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Travel insurance for scuba diving and water activities

From scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef to surfing in Bali, there's so many ways to explore on or under the water around the world. But before you dive in, learn how nib travel insurance could help.

15% off travel insurance for nib Health members*

Why consider travel insurance for water activities?

Water activities come with inherent risks, whether it’s dealing with strong currents, unexpected injuries, or lost or damaged gear. Our cover can help with the following:

  • Overseas medical emergencies: If you’re injured while doing an activity, we may cover emergency medical, hospital and ambulance expenses. We may also cover evacuations if an injury occurs.

  • Luggage and personal effects: If your sporting equipment is accidentally lost, stolen or damaged during your trip we may replace or repair it.

  • Trip cancellation or disruptions: If your pre-paid activity or tour is cancelled because of severe weather, natural disaster, strike and other events, we may cover the non-refundable portion of your pre-paid travel arrangements. Depending on the circumstances we may also cover refunds for cancelled flights.

  • Access to the 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team: With nib, you have access to the experienced 24/7 Emergency Assistance Team, who can help you navigate those prickly situations.

Whether you're exploring Australia's coasts or travelling overseas, nib offers travel insurance for your specific adventure needs.

Get an nib travel insurance quote today.

Water activities that we cover

  • Sailing

  • Scuba diving (must have open water diving license or be diving under licensed instructor)

  • Snorkelling

  • Surfing

Note: Find out more information about the sports and activities we cover. If the sport or activity that you want to participate in is not listed, or you have questions around cover related to a specific activity, please contact us.

Top safety tips for water activities

Before diving in, keep these tips in mind:

  • Know your limits: Avoid pushing beyond your skill level.

  • Check equipment: Ensure all rental gear is in top condition.

  • Research conditions: Be aware of currents, tides, and weather forecasts.

  • Pair up: Never dive or swim alone, especially in unfamiliar waters.

  • Read the policy: Confirm your insurance covers your chosen activities.

Diver climbing up to a boat after finishing a dive in the Maldives
A whale shark at Ningaloo Reef

In Australia:

  1. Great Barrier Reef: Scuba diving and snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs.

  2. Byron Bay: Kayaking with dolphins and paddleboarding.

  3. Ningaloo Reef: Swimming with whale sharks.

  4. Rottnest Island: Snorkelling in crystal-clear waters.

  5. Gold Coast: Surfing iconic waves.

A woman surfing in Hawaii

Worldwide:

  1. Maldives: Scuba diving and underwater photography.

  2. Hawaii: Snorkelling in volcanic landscapes.

  3. Thailand: Long-tail boat tours and sea kayaking.

  4. Fiji: Coral reef diving and jet-skiing.

  5. Bora Bora: Luxury snorkelling adventures.

What’s not covered for water activities

There are some activities and other key areas that we don’t cover, these include but are not limited to:

  • There’s no cover for participation in, or training for, professional sporting activities.

  • When scuba diving, you must hold an open water diving licence or be under licensed instruction.

  • Travelling in international waters in a private sail vessel or privately registered sail vessel.

  • Watercraft of any type (excluding theft of surfboards or damage to surfboards whilst in the custody of a carrier).

  • Sporting equipment whilst in use.

Frequently asked questions about scuba diving and water sports cover

The above features and benefits are a summary of cover only. Cover is subject to the full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions outlined in the Product Disclosure Statement.

nib Travel Insurance Distribution Pty Limited, ABN 40 129 262 175, AR 336467 is an authorised representative of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and act as nib's agent and not as your agent. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider your needs, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.

We are a signatory to the General Insurance Code of Practice developed by the Insurance Council of Australia and enforced by the Code Governance Committee, an independent body whose purpose is to drive better Code compliance and help the insurance industry improve its service to consumers. The Code is designed to promote good relations and insurance practice between insurers, authorised representatives and consumers. The Code sets out what we must do when dealing with you. You can obtain a copy of the Code from codeofpractice.com.au.

*The discount applies to the total nib travel insurance premium and is for customers that currently hold an Australian health insurance product, or an Overseas Student Health Cover product with nib. The discount is not available to customers who hold an Overseas Visitors Health Cover product. Discounts do not apply to the rate of GST and stamp duty or any changes you make to the policy. nib has the discretion to withdraw or amend this discount offer at any time. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotional offer or discount.