For Models
Do underwater models need insurance?
Once you begin booking paid underwater work regularly, carrying personal liability and accident insurance is a wise and increasingly standard precaution. Organizations such as Fractured Atlas in the United States and the equivalent freelance unions in Europe offer affordable annual policies tailored to working creative freelancers.
A typical policy includes general liability coverage for accidents during shoots and personal accident coverage for injuries you might sustain on set. Some shoots, particularly large commercial productions, will require you to provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the production company as additionally insured. Independent health insurance with adequate emergency-room coverage is also essential, since pool-related injuries can occasionally require urgent care.
Members of professional freediving organizations such as DAN (Divers Alert Network) can also access affordable diving accident insurance, which is particularly relevant for natural-water shoots. Always read your policy carefully to understand depth, location, and activity exclusions, because not every policy covers underwater work by default. Treat insurance as a fundamental cost of doing business — it protects your livelihood, your collaborators, and your peace of mind.