Scuba diving is an incredible way to explore the underwater world, but accidents can be both serious and expensive. Treatment for decompression sickness in a hyperbaric chamber can cost thousands, while emergency evacuation from a remote dive site may add tens of thousands more. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude these scenarios and specialist dive accident insurance is designed to fill the gap. Two of the best-known providers are DiveAssure and Divers Alert Network (DAN). Both are highly regarded, but their policies vary in scope, benefits, and cost.
In this guide, we compare DiveAssure vs DAN dive accident insurance to help you find the right protection for your next trip.
What is Dive Accident Insurance?
Dive accident insurance is designed to cover the specific medical risks associated with scuba diving such as decompression sickness, barotrauma and emergency evacuation. This specialist policy provides cover for medical emergencies and accidents while recreational scuba diving, useful if you already have standard travel insurance that excludes or limits diving coverage.
✅ For more information on dive accident insurance and its key features, see our dedicated guide.
Who Are DiveAssure and DAN?
DiveAssure is a specialist insurer exclusively focussed on scuba diving. They offer dive accident and dive travel cover alongside liability insurance for dive professionals and dive centres.
DAN (Divers Alert Network) is a global non-profit organisation and the first to design specific insurance cover for diving activities. They support divers with emergency medical assistance and promote dive safety through research and education with 24/7 medical hotlines, training programmes, and a network of over 180 dive doctors.
DiveAssure vs DAN: Coverage Compared
Here’s how the two providers compare across key areas of cover. Unless otherwise stated, these benefits are only payable in the event of a dive accident.
The information below was updated in October 2025, prices and policy details are subject to change. Before you buy, it is important to familiarise yourself with the policy detail and conditions.
| Insurance provider | DiveAssure | Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe | Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe |
| Policy selected | DiveSafe Diving Accident Insurance | Sport Silver | Sport Gold |
| Depth limit | None All dives must adhere to the standards and procedures set by certifying agency including depth and bottom time. | Up to 130m For technical dives below 130m, written approval must be sought. | Up to 130m For technical dives below 130m, written approval must be sought. |
| Covers technical diving? | ✅ Included Covers mixed gases, rebreather, cave, ice and wreck diving up to 50m. Depths in excess of 50m only covered when diver is properly trained, certified and following guidelines for that type of dive. | ✅ Included Covers mixed gas, rebreather, cave and wreck diving | ✅ Included Covers mixed gas, rebreather, cave and wreck diving |
| Territorial coverage | Worldwide | No restrictions stated | No restrictions stated |
| Emergency medical expenses | $1,000,000 | Total cost covered | Total cost covered |
| Evacuation / repatriation | $1,000,000 | Total cost covered | Total cost covered |
| Search & rescue costs | ❌ Not included | €10,000 | €15,000 |
| Transportation & accommodation costs | $3,000 | €5,000 (insured diver only) | €10,000 (insured diver plus travel companion) |
| Death Benefit | $10,000 | €6,000 | €12,000 (or €6,000 if technical diving) |
| Personal liability | ❌ Not included | €25,000 | €100,000 |
| Loss or damage of dive gear following an accident | $2,000 | €1,500 | €3,000 |
| Non-diving accident emergency medical expenses | ❌ Not included | Total cost of first medical assessment plus inpatient care up to €15,000 | Total cost of first medical assessment plus inpatient care up to €20,000 |
| Non diving accident emergency evacuation / repatriation costs | ❌ Not included | Total cost covered | Total cost covered |
In addition to their core policy, DAN offers several add-ons including death extension. This allows you to increase the death benefit payable up to €50,000 (excluding technical diving). You can also extend cover for up to 3 additional family members. Neither of these are included in the indicative costs below.
If you are seeking a more comprehensive policy, DiveAssure offers two Dive & Travel plans which also cover non-diving medical emergencies, travel delays, trip cancellation and lost baggage. Furthermore, the Dive & Travel Plus plan will pay up to $10,000 for a missed liveaboard departure plus compensation for lost diving days due to weather, illness or mechanical issues.
DiveAssure vs DAN: Indicative Costs
The following table provides indicative costs for a 40 year old solo traveller with no pre-existing medical conditions.
| Insurance provider | DiveAssure | Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe | Divers Alert Network (DAN) Europe |
| Policy selected | DiveSafe Diving Accident Insurance | Sport Silver | Sport Gold |
| Price – 1 weeks cover | €49 | Annual cover only | Annual cover only |
| Price – annual cover | €69 | €105 | €241 |
✅ Click on the links below to visit the websites of our featured insurers:
Cover My Adventure Likes…
DiveAssure
- Specialist insurer focussed on dive insurance
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible single trip and annual policy options
DAN
- Wide network of diving safety experts
- Comprehensive policy; including personal liability, search and rescue plus some non-diving medical cover
- Ability to tailor policy through add-ons
Final Thoughts
Dive accident insurance offers vital protection against the specific medical risks associated with scuba diving. Both DiveAssure and DAN are reputable providers, each with distinct strengths. The right policy ultimately depends on your trip, budget and diving style but taking time to compare the details means you can dive knowing you’re protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need travel insurance if I have dive accident insurance?
Yes – dive accident insurance covers diving-related risks but not broader travel issues such as lost baggage or non-diving medical emergencies. You could either combine dive accident insurance with a standard travel insurance policy or consider broader scuba dive travel insurance.
✅ See here for our curated list of scuba diving travel insurance policies.
Does dive accident insurance cover freediving?
Yes, freediving is typically covered.
Does dive accident insurance cover technical diving?
Yes, both policies include technical diving.
Does dive accident insurance cover professional diving?
Do check the policy wording carefully. Both policies cover the provision of services as a dive guide or dive instructor but exclude other forms of commercial diving. Participating as a professional in a competition is also excluded.
Do DiveAssure and DAN policies cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Both policies exclude claims arising from pre-existing medical conditions.
Are there any age restrictions for dive accident insurance?
DiveAssure policies are only available to divers under 75, while DAN will only cover those aged 75 or over with a recent ‘fit to dive’ certificate from a diving medical specialist.