Scuba Diver Disability Insurance
Dive With Financial Care
by Thomas Lloyd

There’s a simple reaction one experiences the very first time as a recreational scuba diver. We either elicit a sense of immediate fear or overwhelming amazement and joy. Clearly, those of us that continue to dive share the latter with unwavering passion but coupled also with a strong sense of safety. Whether we’re using the latest Scubapro MK11/S555 regulator or Oceanic dive computer, the issue of diving under control is imperative to avoid decompression sickness (DCS) and other various marine hazards which could pose a serious personal health risk. Nevertheless, even the most prepared diver can sometimes succumb to an injury that may require emergency treatment.

Non-profit diver organizations such as the Diver’s Alert Network (DAN) provide a wonderful service to distressed divers worldwide in need of immediate medical attention, but what happens after that? What follows if that individual suffers a long term disability which renders them incapable to return to work?

We certainly grasp the importance of insurance for emergency services required after a diving accident but rarely do we think about the potential long-term effects beyond that. That’s why individual disability insurance is just as important to consider.

Individual disability insurance policies are specifically designed to provide about 50 – 65% of your income on a tax-free* basis should you suffer a disability that prevents you from performing the material and substantial duties of your occupation. As a scuba diver, if you suffer a disability that prevents you from going back to work for an extended period of time, the policy helps maintain your standard of living until you are able to return to work.

It’s important to understand how insurance companies assess disability policies for scuba divers. Generally, all insurers will have a section on the application for hazardous avocations asking whether the applicant participates in high risk sports such as rock climbing, car racing, sky diving, riding a motorcycle, scuba diving, etc.. Don’t panic – just because you scuba dive does not automatically disqualify you from any disability insurance coverage. Insurers actually look favorably on individuals who manage to dive a few times a year as opposed to only once every few years, because it shows consistency and level of experience. Be honest with the number of dives you’ve logged and plan to take that season, as well as how deep you dive. Also be honest with your certification level. I have a NAUI Rescue Diver certification and have logged over 500 dives in places such as Belize, the Caribbean, Australia, & the Florida Keys. Listing this certification level helps the insurance company gauge how much experience you have as a diver. If you have a basic open water certification, list the organization (such as PADI, NAUI or SSI) and how long you’ve held that certification. Make certain you disclose on your application all recreational, commercial, salvage and cave diving. Also disclose how deep you dive.


Scuba Diving can be a very safe and enjoyable activity when balanced with careful planning and adherence to the proper safety procedures. Nonetheless, accidents do occur and when they do it’s even more prudent to have a disability insurance policy to help protect your income. Not acting responsibly as a diver can lead to severe consequences for your own health. Not acting responsibly as a financial provider can ruin not only your own life but also the lives of the ones who love and depend on your earnings. Be responsible and request a free disability insurance quote from me or your own agent.

*If premiums are paid by the individual


Thomas Lloyd is licensed to sell insurance in VA, MA, AZ, MT, RI, TN, UT, FL, MI, OR, IA, NJ, MN, IN, DC, IL, MD, AR, ME, NC, GA, CO, WI, KS, NH, OH, AL, ID, TX, DE, ND, NE, NV, OK, KY, VT, SC, MS, NY, MO, PA, NM, SD, CA, CT, WA,

The representative does not provide legal or tax advice. Please consult with your attorney, accountant, and/or tax advisor for advice concerning your particular circumstances. This publication is offered for the purposes of education and information only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. For information on your specific situation, please consult your legal or tax advisor.