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.
27 June 2014 09:05
Exposing your skin to sunshine can help lower blood pressure
A vitamin found in natural sunlight and oily fish could potentially reduce high blood pressure, according to research.
Scientists from the University of South Australia identified a strong link between low levels of vitamin D, absorbed by the body from sunlight, and higher levels of blood pressure.
They believe it is the first study of its kind to suggest that taking vitamin D supplements could be an alternative to drugs for tackling high blood pressure in some patients.
The discovery also makes a strong case for packing your bags and jetting off to sunnier climes more often.
Holidaymakers who suffer from high blood pressure should make sure they purchase pre-existing medical condition travel insurance before embarking on trips overseas. This provides the peace of mind you need to enjoy your holiday, just in case something goes wrong on your travels.
Vitamin D is found in oily fish, as well as being routinely added to milk, yet our diets only account for a small amount of the nutrient that actually makes it into the bloodstream compared with exposure to the sun.
In fact, figures show that as many as three-quarters of Britons have vitamin D intakes which are below recommended levels, with children and older people deemed the most at-risk groups nationwide.
The Food Standards Agency does not recommend a specific daily dose of vitamin D unless you fall into one of the following categories: elderly, pregnant, Asian, get little sun exposure or eat no meat or oily fish. Daily supplements of 10mcg are advised in these cases.
Genetic data from a database of 146,500 people across Europe and North America was used in the new study.
The researchers, who looked at particular genetic variants in the blood, found each 10% increase in vitamin D in the system was linked to lower blood pressure and an 8.1% lower chance of suffering from hypertension.
The findings were published in the The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal.
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.