
Travel Insurance for Scuba Diving
Get cover for your scuba diving trip with Redpoint protection
Plus, for travelers who want to see the world, scuba diving allows you to check off plenty of bucket-list destinations, from the Maldives and Mexico to the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.
Of course, these underwater adventures don't come without some measure of risk, which is why you'll want to take out travel insurance ahead of your next dive. Divers should look for policies that cover all the potential things that might go wrong on a diving trip, from medical emergencies to cancelled plans due to bad weather.

Medical, health, & safety for scuba diving
Scuba diving is an amazing experience, but it’s not something that can be done casually. It requires a fair bit of preparation to ensure safety and prevent dangerous diving accidents from happening.
First of all, all divers should complete a certified diving course from a diving industry organization, such as PADI or SSI, before engaging in any dives. Gaining an awareness of proper breathing techniques, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures is essential before your fist dive. In addition, consider becoming a Divers Alert Network (DAN) member by taking out a DAN membership.
It’s also wise to get a check-up with your general practitioner or doctor before you go to screen for certain risky conditions, like heart or lung issues.
One of the main risks of diving comes after you emerge from the water. So-called “decompression sickness” occurs when someone ascends too quickly from a pressurized environment — i.e., under water. Symptoms include fatigue, muscle pain, numbness, and clouded thinking. If you wind up with this condition, you’ll need hyperbaric chamber treatment, so be aware of the symptoms.
Of course, part of the appeal of scuba diving is interacting with undersea creatures, but make sure you do so safely. Ask your instructor or local guide for any dangerous species you may need to watch out for, and refrain from touching, disturbing, or otherwise interacting with the marine life you encounter, especially coral and jellyfish. Though widely feared, sharks usually won’t bother scuba divers if they aren’t provoked.
When it comes to weather and natural disasters, always be alert to local conditions before you go out on a dive. Tsunamis, storms, strong currents, or storm surges can all be risk factors. Always consult with local dive shops about conditions, and avoid diving if there are any warnings or uncertainties about the environment.
Typically, you’ll travel to dive sites by boat. Be sure the boat you are traveling in is in good condition, equipped with adequate safety equipment, such as life vests, and operated by licensed professionals.
Trip insurance benefits & coverage for scuba diving
If you’re a diver, you may be wondering: Does my travel insurance cover scuba diving?
Though it depends on the insurance company, the answer is likely yes — many travel insurance policies cover scuba trips as part of a comprehensive policy. Redpoint travel protection, for example, includes scuba diving up to 131 feet (40 meters) in depth.
Here are the core coverage areas you should look for when purchasing travel insurance for scuba.
- Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Trip cancellation insurance reimburses your nonrefundable trip expenses if your scuba trip is canceled or cut short due to a covered reason, like illness, severe weather, or family emergencies. Inclement or highly variable conditions are common with diving locations, so travel insurance should reimburse you for any prepaid costs (boats, guides, equipment) if you have to cancel a dive out of precaution. For more flexibility, you may also be able to add cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage to your policy.
- Travel medical insurance: Travel health insurance covers unexpected medical expenses related to injuries or illnesses that happen during your scuba trip. Keep in mind that your health insurance from home will not be accepted in most cases, so any medical costs or hospital charges you incur will need to be paid out of pocket if you don’t have travel insurance. Keep in mind that if you have any preexisting conditions, you’ll need to apply for a waiver when you buy your policy.
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance: Emergency evacuation coverage reimburses you for emergency transportation to the nearest medical facility or back to the U.S. in extreme or emergency situations. Diving is a higher-risk activity, and accidents do occur, so this kind of coverage is essential, especially in areas where medical facilities and transportation options are limited.
- Baggage and personal belongings insurance: This covers loss, theft, or damage to your belongings during your trip. If you’re taking any expensive or specialist dive gear on your trip, make sure your policy covers the maximum value of your equipment.
- Trip delay insurance: Travel delay benefits provide coverage for additional expenses if your trip is delayed before it starts or during any connections or transfers.
For serious divers, Ripcord is the best scuba diving insurance option offered by Redpoint. An extensive plan with high coverage limits and enhanced coverage, its benefits include generous maximums for emergency medical evacuation, search and rescue, and trip cancellations, delays, and interruptions.
If you’re squeezing in a diving excursion between sightseeing in the city, Redpoint’s other travel insurance plans, Cavalry and Harbor, may be options as well. Though both provide international coverage and comprehensive protection for a wide range of situations. Offering robust coverage to the budget-minded leisure traveler, Cavalry is particularly suited for urban travel and luxury cultural experiences, while Harbor offers robust coverage for the budget-minded leisure traveler.
For policy costs and more information on scuba diving insurance, check out our purchase page for a quote today.
FAQs about scuba diving insurance

What is insurance for scuba diving?
Does travel insurance cover scuba diving?
How much is travel insurance for scuba diving?
What should your travel insurance cover for a scuba trip ?
What happens if a tourist gets injured while scuba diving?
If you're injured on a scuba trip and struggling to access the necessary care, contact Redpoint's 24/7 medical information line at +1-415-481-0610. Our expert team will be happy to help you find providers and services included in your travel insurance policy's medical coverage.
Protect your trip with Redpoint travel insurance
Whether you’re looking for protection in case of a dive accident or a missed connection, Redpoint’s comprehensive, easy-to-understand policies can cover scuba-diving adventures of all sorts. Explore our three international travel insurance plans —Ripcord, Calvary, and Harbor — and get a quote for your next trip today.
