All Policies Include Coronavirus Cover
Call for an instant quote 0345 90 80 161
Open Mon to Fri 09:00 - 17:30
Coronavirus FAQs
Questions about cover for coronavirus? Read our FAQs and find out what our policies can do for you. If you would like to contact us, please note we are currently only available 09:00 to 17:30 Monday to Friday due to reduced operational capacity. Thank you.
06 June 2018 08:22
Pollen counts hit their highest level this week
As pollen counts hit their highest level this week, hay fever sufferers are likely to suffer.
The Met Office has warned that certain areas in Wales and in the south of England have particularly high counts, and that the levels are set to stay at their current highs for the rest of the week.
Despite being lower in Scotland and Northern Ireland, pollen levels are supposed to worsen as the summer continues, forecasters say.
Weather conditions
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said the soaring pollen levels are due to the weather conditions as well as the beginning of the grass season.
He said: "It is a combination of factors, partly meteorological - the sort of conditions that contribute to pollen release and spread - and also the fact that we have got the grass season.
"Up to now most pollen release has been tree pollen, now we are getting into the grass pollen season in the south and it is very high."
He continued: "Some people do suffer with hay fever in extreme ways and those sensitive to pollen need to be aware that pollen levels are very high in some parts of the UK at the moment."
Coping mechanisms
According to the Met Office, pollen levels in the north of England are due to continue rising as summer goes on.
"As the season progresses more grasses come out and produce pollen," Mr Madge said.
It is estimated that between 10% and 30% of adults and around 40% of children in the UK suffer from hay fever, according to Allergy UK. Symptoms include blocked and runny nose, watery and irritated eyes, swelling around the face and throat, a cough and sneezing.
Those who suffer with the condition are advised to avoid alcohol, wear sunglasses outside, keep windows closed, change clothing regularly and shower to remove pollen from hair and skin.
Those going abroad with a pre-existing medical condition should get the correct insurance before their trip.
17 March 2020
Escape it all with a visit to one of the world's hidden island gems.
[more...]
02 July 2021
It's time for some Mediterranean sun and unforgettable sights. Here are five of our favourite must-sees in Malta.
Take your pick of the best beaches in Portugal, spanning more than 500 miles of the Portuguese coastline.
Holidays are back but not quite as we know them. Here's a quick guide to what to expect when travelling to and from green list countries.
28 February 2020
From tulip-filled trips to rose-tinged rests, these destinations are the perfect way to see in the new season.
04 January 2021
Join us on a journey to Ancient Greece to discover more about history's most revered statue.
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
Discover more about the magnificent waterfall perched on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
10 December 2020
Don't sleep on the world's most impressive dormant volcano.
A destination that stands head and shoulders above the rest.
19 November 2020
Take a tour of one of South America's most captivating natural landscapes.
Discover the hidden depths of the world's most recognisable desert gorge.