All Policies Include Enhanced COVID-19 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.
24 July 2013 09:32
A bumblebee sting is classed as level two on a researcher's scale
There are scales to measure the strength of earthquakes, the speed of winds and even the spicy heat of chili peppers.
And now there is a scale of pain felt after insect bites.
A researcher who claims he has been bitten more than 150 times has come up with a scale, ranging from a small reaction to the worst pain one could imagine.
Justin Schmidt, from the Southwestern Biological Institute, said one on the scale would be caused by insects such as fire ants.
He said a one on the scale would trigger a sharp pain, but it would not be enough to make you drop anything you may be holding. He said a fire ant bite was a sharp, piercing sting, which promotes the reaction to just brush them off yourself. He said that was the limit of its effect on a normal healthy adult.
Level two would come from being stung by a honeybee or bumble bee.
None of those would normally require medical attention, but a sting Mr Schmidt would rate as a three or four on his scale might. And seeing as the insects capable of delivering such stings are more exotic than those found in the UK, it is another reason why having travel insurance when on holiday is vitally important. Of course, if you have an existing health problem you should look into medical travel insurance.
Mr Schmidt described a level four sting, such as a bite from a tarantula wasp, as feeling as though you have been hit by 20,000 volts.
The researcher said a bullet ant had the most painful sting he had experienced. Not only would it make you drop anything you were holding, you would likely want to throw anything you had in your hands. He added that a bullet ant bite made him want to lie down and die, and that he was screaming in pain and agony.
Another insect Mr Schmidt claims will give you a level four sting is the warrior wasp.
Mr Schmidt's said being bitten by insects doesn't worry him, as none of the bites have a lasting impact.
15 October 2020
We find out the history of Bologna's special sauce, and look at why it's so beloved across the globe.
[more...]
07 October 2020
Develop your taste for an escape to the Indian Ocean
Learn more about Southern Spain's favourite wine
Is there such a thing as eco-friendly air travel?
Learn more about the world's most luxurious linen.
Because safer flights start before you've left the runway.
24 September 2020
Looking to put some action into your next getaway? Here's our short guide to the best holiday activities in the age of coronavirus.
21 September 2020
Take a trip to the world's top tanneries.
Learn more about the Land of the Rising Sun's most famous culinary export.
09 September 2020
Get a slice of the action in Napoli, the pizza capital of the world.
Get way ahead with your getaway plans with our top five handy tips for planning a holiday in 2021...