Scuba Diving Travel Insurance
Cover for dive trips, training and depths to 40m
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Covering dives down to 40m
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Scuba diving equipment protection
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Emergency medical expenses cover
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What does scuba diving insurance cover?
Our scuba diving travel insurance combines specialist cover for your dives with essential protection for the rest of your trip.
It is designed for divers heading abroad for a one-off dive, a dedicated diving holiday, a training course or multiple trips throughout the year. Cover is available for dives up to 30 metres without an instructor, or up to 40 metres when diving with a guide or instructor, subject to your qualifications and policy terms.
A full travel policy can include cover for scuba diving equipment, search and rescue including diving incidents and pre-paid scuba diving activity fees, such as tuition.
It also includes essential travel benefits such as emergency medical treatment and repatriation, trip cancellation and curtailment, personal accident, personal liability, baggage and more.
It is ideal for holiday dives, training courses, guided excursions and group diving trips.
If you already have travel insurance but scuba diving is excluded, our scuba bolt-on can add the activity cover you need, even after your trip has started.
Our policies provide three different types of cover: Sports travel insurance, Sports accident, and Activity Top-Up. Please ensure you select the most suitable cover for your activity, when you get a quote and always review your policy documents.
Sports equipment is excluded under our bolt‑on cover.
Only a summary of the policy’s coverage is presented on this page. Please refer to policy documents for full details of what is and what is not covered, when you get a quote.
How much does scuba diving insurance cost?
The price of your scuba diving insurance starts with the cover plan you choose, either Bronze, Silver or Gold, each offering different cover limits for your trip.
Your travel details, including your age, destination and how long you’ll be away, will also play a part.
Any additional cover for diving equipment can also affect the overall premium.
Review our scuba diving insurance pricing example and get a quote based on the type of diving you have planned.
Pricing example
£33.14**
Example quote is based on:
- Sport Selected Scuba diving
- Sports Group Group 3
- Package Bronze
- Policy Single Trip Travel Policy
- Destination Europe
- Duration 5 days
- Emergency Medical Treatment £10,000,000
- Trip Cancellation £1,000
- Sports Equipment Cover £200
- See more benefits when you get a quote
**This example is based on a real quote from our website on 15/09/2026 for a 5-day, single trip, adult policy. It is shown for illustrative purposes only. If your circumstances or requirements differ, your quote may be higher or lower. The quote you receive will be based on the information you provide about your activities. Get a quote for pricing tailored to your requirements.
Why you need scuba diving insurance?
Diving at depth may not be covered
Standard travel insurance can exclude scuba diving beyond certain depths or qualification limits.
Dive-related treatment can be costly
Decompression illness and other diving injuries may require specialist medical care.
Rescue emergencies can escalate quickly
Evacuation from a dive site or boat can lead to significant unexpected costs.
Hear from our experts
“Scuba diving trips need more than standard travel cover. Depth-related illness, emergency treatment, evacuation from a remote dive site or cancelled dives can all lead to significant unexpected costs.
Following local guidance, diving within your qualification limits and using the right equipment can help reduce the risks. However, accidents, illness and travel disruption can still happen.
Our scuba diving travel insurance can help cover emergency medical treatment, typical travel related scenarios and scuba diving specific incidents, helping protect both your health and the investment you have made in your trip.
We’ve supported divers and active travellers for more than 30 years, so experienced help is there when you need it most.”
Chris Trotman – Head of Sales & Underwriting at SportsCover Direct
Thousands rate how easy it is
We’ve refined our process to make buying sports insurance abroad simple but thorough, with cover designed around the activities you take part in, from training trips and competitions to active holidays overseas.
Our Claims Record
Average pay out for each insurance claim
£1,599.09*
How to make a claim
Choose your policy, find the forms you need
Download and complete forms
Submit your claims for review
A Recent Claim Example
“One of our policyholders was on a Scuba Diving boat trip where they suffered a laceration to their foot on the boat. Because they had taken out our Scuba Diving Insurance, they received cover for medical assistance for the injury to their foot.”
Total Paid Out
£1,003.75
Claim Type
Medical Assistance
Policy Type
Scuba Diving Insurance
Incident
Medical assistance
Policy Excess Applied
£90.00
Location
Maldives
Disclaimer
*Data relates to all SportsCover Direct Insurance claims from Jan to Dec 2025 inclusive. Claim example from 2025.
Medical cover explained
We provide cover that considers your medical circumstances. Complete a medical declaration to ensure you’re properly protected, as part of the quotation process.*
*Please note, just because you’ve declared a medical condition or injury doesn’t mean it is automatically covered. The insurer needs to assess it first and will inform you by email if any terms apply.
Medical conditions must be declared
All pre-existing conditions considered
Cover available up to age 74
We'll review your details
Most declarations don't mean exclusion
Any terms will be confirmed by email
Browse covered sports and activities
You’ll find a wide range of water sports activities covered, you can add multiple activities to your policy, we cover over 500. Browse our extensive list.
- Aquathlon Insurance
- Canoeing Insurance
- Coasteering Insurance
- Cross Channel Swimming Insurance
- Free Diving Insurance
- Jet Skiing Insurance
- Kayaking Insurance
- Kitesurfing Insurance
- Open Water Swimming Insurance
- Rafting Insurance
- Rowing Insurance
- Sailing Travel Insurance
- Scuba Diving Travel Insurance
- Sea Kayaking Insurance
- Shark Cage Diving Insurance
- Snorkeling Insurance
- Stand Up Paddleboarding Insurance
- Sub Aqua Insurance
- Surfing Insurance
- Swimming Insurance
- Wakeboarding Insurance
- Water Polo Insurance
- Water Skiing Insurance
- Water Sports Travel Insurance
Why choose us
SportsCover Direct is a specialist insurance provider focused entirely on sport. For over 30 years, we’ve helped athletes, teams and organisations get the protection they need, whether they’re travelling, competing, or training abroad or in the UK.
Covering 500+ sports
Fast online quotes
Established over 30 years
UK-based support team
FAQs
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.
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.
Yes. Both freediving and snorkelling are covered but must be selected as insured activities in your policy.
No. Missed dives are not claimable under the policy. Refunds should be sought from the dive or activity provider.
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).
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.
No. Coverage begins on the policy start date, which you choose at purchase.
Yes. Diving in unsafe or non-compliant conditions could invalidate a claim. You must observe activity rules and safety regulations.
Yes. You are expected to take reasonable care, including using appropriate safety gear.
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, 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.
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.
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.
Yes. These are covered provided reasonable precautions are taken and all diving is conducted within the policy terms.
Yes — but only if the illness originated during the trip, and expenses are incurred within 12 months of the incident.
Yes. Emergency evacuation is covered under Emergency Medical & Repatriation, subject to prior written consent unless circumstances prevent this.
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.
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.
When deemed to be a medical necessity, our scuba diving insurance policy would cover the costs of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a recompression chamber.
Only if the damage is not considered wear and tear. Gradual damage or corrosion is typically excluded.
No. The policy excludes professional activities, including instructing or coaching. Dive instructors need a separate professional indemnity 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. Cover includes Specialist Sports Equipment, whether owned or hired.
Solo diving is not explicitly excluded. However, you must exercise reasonable care. Coverage applies up to 30m in worldwide waters.
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.
Yes. The policy covers dives:
Up to 30 metres based on certification
Up to 40 metres when accompanied by an instructor
Yes. You are covered while training, as long as the claim relates to an insured benefit such as medical expenses or equipment loss.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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
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