Award-Winning, Flexible

SCUBA DIVING TRAVEL
INSURANCE

Buy your
Scuba Diving Insurance online in minutes

10% OFF ONLINE*

Buy your
Scuba Diving Insurance online in minutes

10% OFF ONLINE*

Smart Money People Award for SportsCover Direct
Feefo 2025
4.8/5

Independent Service Rating based on
5098 verified reviews.

Smart Money People Award for SportsCover Direct
Feefo 2025
4.8/5

Independent Service Rating based on
5098 verified reviews.

Our Scuba Diving Insurance policy options

Put simply, we offer three different scuba diving holiday insurance options…

1. Travel Insurance

We provide a single and annual multi-trip Scuba Diving Travel Insurance policy that includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation costs, trip cancellation and curtailment, plus more.

2. Travel Insurance Bolt-On

If you have an existing travel insurance policy in place with another provider, such as your bank, but it does not include insurance for scuba diving, we can provide a bolt-on style of protection for your trip.

3. Sports Accident Insurance

Our Sports Accident Insurance is designed to protect individuals scuba diving off the coast of the UK. The policy provides a range of benefits including personal liability and income protection.

Our claims record

HIGHEST PAID CLAIM

£174,984.64

 FOR AN INSURANCE CLAIM**

AVERAGE PAY OUT

£1,295.07

FOR EACH INSURANCE CLAIM**

OUR AVERAGE CLAIMS RATING

4.9/5

ACCORDING TO OUR FEEFO SCORE***

Get an instant quote for Scuba Diving Holiday Insurance online

Join thousands of scuba diving and sports enthusiasts who choose us every year

Or Call us on 01494 484800

Why choose us for your Scuba Diving Insurance

30 Years Experience

We have been providing tailored Sports Insurance policies for over 30 years, and today protect more than 57,000 customers a year.

Professional Claims Handling

We work with leading claims handlers to make sure our customers experience a prompt and professional service when making a claim.

Underwritten by Experts

We’re pleased to offer tailored Scuba Diving Travel Insurance from AXA XL, a leading provider of insurance in the sports and leisure industry.

UK Based Customer Service Team

Our highly experienced Sales team are available to help support you with any questions that you might have.

5-Star Customer Service Rating

Thousands of happy customers have awarded us a 5-star customer service score on the independent feedback platform, Feefo.

500+ Sports Covered

Being a specialist in Sports Insurance, we provide cover for over 500 different sports & activities, far more than other providers.

Is scuba diving insurance necessary?

Scuba Diving Travel Insurance provides cover whilst taking part in the activity, for example it will cover the costs of receiving medical treatment due to an accident whilst scuba diving.

It can also cover costs of replacing your scuba diving equipment should it get lost, stolen or damaged whilst diving. 

If you are diving off the shores of the UK and need Income Protection,  our Sports Accident Insurance policy should be considered. The product offers various other benefits including personal accident and liability insurance.

All of our insurance for scuba diving policies can be purchased online in minutes, whether you’re looking for free diving insurance or shark cage diving, you can compare options by getting a quote online

A man scuba diving

What’s covered with our scuba diving insurance?

Whether you’re diving in the UK or on a trip abroad there are a number of risks attached to the sport. Having the most suitable cover can ensure you are protected against unexpected incidents. Our policy includes:

  • Emergency Medical Expenses & Repatriation – up to £10 million
  • Cancellation & Curtailment – up to £5000 
  • Personal Accident cover – up to £25,000 
  • Personal Liability- up to £2 million
  • Baggage & personal effects – up to £2500
  • Sports Equipment – up to £5,600 (additional premium).
  • Search & Rescue – up to £50,000
  • Activity & Race Entry Fees – up to £500 
  • Travel Delay, Abandonment and Missed Departure – up to £5000

Our scuba diving insurance provides bronze, silver and gold cover levels, which correspond to the value of your benefits such as sports equipment, cancellation and baggage. Request a quote to find out more details about the different levels available.

How much does insurance for scuba diving cost?

Our scuba diving travel insurance varies depending on length of trip, if you opt for single or an annual policy, the level of cover you select, either bronze, silver or gold, where you travel to (e.g Europe or USA), plus the age group you sit within. Pre-existing medical conditions will not impact your policy premium.

These are example quotes to highlight a single 8-day trip to Europe, selecting scuba diving as an activity.

Example quote: 8 Day single trip to Europe – Scuba Diving

  • from £31.53 (bronze)*
  •  from £35.89 (silver)*
  • from £43.30 (gold)*

*Prices based on a quote made 6/6/25. Excess may apply.

Scuba diving beside coral

What diving depths can your scuba diving holiday insurance cover?

We are able to provide cover you for scuba diving in waters around the world to depths of 30m, or 40m for qualified divers diving under instruction. This includes night diving, wreck diving along with cold water diving.

This includes night diving, wreck diving along with cold water diving. Not all insurance providers will be able to include specialist scuba diving travel insurance. Make sure you select all the cover you need when you request a quote online. 

Discover the full extent of our cover

Or Call us on 01494 484800

Scuba diving activities we cover

Our insurance for scuba divers covers a wide range of diving activities, including:

  • Night diving
  • Wreck diving
  • Cold water diving
  • Shark diving (subject to policy terms)
  • Mixed-gas diving (subject to policy terms)

Some activities may require additional premiums or have specific conditions attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard travel insurance policies do not always cover scuba diving. Our Scuba Diving Travel Insurance is specifically designed to cover over 500 high risk activities such as bungee jumping, skateboarding, ski-acrobatics and many more. Dedicated scuba diving insurance ensures you have the specialized coverage needed for this adventurous activity.

Our Sports Travel Insurance policy provides up to £5,600 worth of equipment cover. This add-on not only protects your own equipment, but also any equipment you hire during your trip. 

Our scuba diving insurance provides comprehensive coverage for your diving equipment:

  • Coverage up to £5,600 worth of equipment
  • Protects both owned and rented equipment
  • Covers equipment during transit to and from your destination

It’s important to note that certain conditions apply:

  • Equipment must be properly secured when not in use
  • In the event of theft, you must report it to the police as soon as possible and obtain a written report
  • For damage claims, the equipment may need to be returned to your country of residence for inspection

Always take reasonable precautions to protect your equipment, such as using appropriate locks and storage facilities.

Yes, our Scuba Diving Travel Insurance can generally be taken out even if you have a medical condition. We can almost always offer cover at no extra cost, but occasionally our underwriters may apply special terms if you subsequently needed to make a claim relating to your condition.

When purchasing scuba diving insurance, it’s crucial to declare any pre-existing medical conditions. These must be declared at the time of purchase or booking your trip. 

Depending on the condition: we may:

  • Accept the condition with no additional premium
  • Apply special terms or conditions to your policy
  • In some cases, decline to cover the condition

Remember, failure to declare a pre-existing condition could result in a claim being denied if it’s related to that condition. 

Our policies will cover anyone up to the age of 74 at the time of purchase. An applicant aged 75 or over cannot be covered.

When deemed to be a medical necessity, our scuba diving insurance policy would cover the costs of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a recompression chamber.

Yes, our scuba diving insurance policy covers various specialised diving activities, including shark diving and cave diving. However, always check the specific terms of your policy as some activities may have additional requirements or limitations.

Yes, our scuba diving insurance policy includes cancellation coverage. This applies if you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or other reasons specified in the policy. Always check the policy details for specific covered reasons.

Yes, our policy includes coverage for necessary search and rescue expenses, including the use of helicopters when required. We offer up to £50,000 for search and rescue, depending on your level of coverage.

If you purchase our annual multi-trip policy, you’ll be covered for multiple diving trips within the policy period. Just ensure each trip doesn’t exceed the maximum trip duration specified in your policy.

Our insurance covers diving worldwide, but there are exceptions. We cannot provide coverage in countries where the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all or all but essential travel. Always check the current FCDO advice before your trip.

 While our scuba diving insurance policy aims to provide comprehensive coverage, there are some important exclusions to be aware of:

  • Professional sports or activities are not covered
  • Claims arising from your own criminal or illegal acts
  • Injuries or accidents while under the influence of alcohol or non-prescribed drugs
  • Any claims related to war, terrorism, or nuclear risks
  • Losses due to government regulations or currency restrictions
  • Claims arising from your financial circumstances or disinclination to travel
  • Damage due to wear and tear
  • Loss of cash, currency, or traveller’s cheques (these are covered under a separate section of the policy)
  • Any medical conditions, injuries, or treatments specifically excluded or subject to conditions as shown on your policy schedule

Yes, our Scuba Diving Travel Insurance can generally be taken out even if you have a medical condition. When purchasing scuba diving insurance, it’s crucial to declare any pre-existing medical conditions. These must be declared at the time of purchase or booking your trip. 

Depending on the condition: we may:

  • Accept the condition with no additional premium
  • Apply special terms or conditions to your policy
  • In some cases, decline to cover the condition

Remember, failure to declare a pre-existing condition could result in a claim being denied if it’s related to that condition. 

You will need to answer the following medical declaration accurately to ensure you comply with our policy terms.

  • Have you been hospitalised or been under investigation during the past 12 months for any of the following:
    • Any heart / cardiovascular issue(s)?
    • Any seizure / cerebrovascular related issue(s)?
    • Any auto-immune issues?
    • Cancer of any type?
  • Have you been diagnosed with any serious or terminal illness?
  • Do you have any treatment or surgery scheduled, or anticipate the need for imminent medical treatment or surgery?
  • Have you submitted a medical / medically related travel insurance claim during the last 12 months?
  • Will you be taking part in any activity that may exacerbate any medical condition to the point of requiring medical attention?
  • Have you been declared unfit to travel or participate in your activity by a medical practitioner? (If so, we cannot provide you with cover)
  • Have you incurred any injury during the last three months from which you are suffering ongoing symptoms, or have received, are undergoing, or are awaiting treatment from a medical practitioner?
  • Have you consulted with a medical professional or required treatment for mental illness, anxiety, or depression in the last 12 months.
  • Are you knowingly pregnant, and if so please confirm that you have not been suffering from any complications during your pregnancy)
  • Will you be travelling abroad for the purpose of receiving medical treatment, or for any other purpose for which this policy is not intended?

You must be certified to the level of diving you are undertaking. While activity providers may check qualifications, it remains your responsibility to comply with certification and safety standards.

Yes. The policy covers dives:

Up to 30 metres based on certification

Up to 40 metres when accompanied by an instructor

Yes. Night dives are not excluded. You must exercise reasonable care, and depth limits still apply (up to 30m independently, up to 40m with an instructor).

Solo diving is not explicitly excluded. However, you must exercise reasonable care. Coverage applies up to 30m in worldwide waters.

No. The policy excludes professional activities, including instructing or coaching. Dive instructors need a separate professional indemnity policy.

Yes. Cover includes Specialist Sports Equipment, whether owned or hired.

Yes. These are covered provided reasonable precautions are taken and all diving is conducted within the policy terms.

Yes. You are covered while training, as long as the claim relates to an insured benefit such as medical expenses or equipment loss.

Only if the damage is not considered wear and tear. Gradual damage or corrosion is typically excluded.

Yes. Diving in unsafe or non-compliant conditions could invalidate a claim. You must observe activity rules and safety regulations.

Yes. Both freediving and snorkelling are covered but must be selected as insured activities in your policy.

Yes — if it is for emergency medical treatment during your trip. Prior insurer approval is needed unless the situation is out of your control.

Yes. Emergency evacuation is covered under Emergency Medical & Repatriation, subject to prior written consent unless circumstances prevent this.

No. Coverage begins on the policy start date, which you choose at purchase.

Yes, if your return is delayed for a covered reason, your policy is automatically extended. If staying voluntarily, contact the insurer to arrange an extension.

Yes — but only if the illness originated during the trip, and expenses are incurred within 12 months of the incident.

Yes. You are expected to take reasonable care, including using appropriate safety gear.

It may be covered under Personal Effects or Valuables, but items lost or damaged in water may not be covered unless they’re water-resistant and used appropriately.

No. Missed dives are not claimable under the policy. Refunds should be sought from the dive or activity provider.

* 10% online discount applies to our Sports Travel Insurance and Activity TopUp policies only. 

** Data relates to all SportsCover Direct Insurance claims from Jan 2010 to Dec 2024 inclusive.

*** Feefo rating relates to all SportsCover Direct Insurance claims review score from Jan 2024 to Dec 2024 inclusive. Feefo score rounded up to 1 decimal place.

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