Life Insurance for Scuba Divers in Canada

Scuba diving is an adventurous hobby and sport undertaken by thousands of Canadians each year. However, it also comes with risks that can impact your ability to get life insurance coverage.

This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know as a scuba diver looking to get protected with life insurance in Canada.

Overview of Scuba Diving and Its Risks

Scuba diving involves exploring the underwater world using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). Divers carry their own supply of compressed breathing gas, allowing greater independence and mobility compared to surface-supplied diving.

There are over 7,000 scuba divers certified each year in Canada through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), one of the main certification agencies. Many divers are attracted to Canada’s abundant cold-water diving opportunities. The Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, Hudson Bay, and Pacific and Atlantic Oceans offer world-class wreck dives, wall dives, freshwater lakes, and more.

However, despite advancements in equipment and training, scuba diving still carries inherent risks, including:

• Decompression sickness (“the bends”)
• Nitrogen narcosis
• Oxygen toxicity
• Hypercapnia
• Hypothermia
• Drowning
• Equipment failure

These hazards mean scuba diving is classified as an extreme sport by insurance companies. When applying for life insurance for scuba divers, your diving activities will impact the policy types and rates for which you are eligible.

Why Life Insurance for Scube Divers Is Important?

Life insurance companies are in the business of assessing risk. The riskier your lifestyle and behaviours, the more likely they are to charge you higher premiums or decline coverage.

Due to the dangers involved, insurers categorize scuba diving as a high-risk activity. They don’t want to unknowingly insure divers who engage in very risky techniques like deep technical diving.

That said, most life insurance companies DO offer life insurance for scuba divers who take proper training and safety precautions. They will, however, ask detailed questions about your:

• Certifications
• Years of experience
• Frequency of diving
• Locations
• Average depth
• Maximum depths
• Use of safety equipment
• Medical conditions

Insurers use this information to “rate” your risk as a scuba diver and determine your eligibility and premiums.

A healthy diver who stays shallow and sticks to recreational sites may be rated as a standard or preferred risk. However, a deep technical diver could be rated substandard or even denied coverage.

It’s important to remember there is NO federal law in Canada prohibiting discrimination based on dangerous hobbies or sports. Insurers have significant leeway to charge you more or deny coverage based on your diving history.

Being honest and transparent is crucial, as failing to disclose your diving hobby constitutes insurance fraud.

Can You Get Life Insurance for Scuba Divers in Canada?

The good news is that you can absolutely get life insurance coverage in Canada even if you scuba dive!

Certain policies and insurers are more diving-friendly than others. While your premiums may be higher, dive enthusiasts can usually get protected.

Here are some tips for finding coverage as an avid scuba diver:

Work with a Broker Skilled at Insuring Divers

An independent broker that specializes in underwriting high-risk sports like scuba diving can help you navigate the process. They understand the questions divers face and can match you with receptive insurers.

Disclose Everything—Don’t Hide Anything

Always fully disclose your diving activities and be truthful. Non-disclosure or lying will invalidate your policy.

Compare Quotes from Diver-Friendly Insurers

Shop quotes from insurers known for covering divers, like Manulife and BMO Insurance. Get multiple quotes to find the best rates.

Inquire About Diving-Specific Policies

Some insurers offer policies tailored to adventurous hobbies like scuba diving, rock climbing, aviation, etc. Ask brokers about specialty policies.

Consider Group or Work Insurance

If you have group insurance through work, it may offer basic coverage with fewer health questions. However, payouts are usually capped.

Apply for Simplified Issue Policies

Simplified issue life insurance only asks basic health questions and does not require a medical exam, making approval easier.

What Types of Life Insurance for Scuba Divers Are Available in Canada?

Several types of policies are available for life insurance for scuba divers:

Term Life Insurance for Scuba Divers

Term life insurance provides temporary coverage for a set period, such as 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 years. It pays out a lump-sum death benefit to your beneficiaries if you pass away during the term.

Pros

• More affordable premiums
• Easier medical underwriting
• Can usually get coverage even with health issues

Cons

• Coverage expires after the term ends
• Need to requalify higher rates at renewal

Cost

• Roughly $30 monthly for $250k coverage for a 25 year old
• $50 monthly for $500k coverage for a 35-year-old

Term insurance for scuba divers fits the need for short to mid-length coverage.

Permanent Life Insurance for Scuba Divers

Permanent life insurance covers you for your entire life as long as premiums are paid. It also builds cash value you can access. Types include whole life, universal life, and variable life insurance.

Pros

• Lifelong coverage
• Cash value fund you can use
• Rates locked in for life

Cons

• Much more expensive than term insurance
• Requires extensive medical underwriting

Cost

• $100+ monthly for $250k whole life coverage after age 35
• $80+ monthly for $250k universal life after age 35

Permanent policies make sense if you need lifelong coverage.

Accidental Death Insurance for Scuba Divers

Accidental death insurance pays out if you die due to an accident. It may exclude some activities, like cliff diving or racing. Some policies pay double if the accident is diving related.

Pros

• Affordable premiums
• Easy to qualify if in good health

Cons

• Only covers accidental death, not illness
• Benefits can be limited or capped

Cost

• As low as $10 monthly for $50k in coverage

This special type of insurance covers you in case of dive accidents.

Mortgage Life Insurance for Scuba Divers

Mortgage life insurance pays off your remaining mortgage balance if you pass away. It is a decreasing term policy, meaning coverage drops as the mortgage is paid off.

Pros

• Covers mortgage balance only
• Less expensive than regular life insurance

Cons

• Declining coverage as mortgage decreases
• Usually only available through lenders

Cost

• Approx. $15 monthly per $100k balance

This protects your family by ensuring the mortgage is paid off.

Read more : Family life insurance in Canada

Diving Questions You Must Answer When Applying for Life Insurance for Scuba Divers

When applying for life insurance for scuba divers, you’ll be required to thoroughly detail your diving activities and respond to various questions, including:

How many years of diving experience do you have?

Insurers view rookie divers as riskier, while decades of experience suggest you take the proper precautions. Be prepared to provide details on:

• Date first certified
• Most advanced certifications earned
• Total number of dives logged
• Years of regular diving activity

Where do you scuba dive (ocean, lake, quarry etc.)?

Insurers perceive open-water ocean diving as riskier than lakes or quarries. Be ready to elaborate on locations like:

• Ocean (which coasts/sites?)
• Quarries/inland lakes
• Caves
• Wrecks
• Other unique sites

And whether it’s warm or cold water. Cold water is seen as more dangerous.

On average, how deep are your dives?

The deeper you dive, the greater the dangers like nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity, and decompression sickness. Be transparent about your:

• Average depth for recreational dives
• Maximum depth
• How frequently do you go below 100 feet

Going beyond recreational limits will drive up your rates.

How many dives do you take per year?

Frequency matters. Occasional, vacation-only diving is at a lower risk than diving every weekend or professional diving. Be prepared with:

• Total lifetime dives
• Annual dive frequency
• Dives planned for the upcoming year

High-frequency diving over many years suggests greater cumulative risk.

Do you cave dive, ice dive, or perform technical diving?

Insurers consider technical diving, cave diving, ice diving, solo diving, and commercial diving as extremely high-risk. Any type of technical or hazardous diving will lead to higher premiums or denials of coverage.

Answer honestly about your involvement in:

• Technical diving
• Ice diving
• Cave/cavern diving
• Solo diving
• Commercial/professional diving
• Salvage/rescue diving

How Scuba Diving Experience Impacts Your Life Insurance for Scuba Divers Rates

Scuba certification levels, years of experience, and total number of dives all influence the rates of life insurance for scuba divers. Here’s an overview of how experience impacts pricing:

Entry-Level Certifications

Open water diver certifications like PADI Open Water Diver are for depths up to 60 feet. With:

• No medical issues
• Only occasional recreational diving
• Sticking to limits

You should still qualify for standard/preferred rates.

Advanced Diving Certifications

Advanced certifications like PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or equivalent allow depths down to 100 feet. With this certification:

• Occasional recreational diving
• No technical diving
• Good health

You can likely still get standard rates.

Technical Diving Certifications

Technical diving involves going beyond recreational limits. This includes:

• Dives beyond 130 feet
• Required decompression stops
• Cave, ice, wreck penetration diving

With technical certifications, you will almost certainly pay an extra rating or receive entirely declined coverage.

Commercial/Professional Diving

If you engage in commercial or professional diving, such as:

• Construction/engineering diving
• Offshore oil rig diving
• Military/police diving
• Research diving
• Salvage/repair diving

You can expect to pay a significantly higher rating or potentially be denied coverage. Commercial diving is seen as extremely high risk.

The more advanced your certification and experience, and the further you go beyond recreational limits, the more it will cost you in higher premiums or exclusions. Stick to recreational parameters, and you will have the best chance of qualifying for standard rates.

How Your Diving Locations Affect Life Insurance for Scuba Divers Rates

Just as depths impact your rates, where you dive is also important. Following are how different dive locations influence pricing of life insurance for scuba divers:

Ocean Diving

Open-water ocean diving is generally perceived as a higher risk than lake/quarry diving. With ocean diving, be prepared for potential ratings or exclusions if you:

• Dive in challenging ocean conditions
• Do not properly account for tides, currents, swells
• Have insufficient surface support/boat cover
• Dive in remote locations far from medical care

To potentially get a standard rate with ocean diving, stick to:

• Calm conditions
• Careful planning
• Diving within recreation limits
• Proper supervision/support
• Access to medical care

Wreck Diving

Penetrating sunken ships and structures is seen as extremely dangerous by insurers. Wreck diving will often lead to:

• Coverage exclusions
• Requirement of technical certification
• Mandatory extra fees and ratings

To minimize impact, only wreck dive:

• With proper tech certification
• Within recreational depths
• As part of an organized group
• With continuous guide supervision
• With appropriate gas mixes/decompression preparation

Cave and Cavern Diving

Like wreck diving, penetrating underwater caves and caverns is viewed as an exceptionally high-risk activity. Without proper specialized training, cave diving often results in:

• Ratings of 200-400% or more
• Surcharges of $5 – $20 per $1000 of coverage
• Complete exclusion of coverage

To mitigate the impact on rates, adhere strictly to the following:

• Training standards like the National Speleological Society-Cave Diving Section (NSS-CDS)
• Team diving protocols (no solo diving)
• Use of guidelines, planning, and redundant gear

Quarry and Lake Diving

In contrast, diving in quarries and lakes is considered to be at a lower risk than ocean and cave diving. With reasonable depths and good visibility, lake diving presents fewer inherent hazards.

To qualify for standard rates with lake/quarry diving, avoid:

• Exceeding recreational depth limits
• Pushing personal experience limits
• Solo diving without surface support

With good planning, lake diving allows standard or preferred rates.

The location of your dives plays a significant role in determining your premiums. Take location into account when planning dives to help control insurance costs.

How Scuba Diving Medical Conditions Affect Your Life Insurance for Scuba Divers Rates

Scuba diving on its own may not preclude you from standard rates of life insurance for scuba divers. However, certain medical conditions can greatly amplify the risks.

Conditions that may lead to higher premium ratings or denials include:

Cardiovascular Conditions

• Heart disease
• Previous heart attack
• Congenital heart defects
• High blood pressure

The stress of scuba diving can overtax those with heart conditions. Sudden cardiac arrest underwater is often fatal. Insurers are cautious about insuring divers with heart issues.

Pulmonary Conditions

• Asthma
• COPD
• Cystic fibrosis
• Previous lung surgery
• Pneumothorax history

Lung issues combined with the pressure changes of diving increase risks. Barotrauma or an air embolism can easily be triggered by compromised lungs.

Obesity

A high BMI raises the likelihood of:

• Decompression sickness
• Nitrogen narcosis
• Air embolisms

Excess body fat leads to more rapid nitrogen saturation and greater buoyancy control challenges.

Diabetes

The dangers of hypoglycemia underwater make diabetes a concern. Moreover, diabetes often correlates with:

• Obesity
• Vascular disease
• Neuropathy

All of which amplify diving risks.

Seizure Disorders

A seizure underwater is often catastrophic. Conditions like epilepsy or a history of seizures will usually preclude coverage.

Ear/Sinus Surgery

Previous ear or sinus surgery increases risks of:

• Ear/sinus barotrauma
• Mask squeeze injuries

Insurers will want details on any ear procedures or sinus surgery.

Carefully manage any medical conditions that could interact with diving to give yourself the best chance of qualifying for affordable life insurance.

Getting Life Insurance for Scuba Divers After a Diving Accident or Decompression Sickness

Surviving a diving accident or getting bent does NOT automatically disqualify you from life insurance for scuba divers. However, it can make getting coverage more complicated.

Here are some tips if trying to get insured after a prior diving incident:

Wait to Apply

Give yourself time to fully recover and stabilize your health first. Applying immediately after an accident will likely lead to a denial. Wait at least six months to a year or more.

Get Updated Medical Records

Thoroughly document the accident/incident along with your recovery and current health status. Imaging, pulmonary function tests, cardiological exams, and doctor’s notes are key.

Have Your Doctor Write a Letter

An explanatory letter from your physician detailing the event, treatment, and current cleared-for-diving status can help enormously.

Talk to Your Broker

Discuss the situation honestly with an independent broker who has experience in underwriting after accidents. They’ll know the most receptive insurers.

Be Open to Exclusions

You may need to accept an exclusion on diving coverage for several years. Or restrictions to shallow, recreational diving only with a partner.

Consider Guaranteed Issue

As a last resort, guaranteed issue life insurance requires no medical questions. However, coverage amounts are limited.

A past diving incident doesn’t mean you can’t ever get life insurance again. But it requires careful planning and likely concessions on coverage terms.

Tips for Getting the Best Rates of Life Insurance for Scuba Divers

Follow these tips to help secure the most affordable life insurance for scuba divers:

• Maintain excellent overall health and fitness (outside of diving)
• Only dive within the limits of your certification level
• Follow all safety protocols like the “rule of thirds.”
• Log all your hours and keep detailed diving records
• Join and adhere to the standards of a reputable dive organization
• Consider extra “dive accident” insurance in addition to life insurance
• Shop multiple brokers and get quotes from diver-friendly insurers
• Accept rated policies if you engage in technical diving
• Be prepared to have recreational diving limitations
• Disclose all diving details extensively and honestly

The keys are controlled depth/locations, strict adherence to training, logging every dive, no “pushing the limits,” and finding an insurance broker knowledgeable about underwriting divers.

Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Life Insurance for Scuba Divers

Following are some key mistakes when applying for life insurance for scuba divers and how to avoid them:

Lying or Exaggerating Dive Experience

Never falsify your credentials or history. It will invalidate your policy if uncovered. Be 100% truthful.

Disclosing Only What is Asked

Volunteer extra details. Don’t wait to be specifically asked about every dive site, for example. Show you are transparent.

Downplaying Frequency or Depth

Don’t underreport how often or how deep you dive. Provide logbooks if needed to back up depths/frequency.

Hiding Medical Conditions

Disclose any medical issues that could impact diving safety. Attempting to hide conditions is grounds for denial of claims.

Rushing Your Application After an Accident

Wait at least six months to 1 year before reapplying after an incident. Fully recover first or you risk another denial.

Trying to Save Money With Minimal Coverage

Carry higher coverage amounts in case of catastrophic injury/disability requiring long-term care in addition to death benefits.

Being honest, thorough and patient gives you the greatest odds of securing affordable dive insurance.

Sample Premiums of Life Insurance for Scuba Divers by Age

To give you an idea of how scuba diving can impact life insurance rates in Canada, here are some sample monthly premiums for differing ages and coverage amounts:

Sample Rates for Preferred 25-Year-Old Scuba Diver

*25 y/o male non-smoker in Ontario

Sample Rates for Preferred 35-Year-Old Scuba Diver

*35 y/o male non-smoker in Ontario

Sample Rates for Standard 45-Year-Old Scuba Diver

*45 y/o male non-smoker in Ontario

As shown, preferred scuba divers may pay just slightly higher premiums than non-divers, while older standard divers may pay 25% or more extra compared to non-divers in the same class.

Finding Providers for Life Insurance for Scuba Divers

In your search for life insurance for scuba divers, target providers are known to accept divers like:

• Sun Life: Top insurer with experience insuring divers. Individual underwriting.
• Manulife: Leading national insurer accepting of most recreational divers.
• BMO Life: Will insure recreational divers. Need to apply via broker.
• Canada Life: Decent with divers who maintain preferred health standards.
• RBC Insurance: Generally accepting of non-technical recreational diving.
• ivari: Receptive to recreational divers with some exclusions. Avoid if technical diving.
• Foresters: Competitively priced for recreational scuba diving enthusiasts.
• Saskatchewan Blue Cross: Decent option for Saskatchewan divers needing coverage.
• SSQ Insurance: Quebec provider covering recreational divers if also in good health.
• Wawanesa Life: Potential option for western Canadian divers if sticking to recreational diving.

Consider applying with multiple companies to compare rates and options. An experienced broker can help identify receptive insurers.

Using a Broker to Get Life Insurance for Scuba Divers

Because scuba diving adds complexity to life insurance for scuba divers applications, working with an independent broker who specializes in high-risk activity cases can be enormously helpful.

Advantages of using a broker include:

• Access to policies from dozens of insurance companies
• Expertise in “packaging” risk to get coverage
• Insider knowledge of the most dive-friendly insurers
• Ability to save you time by managing everything
• Assistance in structuring optimal policy mixes and amounts

To find a specialized high-risk life insurance broker, search sites like:

• Lifebuzz.ca – Enter your needs to get matched with a broker who specializes in adventurous hobbies and sports

Their expertise can make obtaining coverage much easier compared to applying on your own.

Key Considerations When Purchasing Life Insurance for Scuba Divers

If seeking life insurance for scuba divers, keep the following key considerations in mind:

• Be Transparent About Diving Details – Answer all questions extensively and volunteer extra info if needed. Demonstrate you dive safely.
• Compare Quotes from Multiple Insurers – Different carriers have varying comfort levels with scuba diving. Shop around for the best rates.
• Consider “Dive Accident” Insurance – This specialty insurance pays extra if death/disability occurs while diving. It can supplement a base life insurance policy.
• Examine Group Insurance Options – Group life via an employer may provide a limited “no questions asked” amount of coverage.
• Review Policy Terms – Carefully inspect the policy language for any exclusions or restrictions specific to scuba diving. Don’t assume you will be fully covered for all diving scenarios.
• Work With a Broker – An independent broker who routinely deals with adventure sports risks can walk you through the process and identify receptive insurers.
• Accept You May Pay More – Be prepared to potentially pay higher premiums or a policy rating depending on your diving history and details.

Securing life insurance for scuba divers in Canada is very feasible. But it requires proper planning, honest disclosures, finding the right insurers/brokers, and accepting potentially higher costs.

Conclusion: Getting Life Insurance for Scuba Divers in Canada is Possible

While scuba diving represents increased risk, life insurance coverage is absolutely attainable for most recreational divers in Canada. The keys are being transparent about your certifications, experience levels, dive locations/depths, and medical history.

Work with an independent broker who specializes in “high-risk occupations” cases like: police officers, Skydivers, Firefighters, scuba diving,… They have the expertise to guide you through the application intricacies and present your particular risks in the best light possible to insurers. Be prepared to spend more time on questionnaires and medical disclosures compared to non-divers.

In the end, with the right broker and insurer partner, nearly all avid scuba divers can secure adequate life insurance policies. Don’t let concerns about coverage prevent you from enjoying the spectacular underwater adventures scuba diving offers. Protect yourself and your family by taking steps to get properly insured well before planning any major dive trips.

For personalized guidance from industry experts on securing life insurance that covers your scuba diving activities, get a free quote from LifeBuzz.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Article Sources:

Delve into the principles that guide our dedication to truthfulness, clarity, and editorial autonomy by exploring the Lifebuzz.ca Editorial Policy. This is the cornerstone of our esteemed status as the premier trusted source for life insurance information in Canada.

1. Life Insurance for Scuba Diving & Skydiving – https://protectyourwealth.ca/
2. Life Insurance and Scuba Diving – https://lsminsurance.ca/
3. Life Insurance for Scuba Divers: What to Know – https://www.dundaslife.com/