Dive Insurance in Cuba.

[littleleemur]

As we all know, the US has an economic embargo on Cuba. Which BTW ONLY applies to Americans. However, what many Canadians don't know or realize is that any current dive insurance that they may have through DAN Americas/PADI/other insurance companies may not be honoured when diving in Cuba.

The main problem with this is:
1) The dive insurance is advertised to all diving Canadians and often specifically to Canadians planning diving trips to Cuba.
2) Other insurance companies may not honour any claims from incidents in Cuba because they have a large American interest.
3) The rumour that Canadians can call DAN/PADI Europe for insurance help while in Cuba is false. (You need to be a member of DAN/PADI Europe).

The safest bet is to not only read the fine print, but to buy separate insurance for Cuban diving with Cuba written specifically into the policy. Or if you have multiple residency, buy DAN/PADI outside of DAN Americas /PADI Americas.

On another note, will DAN leave Canadians completely stranded and helpless in Cuba? Financially yes, but since DAN is also a non-profit, research and educational institution, the *Economic* embargo does not apply to them (only to their insurance). They CAN be called for emergency medical advice, but keep your fingers crossed for a level headed operator & shift supervisor.