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.
31 May 2012 09:44
Heavy rain is the best warning of a Ross River virus outbreak in Darwin, claims a researcher
Research has found that a seasonal downpour is the best indication of whether the Ross River infection will break out in communities in Darwin, Australia.
Susan Jacups, who is due to be awarded a PhD at Charles Darwin University, conducted a 15-year study designed to provide information for mosquito control programmes in the city.
The study was carried out at a time when new homes were being built near to mosquito breeding grounds in Darwin.
Dr Jacups said: "With about 4,800 cases reported in Australia each year, Ross River virus disease is our most common and widespread mosquito-borne disease and arguably the most important public health arbovirus.
"The data shows that accumulated rainfall of 279 mm or more in December or January was the best predictor of an outbreak of the disease."
Figures showed the city reported 113 cases of the virus on average each year for every 100,000 people.
The results were collated from 1990 to 2005, and raise awareness to the kind of unforeseen circumstances we can encounter on holiday. To this end, travellers with existing health problems are advised to invest in pre-existing medical travel insurance if they plan to fly to places known for certain types of diseases.
Dr Jacups added: "While more cases are reported during the wet season when mosquito numbers are higher, there are other important factors.
"The virus has a natural vertebrate host in which it completes its life-cycle, usually a marsupial. These marsupials were more abundant when food was plentiful after heavy rains at the beginning of the wet."
04 January 2021
Head north for a light show like no other. Discover how you can see the Northern Lights for yourself.
[more...]
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.
Is it possible to fly green? Discover five ways to fly more eco-friendly and reduce the impact of your air travel.
From sustainable architecture to reduced energy consumption, here's how airports around the world are helping to reduce their carbon footprints.