scuba diving insurance thailand
~Do you really need it?~
Scuba Diving Insurance Thailand | Before You Dive, Ask Yourself One Question...
…If something unexpected happened on your scuba diving holiday in Thailand, who would pay for it?
To begin with, you would not drive your car without insurance therefore scuba diving is no different.
While some travellers don’t have insurance, others assume theirs includes scuba diving cover in Thailand. However, that’s often not the case. Some policies have depth restrictions and exclusions, which could leave divers responsible for medical bills if they aren’t properly insured.
That’s why at Blue View Divers, we believe diving safely isn’t just about checking your equipment – it’s also about making sure you have the right scuba diving insurance before entering the water. Firstly, in this guide, we’ll explain the complimentary accident insurance we include, specialist dive insurance options available in Thailand, and why we always ask for your own insurance details before you dive. Perhaps you have a medical condition that a doctor has cleared you for diving with, but also even if you are fit and healthy. All of our dive professionals have their own dive insurance and would not dive without, and neither should you.
Thailand Scuba Diving Insurance | Main Points:
- Your own Travel Insurance covers your scuba diving activities? GREAT!
- You don't have Scuba Diving Insurance? *Upgrade to 'Dive Assist' Daily Insurance *Strongly Recommended
- You don't have Insurance and don't want to pay? We offer free basic government insurance *limited
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy Is Scuba Diving Insurance in Thailand Required?
Scuba diving is an adventure activity, and while diving is safe when conducted correctly, there is always a small level of risk involved. That’s why centres ask every diver to have scuba diving accident insurance.
It’s About Protecting You
The primary reason for scuba dive insurance in Thailand, and anywhere in the world, isn’t to protect the dive centre – it’s to protect you. Therefore having the right insurance means you don’t have to worry about unexpected medical bills.
Medical Care Can Be Expensive
Even minor injuries or illnesses can become expensive when you’re on holiday, especially if they require treatment on another island or the mainland. A scrape or sting requiring treatment in the local hospital can quickly add up.
Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment
Although rare, conditions such as decompression illness (DCI) require treatment in a hyperbaric (recompression) chamber located in Phuket. These specialist treatments are very expensive without appropriate insurance.
Emergency Boat Evacuations
Many dive sites are located far from shore therefore diver evacuations require fast transportand medical staff which carry significant costs if not covered by your scuba diving insurance in Thailand.
Peace of Mind
Fortunately, diving accidents are very uncommon. Choosing professional centres who follow international safety standards, maintain equipment and provide thorough briefings minimises risk. Having Scuba Diving Insurance in Thailand allows you to relax, enjoy your dive knowing you’re financially protected should the unexpected happen.
Do I Need Scuba Diving Insurance?
Yes! Even though Blue View Divers includes a free basic scuba diving insurance as required by law, we always recommend having your own personal policy. If your policy provides better protection than our included accident insurance, we’d much rather use the policy that offers you the highest level of cover. Our priority is making sure you’re fully protected in any unlikely event.
We are an affiliate of Dive Assist, which you can purchse directly with us. Some SSI Centres use DiveAssure, and individual divers prefer DAN
Phi Phi Scuba Diving Insurance
Options | Blue View Divers
We offer 2 options for all our divers and snorkelers. Purchase a short timeDive Assist Insurance Policy with us or opt in for the free government insurance limited policy offered to all our guests.
| Benefit |
Maxi Cover |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Expenses | €10,000 (≈ 380,000 THB) |
| Hyperbaric Chamber Treatment | €10,000 (≈ 380,000 THB) |
| Emergency Medical Repatriation | €10,000 (≈ 380,000 THB) |
| Search & Rescue | €10,000 (≈ 380,000 THB) |
| Transportation & Accommodation | €5,000 (≈ 190,000 THB) |
| Personal Accident – Death | €6,000 (≈ 228,000 THB) |
| Personal Accident – Permanent Disability | €6,000 (≈ 228,000 THB) |
| 24/7 Worldwide Emergency Assistance | ✅ Included |
Comparing Your Scuba Diving Insurance Options
Not sure which option is right for you? We’re happy to help explain the differences before your trip so you can choose the cover that best suits your diving holiday.
| Feature |
Bangkok Insurance (Free) |
Dive Assist (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
|
Included in your trip |
 Yes |
 300 THB/day |
|
Basic Cover (accident) |
|
|
| Medical expenses |
Basic cover |
cover |
| Hyperbaric treatment |
Limited |
|
| Emergency evacuation | |
|
| Repatriation | |
|
|
24/7 assistance |
|
|
| Travel disruption | |
Depending |
| Ongoing medical treatment | |
Depending on plan |
| Claims process | Reimbursement after treatment | Emergency assistance & claims support |
| Best suited for | Limited protection | More comprehensive insurance |
What About My Own Travel Insurance?
Many travel insurance policies do not automatically include scuba diving, so it’s important to check your policy before travelling. Check exclusions and depth limits in addition to cancellation cover due to sickeness. Should you fall ill and therefore not be able to make the dive as per our booking policy, we are happy to provide necessary documents (invoice + letter) to support your claim. Please note that a Medical Certificate will be required.
Why We Ask For Your Insurance Details
When you complete your booking, we’ll ask for your insurance status. If your own policy provides broader cover than our free Insurance, we’d rather use the policy that offers you the best protection.
Travelling Without Insurance? Know The Risks
Some travellers choose to travel without any insurance at all, and that’s entirely their decision, however, it’s important to understand the risks. Even when insured, in some cases, medical expenses need to be paid upfront.
Similan liveaboards companies require written proof that your insurance provider covers emergency medical evacuation and recompression treatment. Without this you must purchase insurance or else not be allowed to dive.
Hyperbaric Chambers Serving Koh Phi Phi
In the unlikely event of a diving incident, divers from Koh Phi Phi are typically referred to one of two hyperbaric facilities in Phuket.
SSS Hyperbaric Chamber, Phuket
The SSS Hyperbaric Chamber is one of Thailand’s leading facilities for treating diving-related injuries, including decompression illness (DCI). Their specialist medical team work closely with us, dive operators and emergency services throughout Thailand.
Website: https://sssphuket.com
Vachira Phuket Hospital Hyperbaric Unit
Vachira Phuket Hospital is Phuket’s main government hospital has a hyperbaric medicine unit for diving emergencies. Depending on the situation, divers may be referred here for specialist treatment.
Website: https://www.vachiraphuket.go.th
Is the Complimentary Bangkok Insurance Enough?
Our Free Bangkok Insurance as required by law provides a basic level of accident cover
However, the SSS Chamber network, Training Agencies like PADI, SSI in addition to reputable dive centres (like us!) recommend proper scuba diving insurance. Policies such as Dive Assist, DiveAssure, DAN and other providers which offer much broader protection with less chance of delay in treatiment including access to more hospitals and international clinics.
How Do I Check If My Travel Insurance Covers Scuba Diving?
Don’t assume your travel insurance automatically covers scuba diving or snorkelling. Before travelling, carefully read the adventure activities & exclusions sections of your policy.
Check if your insurance covers scuba diving and snorkelling, maximum diving depth, Entry level programs, Hyperbaric chamber treatment, Emergency evacuation and repatriation, Diving within your certification level. Also check for exclusions relating to alcohol, medical conditions or technical diving including diving with a certified professional under the training agency you are training with.
If you’re unsure, contact your provider before your trip.
I’m Taking My Open Water Course. Do I Need My Own Insurance?
Yes Yes Yes- we highly recommend it.
If you don’t already have suitable scuba diving insurance, you can choose one of the insurance options we offer before your course begins. Once you’re a certified diver, however, we encourage you to arrange your own dedicated dive insurance whenever you travel.
Specialist providers such as Dive Assist 0ffer cover specifically designed for scuba diving around the world.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Decompression Illness (DCI)?
Fortunately, decompression illness (DCI) is extremely uncommon when divers follow safe diving practices.
The most common contributing factors include:
Poor hydration before or after diving
Not following your instructor’s or Dive Master’s briefing
Diving beyond your training or certification level
Ascending too quickly or missing safety stops
Flying too soon after diving
At Blue View Divers, we use conservative dive planning and encourage every diver to stay hydrated, dive within their certification limits and always follow their instructor’s guidance.
What Are the Most Common Diving Injuries?
Most diving-related injuries we see are minor and easily treated.
These commonly include:
Dehydration
Small cuts, scratches and coral abrasions
Slips or trips on wet boats, ladders or piers
Minor knocks while entering or exiting the water
Seasickness
Insect bites from inside shoes
Pre-existing medical conditions (not disclosed)
Most can be avoided by staying hydrated, moving carefully around the boat and following your guide’s safety briefing.
What Isn’t Covered by the Complimentary Bangkok Insurance?
This is designed to provide basic accident cover for insured scuba diving activities. It is not intended to replace comprehensive travel or dive insurance.
Examples that are generally not covered include:
Ear infections
Ear pain caused by congestion or illness
General illnesses unrelated to a diving accident
Pre-existing medical conditions
Routine medical treatment unrelated to an insured diving accident
Why Does Blue View Divers Ask for My Insurance Details?
We ask every guest for their insurance details because, in the unlikely event of an emergency, we want to use the policy that provides the best possible protection.
Many guests arrive with excellent travel or dive insurance that offers significantly higher medical limits and emergency assistance than our complimentary accident policy. Having your insurance details available allows us to help you more quickly, minimise delays and ensure the most appropriate policy is used if medical treatment or a claim becomes necessary.
Can I Dive Without Personal Insurance?
While our free Insurance provides basic accident cover during your dive with us, it is not a substitute for comprehensive scuba diving or travel insurance.
Medical treatment in Thailand may need to be paid for upfront, and expenses such as emergency evacuation, repatriation, accommodation changes, cancelled flights or ongoing treatment are often not covered by basic accident policies. For that reason, we recommend that every diver travels with suitable personal insurance that specifically covers scuba diving.
Why Scuba Diving Insurance Recommended in Thailand
Many diving professionals recommend specialist scuba diving insurance.
Most dive-specific insurers are familiar with diving emergencies and often have established relationships with hospitals and hyperbaric chambers. This can help streamline the administration process and reduce delays when urgent treatment is needed.
Well-known specialist providers include:
Dive Assist – Daily, weekly, monthly and annual plans available.
DiveAssure – Dive-specific insurance for recreational divers and students.
DAN (Divers Alert Network) – One of the world’s leading dive insurance organisations.
Unlike many standard travel insurance policies, specialist dive insurance is designed specifically for scuba diving and may include benefits such as:
Hyperbaric chamber treatment
Emergency medical expenses
Emergency evacuation
Diving-related injuries
Non-diving medical emergencies that occur during a dive trip (depending on the policy)
At Blue View Divers, we don’t recommend one provider over another. We simply encourage every diver to check that they have appropriate cover for scuba diving, so that if the unexpected happens, treatment can be arranged as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Similan Liveaboard operators such as Khao Lak Scuba Adventures request all divers to share comprehensive policies that cover evacuation and hyperbaric chamber costs.
Phi Phi Daily Dive Trips
Do I have to stay overnight on Phi Phi Island to join a daily dive trip?
5 Reasons Why Phi Phi?
5 Reasons why you should come over and book scuba diving from Phi Phi Islands
Blue View Divers Founded in 2006 with an ethos of conservation, community and relaxed diving in small-groups. A boutique-style dive centre with a personal touch and the BEST location to hang out! Dive with us if you like small groups, flexible schedules & excellent customer service. We want you to feel welcome, not just a number. Our Eco-Minded Team of PADI Pros are trained under PADI Staff Instructors Caroline & Kris who have 20+ years experience on Phi Phi.
Contact Info
- 107 Moo 7, Phi Phi Island Ao Nang, Amphur Muang, Krabi, 81000
- +66 (0) 925 12 5584
© 2012 Blue View Divers. All Rights Reserved.
