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.
20 November 2017 09:38
Dog ownership could improve the health of 1.1 million Brits
Owning a dog could be the key to reducing the risk of heart attacks and other potentially terminal diseases, according to a major new study.
Scientists in Sweden have analysed the data of 3.4 million patients over an 11-year period and identified that the risk of death from cardiovascular disease reduces by 36% if people who live alone get a canine companion.
'Neutralising the effects of loneliness'
Studying patients aged between 40 and 80, the researchers have found that people who live alone benefit disproportionately from having a dog around.
Although the benefits decrease for those who live with other people, pet ownership still offers a significantly lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease in households with multiple occupants.
Tove Fall, senior author of the study and professor of epidemiology at Uppsala University, says owning a dog neutralises the effects of living alone.
However, the professor is unable to say why the canines positively impact on health.
"These kind of epidemiological studies look for associations in large populations but do not provide answers on whether and how dogs could protect from cardiovascular disease," she said.
"There might also be differences between owners and non-owners before buying a dog, which could have influenced our results, such as those people choosing to get a dog tending to be more active and of better health."
The loneliness epidemic
In October, Helen Stokes-Lampard, leader of Britain's GPs, issued a warning that loneliness could be as bad for health as chronic illness.
She says there are an estimated 1.1 million lonely Brits, and that the risks associated with loneliness make it as harmful to one's health as diabetes.
Anyone who has suffered from a heart condition can still enjoy holidays and trips abroad by taking out medical travel insurance.
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.