Annual Membership Benefits

Divers Alert Network (DAN) Southern Africa is not an insurance company and it does not sell insurance. DAN is a diving emergency assistance organisation that uses a group insurance policy to extend emergency medical benefits to its members for certain travel, medical and diving related emergencies. As part of your DAN membership, DAN automatically provides member benefits according to the respective membership levels.

DAN offers three levels of cover for its members – Standard, Plus and Master Plans. This cover includes payment for the cost of hospitalisation, medical and hyperbaric treatment, as well as certain other costs associated with diving-related accidents (see the “What is Covered,” table below). Members receive the Alert Diver Magazine subscription in digital format.

NOTE: Many medical insurance companies do not cover diving-related injuries and treatments and more importantly do not cover any accidents that occur outside national borders. Do not assume you are covered; please confirm your benefits with your medical insurance company.

There are two types of family memberships: Diving Family Membership and Non-Diving Family Membership. Diving family members of the principle diving member pay the full membership fee. Non-diving, immediate family members can be added under the cover of the main diver at no extra cost and are only covered for emergency medical and evacuation benefits. Family members that dive who are not declared as divers will not be covered for any diving injuries. Only immediate family members (i.e. spouse and children) can be added.

Our 24-hour emergency hotline is your lifeline to assistance in the event of a medical or diving-related injury. Without your support of DAN, emergency medical support for divers would not exist.

+27 82 810 6010

If you ever have any relevant questions about your health and how it might affect your diving, you are welcome to call the medical information line for advice on topics, such as the recovery time following surgery before it is safe to dive, or the address of the nearest diving doctor in your area; you can also access the information on a diving doctor in your area by following this link into an online map.

As a DAN member, you are entitled to the benefits of our emergency medical programme. This includes evacuation in a medical emergency when you travel more than 100 km from home or when you are on a dive trip. In addition, the benefit extends to include non-diving-related emergency medical expenses when travelling outside your country of permanent, registered residence for a maximum period of three months (Plus and Master members only).

The DAN hotline must be contacted for claims related to the inconvenience benefits and the necessary supporting documentation submitted for approval before any claims can be paid. These claims will only be dealt with during office hours. These benefits include the following:

Diving apparatus delay: If during an dive trip, other than the final return stage to your point of departure, access is denied to all or part of your diving apparatus for more than 4-hours for any reason outside your control by a scheduled public conveyance , DAN will reimburse a member the benefit amount shown in the schedule of benefits up to the maximum amount shown.

Cancellation of dive/s: A member is entitled  to a refund for cancellation expenses which a member has paid or are contracted to pay and which cannot be recovered from any other source up to the maximum stated in the schedule of benefits, if, it becomes necessary to cancel a dive trip due to:

• Dying
• Suffering sudden and serious injury
• Suffering sudden and serious illness
• Suffering a traumatic event within 30-days of the commencement of a dive trip; or
• Being compulsorily quarantined on the orders of a treating qualified medical practitioner; provided that such cancellation is confirmed as medically necessary by the treating qualified medical practitioner.

Curtailment of dive: A member will be indemnify in respect of curtailment or alteration of itinerary expenses incurred up to the amount shown in the schedule of benefits for any one dive trip, if during dive trip a member is forced to curtail or alter the itinerary of any part of a planned dive trip due to:

A member, a travel companion, someone a member has arranged to stay with on a dive trip, a family member, a travelling companion’s family member or a close business colleague:

• Dying
• Suffering sudden and serious Injury
• Suffering sudden and serious Illness
• Suffering a Traumatic Event within 30-days of the commencement of the Journey; or
• Being compulsorily quarantined on the orders of a treating qualified medical practitioner, provided that such cancellation is confirmed as medically necessary by the treating qualified medical practitioner.

Adverse weather conditions: If a member experiences any unexpected adverse weather conditions during a dive trip which prevents a member from being able to dive a member will be paid an amount shown in the schedule of benefits.

The covered adverse weather conditions include but are not limited to:

• Rough waters
• Strong wind
• Rain
• Low visibility in water
• Snow
• Hail
• Lightning

Missed live-an-board boat departure: If a member misses a live-on-board boat departure due to an accident a member will be paid an amount shown in the schedule of benefits.

Mechanical breakdown on a live-on-board boat: A member will be paid R250 per day excluding the excess, if a live-on-board boat experiences mechanical breakdown, up to the amount shown in the schedule of benefits.

Specific conditions

Written proof of the reason for and length of any delay from the transport provider must be submitted with any claim. The claim is subject to DAN receiving original receipts for cancellation expenses, curtailment or alteration of itinerary expenses, reasonable essential expenses and travel and accommodation expenses incurred.

Should a member need to curtail or alter the itinerary of any part of a planned dive trip for any reason, the DAN hotline must be contacted beforehand during office hours to assist in making and approving any alternative travel arrangements.

Cancellation, curtailment and disruption: Specific exclusions
 
DAN shall not be liable for payment of any loss, claim, indemnity or benefit amount due to:

Any serious, chronic or recurring pre-existing medical condition affecting any person upon whom a member’ dive trip depends that was diagnosed before a member’ dive trip was booked, and which could result in a member having to curtail a dive trip.

Any expenses incurred due to adverse changes in a member’ financial circumstances.

Any expenses incurred due to the default, financial failure, insolvency or the inability or unwillingness to fulfil any part of their obligation to a member of any public conveyance or accommodation provider, any agent acting for them or any agent acting for a member.

Withdrawal from service temporarily or otherwise of an aircraft, sea vessel or other public conveyance on the orders or recommendation of the manufacturer, the civil aviation authority, rail authority or port authority or any similar body in any country.

Any expenses incurred as a result of a member or a member’ travel companion’s disinclination to travel or, if on a dive trip, your disinclination to continue.

A delay in notifying the tour operator, travel agent, or transport or accommodation provider that it is necessary to cancel a booking.
Any charge or expense paid for with, or settled using, any kind of promotional voucher or points, timeshare, holiday property bond or holiday points scheme, or any claim for management fees, maintenance costs or exchange fees associated in relation to timeshares or similar arrangements.

Travel and accommodation expenses where the alternative transport or accommodation is of a standard which is superior to that of the original dive trip.

Redundancy where a member or a member’ travelling companion:

• were unemployed or knew that a member or a member’ travel companion may become unemployed, at the time a dive trip was booked;
• are voluntarily made redundant or made redundant as a result of misconduct or following resignation; or
• are self-employed or a contract worker

Any expenses incurred as a result of regulations or order made by any public authority or government.

Any expenses incurred as a result of strike, labour dispute or failure of the means of transport (other than disruption of road and rail services by avalanche snow or flood) which existed or the possibility of which existed and for which advance warning had been given before the date on which the Insured Journey was booked.

Any loss that is covered by any other Insurance or which will be paid or refunded by a hotel, airline, travel agent or any other provider of travel or accommodation.

Diving apparatus delay, a member cancelling the dive trip and being eligible for indemnity for cancellation expenses.

Any loss arising from a member’ failure to check-in according to the published itinerary.

Any loss arising where a member failed to obtain written proof from the public conveyance operator or their handling agents of the reason for and length of any delay from the transport provider or original receipts for cancellation expenses, curtailment or alteration of itinerary expenses, reasonable essential expenses and travel and accommodation expenses incurred.

If a member is reported as missing whilst on a diving operation and it becomes necessary for the rescue or police authorities to initiate a search and rescue operation. The DAN hotline must be contacted for claims related to the search and recovery assistance fund and the necessary supporting documentation submitted for approval before any claims can be paid.

If a member suffers a permanent disability injury as a result of a diver-related accident the member or a legal representative of the member is eligible to receive compensations. The DAN hotline must be contacted for claims related to the permanent disability benefits and the necessary supporting documentation submitted for approval before any claims can be paid. These benefits include the following:

• Loss of limbs
• The loss of sight
• The loss of speech
• Loss of hearing in both ears

If a member dies as a result of a diver-related accident the listed beneficiary member or a legal representative of the member is eligible to receive compensations.

In order to meet the requirements of the insurance laws and the Medical Schemes Act, DAN cover has to comply with the purposes of its mission. Certain medical conditions would also significantly increase the cost of cover to our members and have therefore been excluded in the interest of the vast majority of our members. Below is a list of some of the main exclusions.

Hazardous pursuits, sports or activities which dramatically increase the possibility of injury are excluded, for example:

• Riding motorcycles
• Bungee jumping
• Abseiling
• White water rafting 
• Hiking without a recognised guide or on an unmarked trail 
• Mountaineering with ropes 
• Diving to a depth outside your qualification and training or beyond the specified limit of your cover (max 40 m for Standard and Plus members and 100 m for Master members – DAN must be contacted for all dives deeper than 100 m)

The following pre-existing medical conditions are excluded from cover (they represent contraindications to diving):

• Cardiac disease
• Cardiovascular (heart attack) diseases
• Vascular (poor circulation) diseases 
• Cerebro-vascular (stroke) diseases

Note that myocardial infarction, strokes and intervertebral disk prolapse are specifically excluded from this cover, irrespective of whether these develop in association with diving or diving-related activities, such as: 

• Travelling against medical advice; 
• Injuries sustained while being under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and 
• Participating in sport as a professional athlete or player.

It is important to note that the following is not covered as part of your DAN membership. When working on a cruise ship, sailing vessel or on a boat travelling from one country to another DAN can't assist when a member is out at see. Once a member returns to a port or land DAN can assist and activate membership benefits.

• Valid worldwide
• For active DAN-SA members only
• Diving family members must be registered as such (with the additional membership fee paid) in order to be covered for diving-related injuries.

If a DAN member has a diving-related injury that is directly related to his or her dive, DAN will pay for the required treatment, provided the DAN hotline is contacted. Any arrangements made without calling the DAN hotline will not be covered.

Emergency medical cover

• Emergency medical cover must be pre-approved by DAN by calling the DAN hotline.
• DAN will cover the treatment at the nearest appropriate medical facility, as determined by the diving medical officer on call.
• Expenses are covered to the existing limits (based on the membership levels).
• Hospitalisation is covered.
• Recompression chamber treatments are covered.
• Consultations are covered.
• Pre-existing conditions are specifically excluded.

Follow-up treatment cover

• Follow-up treatment cover must be approved in advance.
• Limited benefits.
• There is an excess of R500 for each follow-up visit.
• The follow-up visits must fall within three months of the original injury.

Non-diving emergency medical treatment is covered worldwide. This is valid for active Plus and Master DAN members and their registered non-diving family members. Standard members do not receive this benefit.

If a DAN member is travelling outside his or her country of permanent, registered residence and sustains an injury or contracts an illness requiring treatment, DAN will pay for the required treatment, provided the member is actually treated outside his or her country of residence. The cover is valid for a maximum period of 90 days. Should a DAN member be travelling outside his or her country, without returning, for longer than 90 days, he or she will need to apply to DAN in order to see if they qualify for an extension.

Conditions

• Expenses must be pre-approved by DAN by calling the hotline.
• DAN will cover the treatment at the nearest medical facility.
• Expenses are covered to the existing limits (depending on the membership level).
• Hospitalisation is covered.
• Related medical or surgical treatment is covered.
• Consultations are covered.
• Pre-existing conditions are specifically excluded.

Follow-up treatment cover
(Only valid while still outside the country of permanent, registered residence.)

• Follow-up treatment cover must be approved in advance.
• Limited benefit.
• There is an excess of R500 for each follow-up visit.
• Must fall within 30 days of the original injury or illness.

The following applies to travel assistance or evacuations:

• Covered worldwide;
• Valid for all DAN members and their registered non-diving family members; and
• Actual costs of evacuation are covered.

The members or registered family members who are left behind and, where applicable, companion and accompanying children will be returned home (i.e. to the point of departure).

Conditions

• It must be pre-approved by DAN-SA by calling the DAN hotline.
• The DAN member will be taken to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
• It is valid when a DAN member is travelling more than 100 km from his or her usual place of residence or while on a dive trip.

Before a claim can be filed, the accident needs to be registered by contacting the DAN hotline. A case will be opened and all the arrangements will be made by our nominated service providers. Any other arrangements not made by DAN will not be covered. As far as possible, DAN will issue Guarantees of Payment (GOPs) and the bills will be sent directly to DAN.

Learn how to file a claim for medical expenses related to a diving injury or a travel-related medical emergency covered under DAN membership benefits. 

Researching your dive site, planning your dive and preparing to respond to emergencies are all components of prudent dive planning. The safe diver understands that preparation for diving begins long before you arrive at
your dive site.

The foundation of safe diving is a good emergency assistance plan (EAP). DAN-SA’s emergency on-call staff answers hundreds of calls each year. Not surprisingly, many calls involve situations that could have been managed with a sound EAP.

The heart of an EAP is a list of essential considerations and a framework for performing key functions should an incident occur. Being a responsible member of the diving community means you and your dive buddies should create and review an EAP prior to any dive excursion. A comprehensive EAP can be divided into three sections: prevention, preparation and response.Developing an Emergency Assistance Plan (EAP).

Paying attention to the factors that commonly cause dive emergencies can help prevent crises altogether. The best way to handle an incident is to keep it from happening. These are factors to consider:

Physical fitness: Diving requires aerobic fitness, strength, flexibility and muscular endurance. Your physical fitness should be commensurate with the demands of your dive environment.

Medical fitness: You need to consider both chronic medical conditions and short-term health issues. Congestion increases the risk of ear or sinus barotrauma, and travelling divers often face gastrointestinal problems that can affect their general health and stamina. Be honest with yourself; if you feel less than 100% healthy, postpone your dive.

Mental fitness: Many people with everyday anxieties, fears or other psychological difficulties can dive safely. However, if for any reason, at any time, you or a buddy feels unprepared to enter the water, call off the dive.

Training: Make sure you are trained for the type of dive you are about to do and practise your basic skills, such as mask clearing, buoyancy and air sharing skills, regularly. Take a refresher if you feel uncomfortable or have not been diving in six months or more.

Equipment maintenance: Divers must understand the capabilities and limitations of their own and their buddy’s equipment. Have your gear inspected regularly, get trained in its use and maintenance and incorporate enough time to familiarise yourself with your buddy’s gear before you dive.

Dive planning: Learn about any hazards, specific skills required or other unique aspects of your dive site. Consider hazardous marine life, currents, temperature and the potential for rapid changes in weather or sea conditions.

Despite all efforts to prevent them, incidents still happen. The better prepared you are to handle them, the better the outcome will be. Here is how to prepare:

Know the local resources: Make a written list of the facilities and emergency resources near your dive site, including hospitals, clinics, search-and-rescue providers and transportation or evacuation services. Injured divers should always be taken to the closest medical facility, as not all hyperbaric chambers are equipped to
receive injured divers directly. Call DAN-SA only after you have contacted local emergency personnel.

Get first-aid training: Make sure your first-aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and oxygen-administration skills are up to date. If you have not had a chance to complete such training, make sure to identify who in your group - perhaps a dive master, dive buddy or medic at the dive site is trained.

Carry emergency supplies: It is critical to keep your first-aid kit well stocked and current. You should also ensure that you have enough oxygen to care for at least one injured diver until medical personnel can arrive. Obviously, remote locations will require more oxygen.

Share information: Tell your buddy about your allergies, medical conditions and insurance coverage and whether you are a DAN-SA member. If you are uncomfortable sharing personal information, write it down, seal it in an envelope and let your buddy know where it is. Always let someone on shore know where you are and when to expect you back.

Stay alert: Be an alert diver. Know that even when a diver does everything right, bad things can happen. Do not be caught off guard when they do. One level head can create calm in the midst of chaos.

Response is the implementation of the plan. It's the split-second decisions made and the actions taken that affect the outcome of the day's events.

Scene management: During an emergency situation, it is important to have preassigned tasks to specific individuals. Determine who will provide care to the injured, who will call 911, who will manage bystanders and who will secure equipment. Make sure your plan accounts for any divers still in the water.

Patient care: Remember that rescuer and bystander safety comes first; don't forget to wear gloves when providing care. Ensure circulation, airway and breathing. Stop any bleeding you find, and provide oxygen.

Communications and logistics: Good coordination of the various parties involved in an emergency reduces everyone's stress. Designate someone to liaise among the caregivers, the captain and crew, emergency services personnel and DAN. This person ensures everybody knows what they need to know.

Documentation: Good notes allow caregivers to observe trends in an injured diver's condition, serve as a reminder of what treatments have been administered and provide legal protection.

Debriefing: Give everyone involved in an emergency the opportunity to discuss what happened. Allow each participant to describe his or her own experiences and ask each other questions in an environment free from judgment. Formal processing of the event can improve psychological well-being and enhance individuals' ability to respond to future emergencies.

Diving should be a positive experience. Dive with care. Remember that DAN is here to answer any questions you may have about your emergency plan, but we can't create it for you. DAN is a part of your emergency plan, but there are many other parts you must put into place yourself. Incorporating these important elements and promoting good planning to divers of all levels, from novice to instructor, contributes to safer diving for everyone.

In a diving emergency, divers can count on the 24-hour DAN hotline for prompt and vital information.
 
The DAN hotline is a 24/7/365 service that is available to everyone, whether you are a DAN member or not. To call the DAN hotline within South Africa, call +27 828 10 60 10. Please note that all calls are recorded.

WHEN SHOULD I PHONE THE DAN-SA HOTLINE?

The DAN hotline has been established specifically to address the following situations or enquiries:

• All diving emergencies;
• Non-diving medical emergencies;
• Diving medical information, such as fitness to dive, medication, and travel medical advice and enquiries;
• Travel notifications and advice;
• Diving medical examiner contact details; and
• International medical centres or doctors who want to confirm DAN memberships.

WHAT DO I NEED TO HAVE READY?

Whenever you contact the DAN hotline, the following information should be available in order to expedite assistance and to ensure that contact with the caller or patient can be maintained:

• The caller and/or patient’s name and contact number;
• The nature of the emergency;
• The patient’s DAN membership number, if applicable or known;
• The patient’s medical aid information, if the incident has occurred within South Africa; and
• The patient’s travel insurance information, if applicable.

It is important to note that if the caller is not at the scene, at least one local contact number should be provided in order to reach the person that is in need of assistance, or those who are in charge of their care.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I LOGGED THE EMERGENCY?

DAN makes a conference call to one of the on-call diving medical officers (DMO's) when an emergency call is received and the nature of the event has been established. The DMO's will provide specialist diving medical advice as to what should be done immediately and will also make decisions regarding the further management of each case.

FACTORS THAT DETERMINE AEROMEDICAL EVACUATIONS

It is important to note that aeromedical resources, such as helicopters and air ambulances, cannot be dispatched unless the need for them has been confirmed and authorised by the DMO. Importantly, and contrary to popular belief, it may take longer to activate an air ambulance than it would take to mobilise emergency medical services via a ground ambulance. In addition, there are several factors, aside from costs, that influence the ultimate decision to make use of aeromedical evacuation, namely:

• The availability of transport: Is an air ambulance or a helicopter available?
• The nature of the injury: How urgently does the patient need advanced life-support and should they be moved to intensive care?
• The location of the patient: What are the optimal logistical considerations for efficiently and safely moving the patient to a place where they can receive medical assessment and appropriate medical care, with appropriate medical support during the transfer?
• Various aspects regarding the landing zone or airport: Are these appropriate for a helicopter or a fixed-wing air ambulance; are these open, particularly at night; what are the customs or immigration requirements; and what are the implications of getting the patient to the landing zone or airport or the crew to the patient?

The DAN hotline was established first and foremost as a means of providing emergency medical assistance to injured divers. Although we would like people to be considerate, we welcome calls requiring diving medical advice and assistance.

Remember that it is far better to contact the hotline early, even when the concerns about a potential diving medical problem are very tentative, rather than to wait until the situation has become critical as the opportunity to assist becomes far more restricted.