Thinking

[reefraker97]

I've been thinking about getting D.A.N diver's insurance, but would like to know, what are the benefits of having this insurance? How could it help me in an emergency situation? Please give me your input!

THANKS!!!

[covediver]

The benefits for me are the coverage it provides if I need hyperbaric chamber treatment, which is very expensive. I have a very good primary health insurance, but it would not cover the portion that DAN insurance will. I had the basic coverage, but when I started traveling the world and going to exotic places, I got better coverage because evacuation in case of accident runs into $. Heck even evacuation from remote dive sites in Alaska can break my piggy bank into a million pieces. In fact, some operators will not let you book unless you have DAN or the equivalent insurance.

[DandyDon]

DAN insurance requires membership, but that $39 supports the safety and aid organization that continues to help divers more than any other and includes some of the benefits we often associate with insurance - like evacuations. Combined with that...

The $25 plan = $64/year is far better than nothing, but leaves much uncovered;
The $35 plan = only $10 more/year gives much better coverage;
Or the $70 plan = $99/year more than doubles the coverage from the previous plan.

See the comparisons here (http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/insurance/compare.asp)

Now I am not a full time diver like some here, only a bit over 300 dives in 7 years, but I have seen 6 divers leave by ambulances -2 of which were emergency evacuated back to the States and survived only because they were, would have died otherwise.

Please get DAN insurance, or similar insurance along with DAN membership, or get out of diving completely.

My opinion anyway; you did ask...:eyebrow:

[covediver]

Don:

Good points. I think the key to selecting the plan is "what kind of diving do I do" and then matching the plan too it. It seems lots of people are underinsured or overinsured for various losses, but never have just the right insurance.

If you dive in an area that has good emergency services, proximity to hperbaric chambers, and where diving in limited to less than 130 feet, the basic plan may be all that you need. When I lived in Socal the basic coverage was the best buy for me in conjunction with these and other factors (being a poor grad student for example). But not having it at all is like playing roulette, its a real risk.

[reefraker97]

I've talked to the family about it, and we've decided to go with the $35 dollar plan with D.A.N insurance. I live in Sarasota, Florida, so the closest chamber for me is in St. Petersburg. I definitly want coverage for that! Thanks for the input, thanks to D.A.N, I will soon be a safer diver.

[DandyDon]

Well, okay - like I said, it's far better than nothing. If you're totally happy after reviewing the details in comparison - cool. And you can pay the $10 more to upgrade later if you'd like. :thumb:

[1_T_Submariner]

Thanks to advice from Don and a few others I have the preffered plan. Just the plan for me and my wife. We take 2 trips a year and I dive the quarry when I can. I can afford to self insure (just 6 lotto numbers away) so I go with DAN.

[DandyDon]

DAN's top plan or Preferred Plan is very comprehensive and is probably the most popular. Their Standard or lowest plan may be better than nothing, but for only $10 saved - I hate that it does not cover Other Dive Injures, Extra Transportation & Accomodations, Lost Gear, etc. I don't guess it would cover an Embolism :confused: and that may be a bigger risk and Bends...? :shocked2:

I really think the middle or Master plan should be the minimum consideration, again - only $10 more than the bottom plan...

Some comparisons of Preferred, Master, Standard plans

Decompression Illness Expense Yes Yes Yes
Other Dive Injury Medical Expense Yes Yes No!
Accidental Death & Dismemberment/Diving $15,000 $15,000 No!
Permanent & Total Disability $15,000 $15,000 No!
Extra Transportation Up to $2,000 $1,000 No!
Extra Accommodation Up to $3,000 $1,500 No!
Lost Diving Equipment Up to $2,500 $2,500 No!
Planned Maximum Depth Covered No Limit No Limit 130ft/40m
Medical Non-Dive Accident Coverage $10,000 No! No!
For eligible charges for treatment of non-diving accidents outside home country.
Diving Vacation Cancellation $10,000 No! No!
Diving Vacation Interruption $5,000 No! No!

Click here (http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/insurance/compare.asp) for more info