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.
10 October 2017 13:05
Stroking rats provokes curiosity and questions
Animals are successfully being used to treat Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder at a Manchester hospital.
A seven-week "animal magic" course of therapy uses dogs, rabbits and rats to treat patients with severe and long-term mental health conditions at North Manchester General Hospital.
Noah's ART (Animal Rescue Therapy) assists people in opening up about their problems.
Anyone with long-term mental health issues is reminded of the importance of pre-existing medical travel insurance.
Novel and engaging
Sharon Hall, 54, who set up the scheme, says: "A lot of the time the animals can be a real comfort - and the simple physical connection of holding or cuddling an animal can bring profound relaxation even at a time of major mental or emotional anguish."
Noah's Art is one of 35 mental health and well-being initiatives funded by £330,000 in grants from Manchester Health and Care Commissioning.
Ms Hall, a former mental health nurse, says the project helps patients break down barriers and start conversations.
"A lot of the session is non-verbal - and people can just sit and spend time with the animals enjoying a quiet bond," she says, adding that the feedback so far has been "quite magical".
The novel therapy even appeals to disengaged patients.
Occupational therapists at the hospital say the sessions are attracting men who wouldn't normally get involved in group activities.
'A ray of light'
Playing with Moose - a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel puppy - helped Ms Hall cope with the grief of losing her parents, prompting her to set up Noah's ART.
Moose is now used in the sessions along with Maggie - a Jack Russell - rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and even a mouse.
"When people can enjoy animals it can be that small ray of light that gives hope for enjoying other things in life too," Ms Hall added.
28 February 2020
From tulip-filled trips to rose-tinged rests, these destinations are the perfect way to see in the new season.
[more...]
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.
It's the question on everyone's mind right now - unfortunately, there's still no easy answer...
Discover why planes are more hygienic than you might think.
Dive into Queensland's colourful coral.
02 November 2020
With the global travel industry slowly getting back on its feet, it's a great time for holiday bargain hunters. Here are our top tips for 2021.