit scuba diving?

Conditions like asthma, heart disease, epilepsy, severe sinus issues, or lung problems may prohibit scuba diving. Consultation with a doctor and a medical clearance are recommended before diving.

Who is not suitable for scuba diving?

Individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, pregnant women, or those with psychological issues like severe anxiety or claustrophobia are generally not suitable for scuba diving.

Is scuba diving high risk?

While scuba diving has risks like decompression sickness, barotrauma, or drowning, following safety protocols, proper training, and maintaining equipment can significantly minimize them. *Standard T&C Apply 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. Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.