DAN — Divers Alert Network

DAN is a non-profit organization that provides medical insurance and emergency assistance for diving accidents. Divers use it when they need specialized hyperbaric treatment or evacuation services. It affects your budget because a single decompression sickness case can cost over $15,000 in remote areas like Indonesia. You should check if your travel insurance covers diving specifically before you fly. Many people assume standard medical plans work for deep dives. They often do not. I saw a diver in Koh Tao in 2018 who lacked specific DAN coverage after a failed ascent. He spent $4,500 on his own because his basic policy excluded scuba activities. Always buy a separate membership or insurance policy that explicitly lists diving as a covered activity. It is a small cost for peace of mind.