Travel insurers are still treating the outbreak of the bird flu in Asia the same as any other flu virus.

But as soon as the Foreign Office issues a warning to British tourists about the perils of travelling to Asia, policyholders will need to consult their insurance providers to ensure their medical bills are covered.

There are plans to exhume the body of a woman who died in the world's worst epidemic 85 years ago to find out more about the bird flu. She was one of the 50 million victims of the pandemic of 1918.

Scientists believe that the 1918 virus was also a bird virus. It is hoped that lung samples can provide more information about how bird flu can spread between humans.

Bird flu is not transmitted between humans, but it is feared that it can mutate with a human flu virus to produce a strain that sweep across populations.

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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