[Damianb]

Hi, I am putting this in the Medicine + Fitness area as it seems the most relevant.

I need dive insurance. I was with Dive master Insurance but my cover expired today and I wanted other options before renewing. DAN is meant to be good but I could not find a UK site just DAN Europe. Will DAN Europe suffice and do people rate them?

Also, whilst Dive Master Insurance was Ok for the last year, I recently had a few issues with them. I am pretty fit, 35 yrs old, non smoker, made no insurance claims for around 6 years, believes in continual dive education etc etc. However, earlier this year I had my thyroid removed due to the C word. After 2 operations and radio iodine treatment I am cured, which is great. It hasn't spread anywhere and was completely isolated to the left side of the thyroid which suggests v early stage and apart from various inconveniences didn't present a serious threat to my short term or long term health. Now the prescribed thyroxin levels have balanced I am completely back to my normal self. Dive Master Insurance were hesitating in renewing my policy due to me taking thyroxin (which the body produces naturally to control our metabolism and without it...we die) and the whole C word obviously spooked them. I gave permission for them to contact my oncologist who can confirm I am fit and well. Currently I am still waiting for them to do so and come back to me and my dive insurance has now run out. (not happy considering I am in the middle of an IANTD ART course) Any advice on alternative insurance solutions would be good and if there are any doctors who can verify that taking thyroxin isn't going to kill me on a dive, would be great
Thanks all!

 

[petlowe]

Why do you even need dive insurance for UK diving?

 

[Gimbo]

It's always best to be upfront with the insurance company. Tell DAN your history and the OK from your doctor.

Also, more important find a specialist dive doctor who can answer these questions. I'm sure someone here on YD can provide a few names.

 

[Gimbo]

Re.read you post. Get a written letter from your doctor to show anyone who may need it - dive centers, insurance companies etch. BUT as I mentioned get one from a specialist dive doctor.

Glad all is well with you, that's the most important.

 

[petlowe]

Re.read you post. Get a written letter from your doctor to show anyone who may need it - dive centers, insurance companies etch. BUT as I mentioned get one from a specialist dive doctor.

Glad all is well with you, that's the most important.

London Dive Chamber will also give you a written verdict on stuff if you ask nicely and you can then waive the note at all and sundry with a 'if the pot says go' then I can go....
P

 

[Damianb]

Why do you even need dive insurance for UK diving?

I need diving medical insurance for the UK as I am now training to do hyperoxic trimix dives to 48m with mandatory deco, I may need the chamber or other medical assistance if I pop up a tad quick. Of course I will certainly aim at avoiding such a situation..but you never know. Same with any type of diving I guess. if you have an accident,its good to be covered. I also dive outside of the UK in not so developed countries, hence another need for diving health insurance.

 

[Damianb]

Re.read you post. Get a written letter from your doctor to show anyone who may need it - dive centers, insurance companies etch. BUT as I mentioned get one from a specialist dive doctor.

yes I agree re getting written documentation to state i'm fit to dive and taking thyroxin doesn't make me a liability. Im waiting for the oncologist to provide just that. Still, I wasn't chuffed with my Dive Master Insurance lapsing due to hesitance. Also, I spoke to the LDC last Saturday who said they had never heard of thyroxin being a danger to a diver, or a post thyroid cancer patient being a liability. My heart, lungs, vision, muscle strength and mental state are as good as they were before I had my thyroid chopped out. Only difference now is that I have a real life Frankensteins monster scar and dont need to dress up for fancy dress parties any longer. Anyway, I understand that insurance companies need to do due diligence - just a pain in the ass waiting. No doubt I will get cover, eventually... for a few extra quid!

 

[Clare]

You don't need dive insurance for uk diving. Doesn't matter what type of diving you are doing.

DAN cover is a no brainer for diving abroad.

I have been on thyroxine for three years. Not an issue with HDE Medicals so highly unlikely to be an issue with DAN.

 

[Damianb]

You don't need dive insurance for uk diving. Doesn't matter what type of diving you are doing.

DAN cover is a no brainer for diving abroad.

I have been on thyroxine for three years. Not an issue with HDE Medicals so highly unlikely to be an issue with DAN.

Thanks - great to know. Much appreciated Clare.

 

[Marc_D]

Hi been taking Thyroxine for 6-7 years for underactive condition. Diving for 5 oc and now CCR with 2 hour run times no issues.

Have letter from Gp confirming diving is no issue, been to London Dive Chamber ( see guy in magazine Dr Oilly ? ) for check up didn't care about 200mg a day in take.

Got Dan Europe cover ( sIlver) £75 for all year diving in and out UK.

Dive Master kit insurance for £11k cover £240.00. Hope that helps. Pm if u like.

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