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.
31 October 2016 07:02
A study has shed light on the use of vitamin D tablets during pregnancy
The time of year and a woman's weight gain can both influence the effectiveness of vitamin D supplements in pregnant females, new research has indicated.
The individual attributes of women can impact how they respond to these supplements, according to the study published by the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
If women deliver babies in the winter, gain more weight while they are pregnant and have low levels of the vitamin early on, the supplements tend to be less effective, it is thought.
The research, put together by the University of Southampton, suggests that vitamin D levels should be determined by individual risk factors in the future.
Commenting on the findings, Professor Nicholas Harvey, of the university's Medical Research Council Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, said: "It is important for pregnant women to have sufficient levels of vitamin D for the health of their baby.
"Our study findings suggest that in order to optimise vitamin D concentrations through pregnancy, the supplemental dose given may need to be tailored to a woman's individual circumstances, such as the anticipated season of delivery."
Travel plans
Being pregnant should not be an obstacle when it comes to taking a holiday.
Tailored pregnancy travel insurance can cover expectant mothers against potentially expensive overseas medical costs.
Vitamin D benefits
By taking vitamin D supplements, people aim to help their bodies absorb calcium more effectively. The vitamin can boost bone and muscle strength.
Although the vitamin is created in people's skin when they are exposed to bright sunlight, certain foods can also contain it.
Previous studies have warned that a shortage of vitamin D during a woman's pregnancy can impact their maternal health, foetal development and the child's long-term skeletal health.
Arthritis Research UK helped fund the latest study, with further funding support coming from the MRC, the National Institute for Health Research and the Bupa Foundation.
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.