Scuba diving life insurance

Obtaining life insurance as a scuba diver can be straightforward and you may qualify for a standard rate without any additional fees or restrictions, but this may vary based on the specific type of diving you participate in.

Diving is one of the most popular extreme sports in the UK, there are many enthusiasts who pursue it as a hobby or career. In the UK alone it’s reported that there are around 2 million dives per year[1].

Scuba divers don't have a dedicated insurance type; instead, they need to apply for standard coverage like any other individual involved in scuba diving.

But what’s the likelihood of scuba diving affecting the cost of your life insurance premiums?

In this quick and easy read, Reassured break down all you need to know about applying for life insurance as a scuba diver.

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Can I get life insurance if I am a scuba diver?

You may be able to get life insurance as a scuba diver, although insurers will determine if you are eligible for a policy by assessing factors such as:

  • Age
  • BMI
  • Medical history
  • Occupation / lifestyle (including hobbies such as scuba diving)
  • Smoking status
  • Sum assured
  • Term length

The likelihood of securing a policy and the cost of your life insurance may vary depending on how the insurer perceives your level of risk, potentially resulting in higher premiums if they deem anything to be dangerous.

For example, if you scuba dive as a hobby, diving minimal times a year and have diving qualifications/recognised certificates, compared to someone who works underwater, dives more regularly or to deeper depths. This is because of the increased risk they pose.

At Reassured we work with both mainstream and specialist insurers to help you find suitable cover for your needs.

What policy options are available?

There are many types of policy, suitable for all types of circumstances. 4 of the most popular being:

Decreasing term life insurance

  • Lasts for a set term (up to 40 years)
  • Sum assured will decrease overtime (can be in line with your mortgage balance)
  • Sum assured can be up to £1,000,000
  • Free terminal illness cover
  • Medical/lifestyle questions will be asked and being a scuba diver could affect premium costs

The most affordable option and suitable to help cover you have a repayment mortgage.

Level term life insurance

  • Lasts for a set term (up to 40 years)
  • Sum assured will remain the same throughout the entire policy
  • Sum assured can be up to £1,000,000
  • Free terminal illness cover
  • Medical/lifestyle questions will be asked and being a scuba diver could affect premium costs

The most popular option, usually taken out to help protect family living costs or a mortgage.

Over 50s

  • A policy available to UK residents aged between 50 - 85
  • Guaranteed acceptance (no medical information required)
  • Premiums are calculated based on age, smoking status and desired sum assured
  • Guaranteed pay out up to £20,000 (depending on your needs and budget)
  • Cover for the rest of your life

Suitable for scuba divers who fit in the age range as your diving will not affect premiums due to the guaranteed acceptance and not needing to disclose your occupation/ lifestyle.

Whole of life insurance

  • Guaranteed pay out
  • Pay out could be up to £1,000,000
  • Cover for the rest of your life
  • Due to higher premiums, this option could be most suitable for those later in life but still in good overall health
  • Medical/lifestyle questions will be asked and being a scuba diver could affect premium costs

A more expensive option, however you’ll be covered for the rest of your life and have the opportunity to have a larger pay out than with an over 50s plan.

Reassured can compare life insurance quotes for these policies, as well as other options, from some of the UK's best insurers to help you secure our best deal.

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How much life insurance do scuba divers need?

Simply fill in the required fields of your financial commitments for an instant calculation.

Life Insurance Calculator

Calculate how much life insurance you may need by filling in the costs you’d like your policy to cover.

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£137,934 is the estimated mortgage debt per household in the UK.

The purchase of a home is likely to be the largest financial commitment any of us will make in our lifetime. Your life insurance should cover your remaining mortgage balance to allow your loved ones to stay in the family home should anything happen to you.

Source: Moneynerd.co.uk
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The average monthly household budget in the UK is £2,548 (that’s £30,576 per year), which is spent on transport, food & drink, utilities (gas, electricity, water etc), clothing, council tax and leisure activities.

With energy prices hitting a record high and the cost of living rising sharply in the UK, you may wish to factor in utility bills and family living expenses into your cover.

Source: Nimblefins.co.uk
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The average personal debt of UK adults has risen to £34,566 (not including mortgage debt), with credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts being the most common forms of debt.

Factoring in any debts into your life insurance cover means that, if they need to be paid back from your estate after your passing, your loved ones won’t miss out financially.

Source: Money.co.uk
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According to SunLife, the average cost of a funeral in the UK is £3,953 (with the overall cost of dying at £9,200).

Funeral costs have increased by 116% since 2004 and are a significant cost which should be factored into the amount of life insurance you secure.

Source: SunLife.co.uk
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When factoring in cover for your children, you may wish to calculate the amount based on how long it is until they reach financial independence.

This could include childcare (£7,000 per year for part-time care), school expenses (£1,519 per school year for uniforms, lunches, stationary etc), as well as an additional sum for further education (this could be a contribution of up to £5,000 per year).

Sources: Daynurseries.co.uk, Primarytimes.co.uk & Savethestudent.org
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2 in 5 adults say they are relying on an inheritance to fund their retirement.

Factoring in an inheritance to your sum assured could allow loved ones to live a more financially comfortable life. Alternatively, you could leave a cash gift to a charity of your choosing.

Source: Moneyage.co.uk
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If you’re lucky enough to have your own savings or are part of the 30% of UK residents who already have a life insurance policy in place, this can provide financial protection for loved ones.

By entering your current cover, savings or death in service amount you can reduce the sum assured you require.

Source: Scottishbusinessnews.net
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Is scuba diving considered a high risk occupation?

Potentially, scuba diving could be considered high risk, depending on the insurer and your personal circumstances.

Some careers involving scuba diving include:

  1. Dive guide or dive instructor
  2. Boat captain
  3. Public safety diver
  4. Scientific research diver
  5. Marine biologist
  6. Underwater archaeologist
  7. Underwater photographer

High risk applicants are often associated with engaging in dangerous hobbies/occupations, having certain medical conditions, or frequent traveling. All of which are factors insurers believe could make a claim more likely.

Scuba diving can be dangerous as it can lead to illnesses like Decompression Sickness (DCS) or Pulmonary Over-Inflation Syndrome (POIS)[2] if you regularly participate. When diving deep in the ocean there could also be complications involving equipment.

Each insurer will have different criteria as to what they deem as ‘high risk’ so it’s imperative to compare quotes to find affordable cover.

What questions will I be asked about scuba diving during the application?

When applying for life insurance, unless applying for an over 50s policy, you’ll be asked a series of questions so the insurer can calculate premium costs and risk factor.

As a scuba diver, you may be asked questions about:

  • The number of dives carried out annually
  • The type of diving being undertaken
  • Diving equipment being used
  • Any diving qualifications and recognised certificates
  • General experience level

The questions asked may vary on the type of diving you participate in.

It’s important to be open and honest with the insurer when applying and making sure to answer questions accurately, as if you fail to do so, your loved ones may not receive a pay out due to non-disclosure.

Why do I need life insurance as a scuba diver?

Having life insurance can help to financially protect your loved ones if you pass away.

As a scuba diver, by risking your life for work or as a hobby, having a life insurance policy in place can give you the peace of mind your family would be supported financially if the worst were to ever happen to you.

Having a policy can help with finances such as:

  • Mortgage / rent payments
  • Household costs & bills
  • Childcare costs & future education
  • An inheritance
  • Funeral costs
  • Any outstanding debts

Reassured can help you find a policy sufficient for yours and your family’s needs. Simply get in touch for your free quotes.

Can I be denied life insurance as a scuba diver?

You could be denied a policy as a scuba diver, depending on the level of risk you pose.

As previously mentioned, insurers will calculate risk of accepting an applicant by a variety of factors (smoking, health, age, etc).

However, depending on your personal circumstances, you could be accepted at a standard rate. If you pose higher risk you could face inflated premium costs or have your application declined.

If you’re concerned about being declined or have been in the past, Reassured offer assistance from our impaired team who specialise in helping those who have been declined before find some form of cover.

Will freediving affect my life insurance?

Freediving is a popular hobby amongst the water sport community. It’s deemed extreme and very dangerous, especially for those lacking in experience.

Freediving has been calculated to have roughly one death for every 500 participants[3]. If this is a hobby you regularly participate in, then you could be paying more for premiums.

If you dive less than 10 times per year and less than 100 feet in depth, you may not need to pay more, however this will depend on your insurer and their terms on what’s deemed high risk in freediving.

Income protection for scuba divers

Income protection can help replace lost income when you’re unable to work due to suffering an injury or illness.

You could receive up to 70% of your usual income, in monthly pay outs, to help keep you afloat or cover necessary costs.

If you work underwater, income protection could be beneficial, especially if you have no savings to fall back on, your employer doesn’t offer sickness benefits or statuary sick pay wouldn’t be enough to cover costs.

Income protection is available through Reassured Advice. Simply get in touch to secure the best income protection insurance to meet your needs.

Can I get critical illness cover as a scuba diver?

Yes, scuba divers can secure critical illness cover. However, depending on your personal circumstances, scuba diving could impact the price you pay.

You may also face restrictions as any claim related to diving may be excluded.

Critical illness cover is added to life insurance for an additional cost and is designed to provide a lump sum payment if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness (e.g. stroke, multiple sclerosis, permanent disability).

Critical illness, in terms of cover, counts as a serious life-changing illness which isn’t terminal.

It’s important to check what you are covered for in your policy documentation.

Critical illness cover through Reassured can start from just 33p a day º .

Compare life insurance quotes for scuba divers

It’s possible for a scuba diver to secure life insurance. However, your eligibility and the price you pay could be impacted by scuba diving.

Protecting your loved ones if you have a high risk occupation or hobby such as diving can help offer peace of mind that your financial commitments are covered if the worst were to happen.

If your profession or hobby as a diver is classified as high risk, it is crucial to carefully review and compare quotes in order to secure a good deal.

Reassured can compare personalised, fee-free quotes with no-obligation, making the process stress free.

Why not get in touch with one of our friendly professionals today to find our best deals?

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Sources:

[1] https://www.bsac.com/safety/is-diving-safe-press-information/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4244896/

[3] https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/aug/02/freediving-is-this-a-sport-or-french-existentialist-swimming

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