A. At present we can only offer travel insurance to residents of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Canada and the United States.

What's important here is your country of residence rather than your nationality.

• If you are a US or Canadian citizen resident in the United Kingdom or the Channel Islands and have not spent more than six months abroad (outwith the UK) during the year before the policy is issued you should use this site.

• If you are resident in the United States or Canada, clicking the link below will take you to our North American site.

Go to Dogtag USA

A. We provide economical single trip and Annual Multi Trip travel insurance policies for those up to 64 years of age, and our Gap Year product covers travellers up to 35 years of age - simply follow the 'Online Quotation' button on the home page.

A. The requirement for being defined as a Couple and so be able to take advantage of the lower joint travel insurance premiums is that you have to have been permanently living together at the same address for at least 6 months. You do not have to be married nor do you have to be of the same sex.

A. If a minor is travelling alone you must purchase an adult policy - please contact our Sales Team for assistance.

A. You will not be covered for any claim arising from a medical condition of someone you were going to stay with, a travelling companion, a relative or a business associate if you are aware of the medical condition at the time your policy was issued.

A. Yes, adults can travel independently. Children will be automatically covered when they travel with and are accompanied by one of the insured adults. If a minor is travelling alone, they can be covered but you must purchase an adult policy for that trip - please contact our Sales Team to assist.

A. Once you've bought your Dogtag 100% Proof Travel Insurance you'll get a confirmation with your Tag number and password. Simply go to the Members tab or the Log-in at the top of every page and type in your Tag number. You'll then be asked for your Tag number and password. Once you've logged in you'll arrive at a Welcome page.

The topic on the left-hand panel gives you the opportunity to check your policy details and update the medical information for each member of your insured party.
NOTE! Your medical information is there for use in an emergency by a medic. The act of updating your medical information does not inform the insurer of any changes in your circumstances vis-a-vis your insurance. In the event that there is a change to any pre-existing medical condition or you are diagnosed with a new condition, then please contact the medical screening health line on 0845 685 1203.

A. You will not be covered for any claim arising from a medical condition of someone you were going to stay with, a travelling companion, a relative or a business associate if you are aware of the medical condition at the time your policy was issued.

A. If you have a medical emergency and either have to prove you're insured or a medic has to access your medical information, all they have to do is go to www.dogtag.net, hit the red emergencies button on the home page and enter the Tag number and your name as it is engraved on your tag. They'll then get a statement of the validity of your policy and any medical details which you have chosen to publish for them to see.

It is very important that you read and understand the following and if necessary declare any existing medical conditions to us.

You will not be covered for any directly or indirectly related claims arising from the following if at the time of taking out this insurance, you:

a) are being prescribed regular medication;
b) have received treatment for or had a consultation with a doctor or hospital specialist for any medical condition in the past 6 months;
c) are being referred to, treated by or under the care of a doctor or a hospital specialist;
d) are awaiting treatment or the results of any tests or investigations;

Unless the condition(s) has (have) been declared to and accepted by us in writing.

You should call our medical screening line on 0845 685 1203 if:

• you need to declare a medical condition;
• you develop a medical condition after your policy was issued;
• your existing condition changes after your policy was issued;
• you are unsure whether a medical condition needs to be declared or not.

The confidential helpline will be able to confirm if cover can be provided for your medical conditions. If you need to make a claim arising from a medical condition that has not been declared and accepted by us, it is unlikely that your claim will be paid.

If we cannot cover a medical condition of any person insured with us, this will mean that any other person insured by us will not be able to make a claim arising from that medical condition.

Each person insured by us would still be covered for any unrelated medical condition(s) and other sections of cover subject to the terms and conditions of this policy.

• You will not be covered for any claim arising from a medical condition of someone you were going to stay with, a travelling companion, a relative or a business associate if you are aware of the medical condition at the time your policy was issued.
• You will not be covered if you travel against the advice of a doctor or where you would have been if you had sought their advice before beginning your journey.
• You will not be covered if you know you will need medical treatment or consultation at any medical facility during your journey.
• You will not be covered for any directly or indirectly related claim if, before your journey, a doctor diagnosed that you have a terminal condition.
• You will not be covered if you were waiting for medical treatment or consultation at any medical facility or were under investigation for a medical condition when your policy was issued.
• You will not be covered if you are travelling specifically for the purpose of obtaining and / or receiving any elective surgery, procedure or hospital treatment.

A. You will not be covered for any claim arising from a medical condition of someone you were going to stay with, a travelling companion, a relative or a business associate if you are aware of the medical condition at the time your policy was issued.

A. In most cases a normal pregnancy does not affect your ability to travel.

However, we do advise you to discuss your impending trip and activities with your GP and/or hospital consultant before you purchase your travel insurance to make sure they are aware of where you are planning to go and what you are going to be doing. If for any reason your pregnancy is under investigation at any hospital or medical facility then we need to point you to page 12 of the policy wording document where you will see the full details of the health declaration & health exclusions. You can view the policy wording by clicking here.

Providing that you are covered by the health declaration & you are not going to partake in any Sports activity that could be harmful to you or your baby then cover will be provided for any unforeseen medical problems that relate to the pregnancy or childbirth.

Please be aware that there is no cover for cancelling or abandoning your trip if your travel provider refuses to allow you to travel for whatever reason.

A. Contact the Emergency Medical Assistance company stated on the policy Their role is to guide and advise you and liaise with the treating doctors where appropriate. If you have to make any payments relating to sickness overseas remember to hold onto all the receipts as you'll need these when making a claim.

A. Regarding the ongoing care of travelers when they return home to the UK when sick or injured, the simple answer is that Travel Insurance is designed to get people home and into the care of the NHS or perhaps a private healthcare scheme if the person involved is a member.

Even if the situation called for evacuation of a casualty back to the UK by air ambulance, the traveler would be met on arrival by an ambulance (paid for by the insurance company) to take them to hospital, at which point the cover ends.

A. An Annual Multi Trip policy provides cover for unlimited individual trips during the course of a year up to the maximum trip duration of either 31 days or 62 days, dependent upon which product you have purchased.

A Gap Year (or backpacker) policy covers you for one individual trip of up to 18 months duration and offers a tailored level of cover designed for those that travel light, such as students. Remember, our Gap Year product covers travellers up to 35 years of age only.

A. The following are the maximum durations for each trip taken that are covered by our Annual Multi-Trip travel insurance policies. If you wish to make a trip that extends beyond the limits shown here then you should consider purchasing either a Single Trip or Gap Year policy which are designed to provide cover for lengthy stays overseas.
Annual Multi-trip durations:
• Maximum Trip Duration 31 Days as standard (62 days if additional premium paid)
• Maximum Winter Sports Trip Durations of 17, 24 or 31 days dependent on the option chosen and additional premium paid.

* IMPORTANT WINTER SPORTS INSURANCE NOTE *
Winter sports cover is an optional add-on and must be selected at the time of purchase. Please note that on purchasing our Annual Multi Trip Travel Insurance policy, you may select 17, 24 or 31 days Winter Sports cover and will provide you with that maximum number of days winter sports cover during the term of the policy (not an unlimited number of winter sports trips of 17 (or 24 or 31) days durations).

A. When you purchase an Annual Multi-trip travel insurance policy you will specify a start date and until that date you will not have any cover. If you are leaving on a trip in say one month's time and wish to have cancellation cover etc then set your travel insurance policy to start the day you purchase the policy.

A. A Single Trip or Gap Year travel insurance policy is designed to protect you whilst travelling between the start and end dates of your policy. Specifically, you are covered from the time you leave your home to commence your journey until your arrival back home.

However, from the moment you purchase the policy, you do have Cancellation cover for the cost of your trip, up to the limits of your chosen policy level. You can check those cover levels on the Cover Details page in the top navigation bar.

A. Considering the on-going middle east tension and various globsl health situations, there may be heightened tension and some disruption to world-wide travel. All travelers must take into consideration the advice of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.

Our policy does not provide cover under any section of the policy if your travel is to an area where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised against 'all travel'. If you are not sure whether there is a warning for your destination, please check with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Tel. 020 7008 0232 or 020 7008 0233 or visit their web-site at www.fco.gov.uk).

A. Severe Acute Respiratory Sickness (SARS) is a cause for concern to all travelers and our underwriters have issued the following guidance which you need to read and understand.

• Cancellation. If you are cancelling due to concerns over SARS or new health guidelines this is not covered. Tour Operators and Airlines are generally flexible enough to accept a change of holiday destination due to a 'major' situation taking place that is outside the control of the customer.
• Traveling against official advice. If the World Health Organisation and/or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issue specific advice against traveling to an area due to a health issue such as SARS and you choose to ignore such advice then the insurance will not cover you for claims related to that health warning.

Impact of travel advice issued after travel has commenced. Any individual who is in an infected or at-risk area and has or had been so prior to the World Health Organisation and/or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office issuing specific advice against traveling to that area due to a health issue such as SARS would remain fully covered, but you should contact the emergency number given on your cover letter before incurring any costs.

A. Please obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline or a carrier's report from the rail company, shipping line or their handling agent. This should be done within 7 days of the delay / loss / damage. You have 21 days to write to the airline confirming details of essential replacement items purchased. An amount can be claimed if your baggage is mislaid on your outward journey beyond a certain period (usually 12 hours) for you to obtain replacement essential toiletries and clothing etc.

A. Section 13 of the policy details does provide cover for Hijack if the flight, international train or sea vessel you are booked on is hijacked during your journey. It also provides a benefit should you become the victim of Mugging, which results in your hospitalisation during your journey because of a mugging involving a violent and threatening attack where you receive a bodily injury.

In respect of a terrorist activity, this policy will not cover you for any claim arising from, or consisting of: war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities (whether war is declared or not) civil war, civil commotion, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military force, coup d'état, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction.

A. Cancellation cover applies if you have booked a trip to take place within the period of insurance but you are forced to cancel your travel plans because of circumstances outwith your control, which are specified in the policy and of which you were unaware at the time of booking the trip.

A. Curtailment (cutting short) of your trip is covered if you have to return home because of unforeseen circumstances. Cover is limited to certain circumstances specified in your policy and you should check the policy fine detail to ensure your policy has the right level of cover. If you need to curtail or cut short your trip you must contact the Emergency Medical Assistance company before you make any plans. Their contact details are shown in the policy wording document.

A. Certain Dogtag policy levels (MAX and PRO only) provide compensation for delayed departure on your outward or inward journey like adverse weather.

A. Obtain a confirmatory note from the airline confirming the reason for the delay, together with scheduled and actual departure times and produce this as documentary evidence when submitting you travel claim.

A. The full policy wording can be seen in this PDF document attached *here* for your easy reference.

If you go to Cover Details on the top navigation of this website, you'll see a drop-down table which makes easy to compare the different cover levels on offer: Base, Pro & Max

A. Insurance Premium Tax (or IPT) is a mandatory tax set by the government (currently 17.5% on travel insurance) applied to the selling price of all travel insurance policies.

Unfortunately, like VAT you have no option but to pay IPT and as such our quotes already include it. However, IPT is unlike VAT inasmuch as you cannot reclaim it if your purchase is a business purchase.

A. The Excess is the deduction we will make from the amount otherwise payable under this policy for each person insured, for each section, for each claim incident. For example a couple that both have personal possessions stolen from their bag and both incur a medical expense during the same journey, will have a total of four excesses deducted. Two of these will be for the two claims under section 5 (possessions) and two of these will be for the two claims under section 2 (medical). If you have paid an extra premium for excess waiver cover, the excess will not apply.

A. With any insurance, the policyholder should always act as though he has no insurance at all and take all measures to protect their property and themselves.

A. Our policies carry inner limits for valuables and differ between each level of cover, BASE, PRO or MAX. You can check the comparative levels of cover and our definition of valuables by clicking here. If your valuables are of greater value than the amounts quoted, we suggest  you ensure that you have appropriate cover for your valuables under your household contents policy or any other specific insurance prior to departing.

When in resort use the safety deposit box or safe in the room for any valuables. Valuables are not covered when left in a motor vehicle or carried in suitcases, trunks or similar containers unless they are on your person all the time or unless they are on your person or locked in a safe or safety deposit box (if one is available) or locked in the accommodation you are using on your journey.

A. Section 13 of the Policy details provides cover for Hijack, if the flight, international train or sea vessel you are booked on is hijacked during your journey. It also provides a benefit should you become the victim of Mugging, which results in your hospitalisation during your journey because of a mugging involving a violent and threatening attack where you receive a bodily injury.

In respect of a terrorist activity, this policy will not cover you for any claim arising from, or consisting of: war, invasion, act of foreign enemy, hostilities (whether war is declared or not) civil war, civil commotion, rebellion, revolution, insurrection, military force, coup d'état, terrorism, weapons of mass destruction.

A. Section 12 of the Policy wording does provide cover for costs you incur as a result of insolvency of your travel end supplier, which could be a scheduled airline, ferry, cruise, coach or rail company, caravan, mobile home, campsite or car rental company, hotel, villa, cottage or similar accommodation provider, excursion or safari company or theme park.

If the insolvency is prior to departure, then the cover pays for irrecoverable sums paid in advance if the end supplier becomes insolvent OR if the insolvency is after departure, it will pay for extra pro rata costs you have to pay to replace that part of the end suppliers arrangements to a similar standard to that which was originally booked; or if curtailment of the journey is unavoidable - the cost of return transport to your home country to a similar standard to that which was originally booked.

A. Yes, adults can travel independently. Children will be automatically covered when they travel with and are accompanied by one of the insured adults. If a minor is travelling alone, they can be covered but you must purchase an adult policy for that trip - please contact our Sales Team to assist.

A. In the first instance please email us including your policy number and the required alteration. In the vast majority of cases we will simply update and re-send your plain text cover letter by email. If you need to extend your cover then there may be an additional premium to pay, in which case this needs to be done on the phone as for security reasons we do not hold your credit card number.

Please note that we can only offer an extension to your policy whilst you are away if:

• The policy had not lapsed
• There is no intention to claim or have submitted a claim already
• The duration of the current policyplus the extension does not exceed the maximum days per trip

Changes to Personal Details
A unique feature of DOGTAG is the Members area. Here, once you log in, you can make minor changes to your personal details and also manage your emergency information page.

A. Don't worry, just because you've lost your documents or tags, it doesn't mean you're not covered!
Lost Policy Details
If you need to view your Policy wording, you can view or download this at the "Policies" link on the top navigation. If you want hard copy, email us at enquiries@dogtag.co.uk.
Lost Dogtags
If you've lost your tag(s), just send us an emai with your name and your policy number and we'll run off new tags for you. Rather than raise a bill for the cost of new tags, we simply ask that you donate a couple of quid to the charity of your choice.
Lost the whole lot
If you've lost everything, simply email us including your surname, the (approximate) date that you purchased your policy and your date of birth and we'll resend complete new pack. Again, rather than bill you for new tags, stick a couple of quid in a charit collection box.
My computer crashed half way through
If your purchase went through properly, you should get a confirmation text or email. If you're still unsure, just email us at enquiries@dogtag.co.uk or call 0800 036 4826 nd we'll sort it out.

A. Please obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) from the airline or a carriers report from the rail company, shipping line or their handling agent. This should be done within 7 days of the delay / loss / damage. You have 21 days to write to the airline confirming details of essential replacement items purchased. An amount can be claimed if your baggage is mislaid on your outward journey beyond a certain period (usually 12 hours) for you to obtain replacement essential toiletries and clothing etc.

A. For sections 1-11 and 13-22

To obtain a claim form:

Phone 020 8776 3752, textphone 020 8666 9562 (8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12 noon Saturday)

Write to: Travel Insurance Claims Department, PO Box 1900, Croydon CR90 9BA.

Email: travel_claims@mondial-assistance.co.uk

Alternatively, claim forms can be downloaded from www.mondial-assistance.co.uk by clicking on the 'File a claim' link.

 

For section 12

To claim, either visit the IPP website at www.ipplondon.co.uk and download a claim form and post this to:

IPP Claims Office, IPP House, 22-26 Station Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0PR United Kingdom or

Write to:

IPP Claims Office, IPP House, 22-26 Station Road, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0PR United Kingdom

Phone +44 20 8776 3752 Fax +44 20 8776 3751

Email info@ipplondon.co.uk Website www.ipplondon.co.uk

You should fill in the form and send it to us as soon as possible with all the information and documents we ask for. It is essential that you provide us as much detail as possible to enable us to handle your claim quickly. Please keep photocopies of all information you send us.

You will need to obtain some information about your claim while you are away. Below is a list of the documents we will need in order to deal with your claim.

 

For all claims

• Your original journey booking invoice(s) and travel documents showing the dates and times of travel.

• Original receipts and accounts for all out of pocket expenses you have to pay.

• Original bills or invoices you are asked to pay.

• Details of any other insurance you may have that may cover the same loss, such as household or private medical.

• As much evidence as possible to support your claim.

For details of what you may need to provide in respect of each section of cover, please refer to pages 17, 18 and 19 of the policy wording (PDF here).

A. If your cover does not meet your requirements, please notify us within 14 days of receiving your policy schedule and return all your documents for a refund of your premium. Please contact Dogtag directly on 08700 364824 or email enquiries@DOGTAG.co.uk.

If during this 14 day period you have travelled, made a claim or intend to make a claim then we can recover all costs that you have used for those services.

Please note that your cancellation rights are no longer valid after this initial 14 day period.

A. First check your Policy Details document. This can be downloaded from the Cover Details link on the top navigation of this site. If you have a complaint regarding the assistance or claims handling, please contact:

If your policy was bought on or before 28th February 2010, contact:

Quality Dept,
 Europ Assistance,
Sussex House,
Perrymount Road,
Haywards Heath,
West Sussex RH16 1DN

For policies bought on or after 1st March 2010 contact:

For sections 1-11 and 13-22:
The Quality Standards Manager,
Mondial Assistance (UK) Limited,
Mondial House,
102 George Street,
Croydon, CR9 1AJ

Please supply us with your name, address, policy number and claim number where applicable and enclose copies of relevant correspondence as this will help us to deal with your complaint, in the shortest possible time.

For section 12, please contact:
The Claims Manager,
IPP Claims Office,
IPP House,
22-26 Station Road,
West Wickham,
Kent BR4 0PR
United Kingdom.

If you are not satisfied with our final response you can refer the matter to th

UK Financial Ombudsman Service.
South Quay Plaza,
183 Marsh Wall, London,
E14 9SR
Phone 0845 080 1800
Switchboard 020 7964 1000

Main Fax 020 7964 1001

Email enquiries@dogtag.co.uk

A. Our standard policy Dogtag SPORT covers a very wide range of popular sports and you can check this list by clicking the Sports tab on the top navigation of this site. The sports list is divided into three risk categories, Sport, Sport+ and Extreme If your sport falls into one of the higher risk categories (SPORT+ or EXTREME) you can upgrade for an extra premium. This is done when you go for a quotation. It's your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct level of cover for your sport so check the Sports list which you'll find by clicking the Sports tab on the top navigation of this site.

Sports listed as EXCLUDED are not covered under any circumstances.

A. Winter sports cover is an optional add-on to all of our policies and must be selected at the time of purchase. Please note that on purchasing our ANNUAL Multi-Trip Travel Insurance policy, you have the option to select either 17 or 24 or 31 days Winter Sports cover and it will provide you with that maximum number of days winter sports cover during the term of the policy (NB: this does not provide an unlimited number of winter sports trips of 17 or 24 or 31 days durations).

NOTE:
Individual types of winter sports such as say, Langlauf, Heli-skiing or Ski Mountaineering are categorised according to the Sport, Sport+ or Extreme categories, so as well as selecting Winter Sports at the quotation stage, you should check the Sports list to find out which category (Sport, Sport+ or Extreme) that your particular winter sport falls into.

A. Dogtag does cover a whole range of 'extreme sports'. There is no specific definition of 'extreme sports'. Each sport is rated as either Sport, Sport+ or Extreme according to its own merits. Sports and activities falling into Sport+ and Extreme categories command an additional premium. Certain extreme sports are considered so high-risk that we specifically exclude them from cover. To check which category you sport falls under, check the Sports List which can be found by clicking the Sports tab on the top navigation bar of the site. If you do not see your sport listed you should contact our Customer Services team on 0870 0364824.

A. We can arrange travel cover for most sports and activities without additional premium and these would fall into our 'Sports' category. However, as with 'Extreme Sports' above, the more high risk the activity, the more likely that there will be an increased premium or that we will not offer any cover for that sport or activity. If you are unsure, you must contact our Customer Services Team to clarify phone or emaile:- Tel: 0870 0364824; email: enquiries@dogtag.co.uk

Dogtag does provide scuba diving insurance under its normal minimum level of cover. The limitations applied to scuba diving under our Sport level of cover generally require a maximum dive depth of 30 metres and either members of the insured party diving must hold a PADI certificate of proficiency or you must be diving with a PADI qualified instructor - but please check your policy wording. Dogtag also provides Scuba Diving cover to 50 metres under 'Extreme' cover levels for an additional premium.

If you require a more comprehensive level of Scuba Diving cover there is a cover uplift called Enhanced Dive Cover which can be added to your quotation.Once you've been given a quotation at the "Get Quote" stage, you'll be offered the option to upgrade to Enhanced Dive Cover.

Enhanced Dive Cover offers the following cover uplifts:

• Depth limits based on your qualifications
• Cover for Shark, Wreck & Night Diving
• Cover for Sea Rescue and Hyperbaric chamber treatment
• Cover for Lost Diving Days
• Generous cover for your diving gear
• Dogtag's unique award-winning worldwide rescue system
Now check your other sports to see whether you need Sport, Sport+ or Extreme for those activities.

A. The generally accepted understanding of off-piste (or backcountry) skiing or boarding means 'going out of bounds', i.e. outside the resort boundary (if there is a boundary) or simply off the marked pistes if within the resort area. If you are going out of bounds or outside marked areas of the resort, we recommend you do so with a fully qualified local guide because, in our view, you will be taken to the best areas and you'll have a higher degree of comfort concerning your safety. However, we do not insist that you take a guide, you are insured for off-piste without a guide provided that you are not going alone or going against advice. And remember, even some areas within a resort may be considered out of bounds because they are hazardous. In most parts of North America, going out of bounds contravenes local law and you may, at best have your lift pass confiscated or worse, face arrest and have an overnight stay courtesy of the Sherriff's office. Normally there is a physical fence with warning signs so you shouldn't be in any doubt.

It is your responsibility to ensure that on any particular day you are aware of and obey local advice, information and instructions given by the resort authorities and that you obey any signs and information you encounter on the mountain - the source of this information will vary resort to resort and country to country and it is your responsibility to find out.  If a section is marked 'closed' there will be a very good reason for it (e.g. high avalanche danger) and ignoring such signs or advice may invalidate your cover. You should be aware that under the terms of cover, needless self-exposure to peril except in an endeavour to save human life may invalidate your cover.

Obviously, you must never ski off-piste alone.

A. Whether you are on the ski slopes, in the rain forest or in the Himalaya, the rescue system used is the choice of rescue organisation dealing with your case.
For instance, Ski patrollers are generally very well trained and experienced at assessing injuries and managing the evacuation of the injured person off the mountain and to hospital in the manner most appropriate to the injured person's condition. It is they who will decide what is appropriate for the circumstances regardless of who insures you. Serious cases often involve helicopters but, more often, a combination of sled, ski lift and ambulance is more immediate and appropriate.

Other factors such as weather, remoteness and the local availability of rescue systems are also taken into account. Again, it is not uncommon to be asked for proof of insurance whilst on the mountain. Therefore please ensure that you have your Dogtag on you at all times.

A. With any insurance, the policyholder should always act as though he has no insurance at all and take all measures to protect their property and themselves. You should not knowingly put yourself in harms way and you should be aware that under the terms of cover, needless self-exposure to peril except in an endeavor to save human life may invalidate your cover.