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So you've decided to go swimming with the sharks. While the adrenalin is still pumping, it's time to weigh your travel insurance options because not all insurers cover risky activities and adventure sports as part of their standard cover. Read on to find out what's covered, and what's not.
Brand | Additional conditions that apply | Enquire |
---|---|---|
![]() | Covered provided you are using an artificial breathing apparatus at a depth no greater than 10 metres, and hold an open water diving licence recognised in Australia or dive with an instructor licensed for these activities.You will need to buy the Adventure Pack Add-on if you wish to participate in Shark cage diving between 10m and 30m. Shark cage diving more than 30 metres cannot be covered. | |
![]() | You will need to provide a web link to the licenced commercial operator providing your dive, which will be forwarded to the underwriter for consideration (you'll normally receive a response within 1-2 business days). | |
![]() | Covered provided you are using an artificial breathing apparatus at a depth no greater than 10 metres, and hold an open water diving licence recognised in Australia or dive with an instructor licensed for these activities. | |
![]() | Covered, provided that the activity is provided by a licenced commercial operator (please note that cover for these activities is not available in the USA or Canada). | |
![]() | Covered provided you are using an artificial breathing apparatus at a depth no greater than 10 metres, and hold an open water diving licence recognised in Australia or dive with an instructor licensed for these activities. | |
![]() | Covered provided you are using an artificial breathing apparatus at a depth no greater than 10 metres, and hold an open water diving licence recognised in Australia or dive with an instructor licensed for these activities. | |
![]() | Covered provided you are using an artificial breathing apparatus at a depth no greater than 10 metres, and hold an open water diving licence recognised in Australia or dive with an instructor licensed for these activities. | |
![]() | Covered as long as the activity is conducted under appropriate supervision. |
Scuba diving itself is an inherently risky activity with certain conditions and restrictions, and potential risks include decompression sickness or nitrogen poisoning, barotrauma and others. Cage diving alone carries its own set of risks. When cage diving with scuba gear, you must in all cases either hold a recognised open water diving licence or be under the supervision of a licensed instructor while in the water. Even then, some insurers will not cover shark cage diving under any circumstances, while others have additional requirements. These are typical conditions under which insurers cover shark cage diving:
To be covered for shark cage diving you must:
When signing up for an insurance policy, you have a duty of disclosure. This is a legal obligation to tell the insurer about anything they should reasonably know which increases the risk of insuring you. Typically, you can fulfil your duty of disclosure simply by filling out the forms and answering questions honestly. If you are not sure whether or not you will be covered and it is not clear by reading the PDS, it is always best to disclose the activity you will be participating in.
You should be able to know exactly how and when your travel insurance policy will cover shark cage diving just by reading the PDS. If it isn't clear, you should raise the issue with your insurer.
The cost of including shark cage diving in your travel insurance policy can vary between insurers. It will either be covered free of charge, covered for an additional premium or excluded altogether, for example*:
*The above information was last verified in January 2018. To make sure that you're covered, always read the PDS before buying a policy.
If you need to make a travel insurance claim for injury:
Learn more about how to make a successful claim, and how requirements may vary between travel insurance brands, or start comparing policies online if you’re after cover for scuba and shark cage diving.
Compare travel insurance options for shark cage diving
Picture: Shutterstock
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