Many of our guests ask us if they "really" need dive insurance for their dive trip or scuba diving course in Costa Rica. When booking your dive experience with us we offer and highly recommend the option to add dive insurance. As PADI CDC we have been working with our trusted partner DAN world for many years. DAN short term dive accident insurance is an affordable way to obtain dive insurance against the costs of dive injuries that are often left uncovered by typical health & Travel insurance.
In this blog we are going to look at all the questions that you might have about booking dive insurance for scuba diving.
1. Do I need dive insurance to dive in Costa Rica ?
Most travel insurance plans do not cover diving incidents and therefor we highly recomend that you take dive insurance. At Rich Coast Diving your safety is our priority number one. We have expert guides that know the dive sites and conditions well. We dive in small groups of maximum four divers per instructor and often there is also a divemaster in training assisting. We are proud that in 30 years we have not yet had any dive incidents and we do want to keep it that way. Hoever it is important to be prepared in case an incident happens. Management of diving emergencies require specialised knowledge and skills, both on the medical and insurance side.
Whether you dive local or travel to dive abroad, make sure a good dive insurance cover by a reliable provider is always on your checklist. As a PADI 5 star CDC we have been working with DAN World Dive Insurance for many years and we highly recommend this dive insurance provider for all our divers and students.
2. What is covered by DAN dive accident insurance ?
There are two basic options for dive insurance. If you are planning to dive a lot, it might be worth to become a DAN member and sign up for an annual plan. Please visit DAN World website directly.
Or you can sign up for daily coverage for the days you are diving with us or doing your course.
Once you sign up you will receive confirmation of your insurance including the policy. In short your insurance will cover:
$150,000 Emergency Medical Transportation
$125,000 Dive Accident Medical Expenses
$10,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment
$1,000 Extra Transportation
$1,000 Accommodation
3. Is dive insurance worth the costs ?
For those who are passionate about exploring the underwater world, scuba diving offers a breathtaking and exhilarating experience. However, like any adventure sport, scuba diving comes with its own set of risks and uncertainties. This is where dive insurance comes into the picture. But is it really worth it?
Dive insurance, also known as scuba diving insurance, is designed to provide coverage for potential accidents that can occur during a diving trip. These accidents could range from minor injuries to more serious incidents, such as decompression sickness or equipment damage. While many dive operators require divers to have some form of insurance, let's consider whether investing in dive insurance is a prudent choice.
First and foremost, dive insurance offers peace of mind. Knowing that you're financially protected in case of an emergency can significantly enhance your diving experience. Medical treatments for dive-related injuries can be expensive, especially if evacuation is required. Dive insurance can cover these costs, ensuring that you're not burdened with hefty medical bills. For instance, a trip by ambulance from the Playas del Coco medical center to the hyperbaric chamber in San Jose costs $5000 USD. In the worst-case scenario, the cost of hyperbaric treatment can be several times higher.
Moreover, dive insurance often extends beyond medical coverage. It can also include coverage for trip cancellations, lost equipment, and even personal liability in case of accidents involving others. These additional coverages can save you from financial setbacks that might arise from unexpected situations.
Before purchasing dive insurance, it's crucial to assess your individual needs. But note that even if you're an occasional diver who only engages in shallow and relatively safe dives, your regular travel or health insurance does often not provide adequate coverage. And if you're a frequent diver exploring deeper waters or remote locations, dive insurance becomes especially essential due to the heightened risks involved.
Since we offer dive insurance at very affordable prices. Starting a $10 USD per day. It ensures that your passion remains enjoyable and worry-free, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the ocean while having a safety net beneath the waves.
4. Do I need Dive Insurance for my Scuba Dive Course ?
If you're considering taking up a scuba diving course, the question of whether you need dive insurance is an important one. Dive insurance provides coverage for unexpected incidents and can offer peace of mind throughout your scuba journey.
During a scuba dive course, you'll be learning and practicing various skills underwater. While scuba diving is generally a safe activity, there are potential risks involved, such as accidents, medical emergencies, or damage to equipment. Dive insurance can help mitigate these risks by providing financial protection for expenses like medical treatment, evacuation, and equipment replacement or repair.
Many dive operators and training agencies may require you to have dive insurance before participating in a scuba course. They often emphasize the importance of being prepared for any unforeseen situations that might arise. Moreover, having insurance can demonstrate your commitment to safety, both to yourself and to those responsible for your training.
When choosing dive insurance, ensure it covers the specific activities you'll be engaged in during your course. Some policies might not cover certain types of training or may have limitations on depth and equipment usage. Read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure the coverage aligns with your needs. The dive insurance we offer through DAN WORLD will cover all your needs as you are taking your next dive course.
While it adds a small extra cost, it is a valuable investment that allows you to fully enjoy your scuba experience with confidence.
5. Who is DAN World ?
The world’s most recognized and respected dive safety organization, Divers Alert Network (DAN) has remained committed to the health and well-being of divers for 40 years. The organization’s research, medical services and global-response programs create an extensive network that supports divers with vital services such as injury prevention, safety and educational programs and lifesaving evacuations. Every year, hundreds of thousands of divers around the world look to DAN as their dive safety organization.
6. Do I need Dive insurance for my Divemaster or Instructor course ?
When you are doing your divemaster or instructor course and you are serious about working in the dive industry you will need dive insurance. As an active PADI dive professional it is a requirement (in most areas not all) for PADI divemasters and instructors to annually renew their dive insurance membership.
When we talk about dive insurance we generally mean Professional Liability Insurance and Dive Accident Insurance. We already talked about dive accident insurance but what is Dive Liability Insurance ? Dive professionals need professional liability insurance to cover them for claims resulting from accidents while training divers and snorkelers, supervising and guiding dive excursions, or even assisting an instructor during a training course.
Although many professionals might feel that liability insurance is only really necessary in the United States and maybe Canada, in recent years it turned out that is not the case. These days, dive litigation is a truly global issue, with dive-related lawsuits being filed not only in the United States, but in many other locations.
Having insurance coverage when a dive accident occurs can make the difference between being properly defended or being financially ruined even when, as is usually the case, you have done nothing wrong. You can still be sued, and you still need to be defended. In today’s world, every active dive professional and dive operator benefits from dive insurance.
How do I apply for professional dive insurance? You can use this link to apply for your professional dive insurance.
When applying for dive insurance coverage for your divemaster or instructor course you select the country where you currently live. Thus, if you you are coming from abroad and doing your DM course with us and currently live away from Costa Rica, that means that you will be covered for 90 days in Costa Rica until you visit your country of residence and come back to Costa Rica again.
Want to know more about Dive insurance in Costa Rica. Contact us at:
Rich Coast Diving
Mrs. Céline Monfort
Email: info@richcoastdiving.com
WhatsApp +506 8610 0914
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