Latest news with #Wendy
ABC News
12 hours ago
- ABC News
Does travel insurance cover cancellations due to war or natural disasters?
Do you really know what your travel insurance covers? This week, passengers faced cancellations and lengthy delays on flights due to the Middle East conflict, with routes to major cities cut off across the globe. While operations in Dubai and Qatar have resumed and airspaces reopened, it's times like these that it pays to know exactly what your travel insurance covers We spoke to the experts to find out what you're entitled to when a conflict breaks out or a natural disaster unfolds. In short, no. That's what Wendy discovered after buying travel insurance for her adult son weeks before the conflict in the Middle East. Stranded at Doha airport after winning a European holiday, and despite getting a full refund for the cancelled flight, Christopher was told he would have to pay the difference for an alternative ticket with another airline. "We were really shocked. I can understand war and unrest is a very top-tier issue, but it's still interesting how they can get around it because it falls under something that's outside of your control," Wendy said. It's a situation insurance expert Jodi Bird from consumer advocacy group CHOICE said was far more common than many people realised. "Pretty much across all policies there's a blanket ban," he said. "There's no policies that CHOICE are aware of that will cover claims resulting from war." It's pretty straightforward, according to Mr Bird. It's all about the bottom line. "Travel insurance generally doesn't like to cover things like war because it costs too much money," he said. "For some reason, they've decided that war is kind of a blanket ban across pretty much all policies." Put simply, it doesn't make a difference. You won't be covered regardless of the premium you're paying, Mr Bird said. Even the most expensive policies don't offer protection when conflict breaks out overseas. "You might find some variation in things like a pandemic — there were a lot more insurers that covered for pandemic before we had one," he said. Unfortunately, timing doesn't help. Wendy's family had no inkling there was a risk when they booked. "In what way, in our wildest dreams … a transit flight through Qatar, which thousands and thousands of passengers are doing around the world every day, would you ever consider that there's going to be a war there?" she said. The Insurance Council of Australia's deputy CEO, Kylie McFarlane, said it doesn't matter when the policy is taken out. If there is no conflict or war at the time of purchase, the fine print still excludes any claims arising from those events. It depends on your level of cover, but in many cases you may be protected. Natural disasters like floods, cyclones or bushfires are treated differently to war or a conflict. "Extreme weather events may be an inclusion," Ms McFarlane said. "It all comes down to the insurance policy and the provider, so if you're concerned, speak to your insurer." Absolutely — and don't give up if your claim is knocked back. "You should not accept that as the last port of call, unless you absolutely agree with them," Mr Bird said. "The first thing you need to do is raise a complaint to the insurer themselves and ask them to revisit your claim. And if they don't give you a satisfactory answer, you can escalate the complaint to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority." Wendy reached out to the insurance company, but they simply directed her to the clause on her policy showing that war or unrest made any claims null and void. "It's not one of those things that they even raise for you in the beginning, and even if you'd looked at the exclusions at the back, it still wouldn't occur to us," she said. Start by looking beyond the top-line benefits on the website and dig into the exclusions. "Every product disclosure statement has a section called 'general exclusions' — that's a bit that is good to read," he said. "That will give you an understanding of what they may or may not cover — big events like war, pandemic, terrorism, civil unrest. That will give you a good idea of what it is that you're actually buying." Yep. "Travel insurance is definitely worth it — especially just for the medical cost line," Mr Bird says. "It's worth it basically all the time for overseas travel. You will need travel insurance to cover the medical and repatriation costs if you have a problem overseas. Those are the kinds of things where you can really get into a lot of trouble financially if you're not covered." While Wendy's son was able to get a refund for the cancelled flight, they weren't able to pay out the difference of a more expensive flight for him to get to Europe. Or the extra costs associated with travelling from a different city to his intended destination. Wendy has a message for other travellers . "Beware, and understand that you can fully pay for your trip and be prepared, and you can buy your travel insurance, and then still you have to be prepared to cover all the costs yourself if something goes wrong," she said.
Edinburgh Live
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
BBC Repair Shop's Dominic Chinea opens up as he addresses 'tough subject'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Repair Shop's Dominic Chinea recently delved into a personal topic when he discussed his cherished dog, Wendy, on his YouTube channel. A curious subscriber asked about the well-being and breed of his furry friend. Dominic clarified that Wendy is a Spanish waterdog, emphasising that she is neither a labradoodle nor a cockapoo. The BBC personality shared: "She's getting on now; I think she's six, nearly six and a half, I think. She has been absolutely fine, a tough subject at the moment because she's not been well." "I don't know what she's done, but she's been a bit sad. You know when you can just tell that the poor little dog is not happy? She's not been herself, she's a bit sad." (Image: YOUTUBE/DOMINICCHINEA) Dom revealed that Wendy had undergone blood tests at the vet's, which thankfully came back clear, but they suspect she might have an infection, reports the Express. He reassured viewers: "I will say, she's eating, she's drinking, she's gaining energy again and she's ok. We're all good and she's loving Cornwall." However, he admitted that since moving to Cornwall, Wendy has become somewhat of a 'wild dog', with previous training seemingly forgotten. (Image: YOUTUBE/DOMINICCHINEA) In another part of the video, Dominic opened up about his move to Cornwall, jokingly saying: "That's a really different one to start with! I thought we were going to start with easy questions!" Dominic, familiar with life in Kent which he found 'nice', nonchalantly remarked on his move 'Why not!' The BBC personality disclosed to his followers that he's acquired a sizeable barn to double as his workshop. (Image: YOUTUBE/DOMINICCHINEA) Expanding on the benefits of his new set-up, he noted: "Previously, I rented my old workshop and every month was giving a lot of money to a landlord to rent the space. Now, it's my space and whatever I do to it, it's mine. "That is enough of a reason for me. I will admit there is a lot of work to do, but at least it's mine, and eventually, I'll get there, and it'll be a decent workshop once again. For the minute, I've slightly compromised, but I'm working on it!". The Repair Shop is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The potentially life-threatening infection that's rife in summer revealed – and 7 signs you must never ignore
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A PHARMACIST has warned hot weather could put women at higher at risk of a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Urinary tract infections - known as UTIs - tend to soar in the summer, as warmer temperatures provide the "perfect climate" for bacteria to thrive. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Hot weather can help harmful bacteria thrive, upping the risk of UTIs Credit: Getty UTIs are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and affecting the urethra or bladder. They're easily dealt with with rest, painkillers and antibiotics, but left untreated the infections can rapidly progress into deadly sepsis. Wendy Lee, lead pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, warned: 'While UTIs are entirely treatable, if left undiagnosed, they can worsen quickly, leading to blood poisoning, known as sepsis, which can be fatal. 'If you suspect you might have a UTI, you must seek treatment immediately.' The infections most commonly affect women - it's estimated that over half of all women in the UK will have at least one UTI in their lifetime. Men can get them too, though it's less common. 'UTIs can be caused by dehydration, which women are at greater risk of developing during the summer months," Wendy said. 'People tend to sweat more in hot weather and not drinking enough fluids could lead to lower urine production and a build-up of germs. 'The warmer weather provides the perfect climate for bacterial growth, which can then enter the urethra and cause infection.' Untreated UTIs, which start in the urethra or bladder, can travel upwards to the kidneys. The signs and symptoms of sepsis to look out for, according to The UK Sepsis Trust This can cause a kidney infection - known as pyelonephritis - which can lead to scarring, chronic kidney disease or sepsis. People over 65 are the most vulnerable to these secondary infections and should keep an eye out for UTI symptoms. NHS stats show that more than 1.8m Brits were admitted to hospital due to UTIs between 2018 and 2023. In 2022/23, 56 per cent of the 147,285 admissions were for people over 65. UTI symptoms you should never ignore Wendy flagged common symptoms of the infection to watch out for this summer: Pain or a burning feeling when urinating Needing to pee more frequently than usual Cloudy urine Blood in your pee Back pain or stomach pain Fever (high temperature) Chills and shivering, known as rigors The pharmacist warned: 'Any of these symptoms may indicate a more serious infection. Under the NHS Pharmacy First scheme, you can get UTI symptoms checked out by a pharmacist without needing to wait for a GP appointment. The scheme allows pharmacists to provide advice, treatment, and prescription medicines for seven common health conditions, which include UTIs in women. How to avoid UTIs this summer Wendy Lee, lead pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, shared her DOs and DON'Ts for avoiding UTIs this summer: DO maintain good personal hygiene - always keep the genital area clean, pat dry gently and wipe from your vagina towards your anus (front to back) when you use the toilet. Avoid holding urine for long periods and always go when you feel the urge. DO drink water or other fluids regularly, so you regularly pass urine and stay hydrated. DO wash your vagina before and after intercourse, and if able, urinate soon after sex DON'T use vaginal douches, scented intimate wipes, bubble baths, or heavily fragranced products. These can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and irritate the urinary tract. DO choose cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting trousers or synthetic fabrics that trap moisture, which can promote bacterial growth. DON'T rush when urinating, and make sure you empty your bladder fully DO limit alcohol and sugary drinks as this can be an irritant Wendy described what you can expect when visiting a pharmacy for a UTI. 'Following consultation, your pharmacist will advise on the most effective painkillers to treat your needs," she said. "They can also supply antibiotics, if required, as well as determine whether there is a need to have a follow-up appointment with a GP." There are also things you can do at home to treat UTI symptoms. 'If you suspect you have a UTI there are things you can do to ease the symptoms, like taking paracetamol up to four times a day to reduce the pain and high temperature," Wendy said. 'Try to take it easy, take frequent naps and drink lots of water because this will help dilute your urine, and in turn flush out the bacteria from your urinary tract. 'If you are perimenopausal or postmenopausal and experience recurrent UTIs, your pharmacist may advise speaking to your GP about oestrogen-based treatments such as vaginal creams, tablets or using a ring.'
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'My sick killer boyfriend asked me for a kiss before stabbing my mum'
Damian Homer, 51, was convicted of murder and attempted murder in November 2024 after launching a brutal attack on his partner and her mum while their two young children were at home A quiet spring evening in a Worcester suburb erupted into chaos when police and paramedics swarmed a residential street, responding to a harrowing double stabbing on March 2, 2024. Inside the house, Damian Homer stood at the door, blood staining his t-shirt. His partner Stacey Hill and her mother Wendy Francis lay injured on the floor - both stabbed in a frenzied attack that left one dead. The horrifying details of the case have been revealed in full in the BBC Two docuseries Murder 24/7. Homer had launched a violent assault on Stacey and Wendy in a terrifying outburst, even pausing mid-attack to ask Stacey - bleeding and helpless - for a kiss. As she lay critically wounded, Stacey described hearing the 'noise the knife made in my mum'. Wendy, 61, had rushed to the home after her daughter called in fear, having seen the reflection of a knife in Homer's pocket in their mirrored wardrobe. When officers arrived, they restrained Homer against the wall. As he was arrested for attempted murder, he claimed: 'Stacey went to stab me, then Wendy came in and they both tried to stab me. I had to protect myself... it's a good job I did otherwise I'd be the one dead.' Paramedics found Stacey surrounded by blood, urgently asking them to check on her mother and her two children who had been inside the house at the time. Police carried the two young children to safety, telling them: 'Keep your eyes tight, tight, tight' as they were taken past the bodies. While Stacey, 38, was rushed to hospital, Wendy went into cardiac arrest. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at 9:18pm on March 2, 2024. In police interviews the following morning, Homer claimed he loved Stacey and described a domestic argument escalating. He alleged Stacey tried to grab a knife first, which he took and placed in his pocket. Then he claimed Wendy stormed in and jumped on him, prompting him to draw the knife: 'We fell over and the knife went into her. Stacey was shouting, and she went to grab another knife... and came towards me. I launched at her. And she just froze on the spot.' But his version immediately raised suspicions. He referred to a 'second knife' Stacey had supposedly grabbed - yet when police searched the property, no second knife was found. With Stacey in critical condition and Wendy dead, investigators turned to other sources. The couple's children - now in the care of relatives - gave troubling accounts. A social worker noted they played with dolls, identifying one as 'Daddy... he's bad'. One child said: 'One of them got blood on Daddy's T-shirt, and they were screaming. Daddy was in the kitchen, Mummy was lying down on the kitchen floor, and Nanny's blood was dripping. Dad was throwing the knife he'd got in his hand, and it hit both of them.' Homer's violent past also began to emerge. His former boss Clair recalled his threatening outburst during a disciplinary meeting: 'How fing dare they... if I find out it's you I'm going to fing hurt you.' He also had a suspended sentence for assaulting Stacey in 2020. Detectives reviewed the couple's mobile phones, uncovering evidence of a deteriorating relationship. On the day of the attack, Stacey had texted her mother: 'I've had to come upstairs... believe me when I say I'm done.' In another message to Homer, she wrote: 'Find somewhere else to live… you're lucky I ain't called the police on you.' To which he replied: 'Lol. Only if you buy me out.' Concerned, Stacey's aunt phoned emergency services: 'She's just told me her chap's got a knife in his pocket. Please get there quick.' When Stacey was finally able to speak, she gave a harrowing account of that night. After a day out at a garden centre, Homer started drinking and grew increasingly aggressive. She went upstairs to get away, and spotted a knife in his pocket via their mirrored wardrobe: 'I said to my auntie, 'Call the police, he's got a knife.' I called my mum and said, 'Mum, Damo's got a knife and I think he's going to kill me.'' Stacey tried to leave, but Homer pulled her back and began assaulting her. 'He was swinging me around the kitchen and punching me in the head. I heard my mum come through the door and say, 'Get your hands off my f***ing babbi.' I breathed a sigh of relief - my hero had come to save me.' But Homer didn't stop. Instead, he pulled out the knife. 'We both ended up curled up on the floor... he pulled the knife out of his back pocket and stabbed my mum in the left side of her chest, for ages. All I could hear was the noise the knife made in my mum.' 'I tried to get on my mum to stop any more stab wounds being inflicted. He started panicking and as he did that, he came down to me and asked me for a kiss.' Stacey, stabbed in the chest with a collapsed lung, was losing consciousness. But her thoughts were still with her mother: 'I kept asking about my mum but I could tell by the look on their face that it was bad news.' Stacey's detailed testimony, along with the children's accounts, forensic evidence, and Ring doorbell footage capturing Wendy's final moments, left police confident Homer's story was false. He was charged with murder and attempted murder. Though he initially claimed self-defence, Homer later pleaded guilty and was sentenced in November 2024 to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 20 years. 'Everybody loved Damo,' Stacey reflected. 'But when you were living with him 24/7, the mask started to come away. The first time he hit me, he said sorry. But there was no point in ever being happy, because I knew it wouldn't last.' 'The biggest thing for me was losing my mum. But every time I think about giving up, I look at what my mum did for me. She saved my life and I know now what I have to do for my kids. I have to be the mum to them, that she was to me.' Murder 24/7 is available to stream now on BBC iPlayer.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Red Velvet Wendy's transformation worries fans; sparks concerns over ‘thin appearance' – Read and find out
Red Velvet member Wendy, who is known as the powerhouse vocalist of the group, has garnered a lot of attention from Korean netizens recently. The idol, who was given the chance to throw the first pitch for the Lotte Giants, went viral after videos and photos from the event were shared online. Red Velvet Wendy 's appearance sparks concerns among fans Wendy, on June 22, went on to throw the first pitch for the Lotte Giants at their first game of the season. Photos and videos of the idol from the event went viral; however, they caused a lot of concern amongst Korean fans and netizens alike for her 'thin appearance.' Many praised her looks and her weight loss journey; however, a lot of other K-netizens and fans showed concern as well. A lot of people called the idol's frame and drastic weight loss 'unnatural' and 'worrying' and expressed concerns over how she may not be healthy. Netizens react and share their opinions online Korean netizens took to social media platforms and fan forums to share their concern over the idol's sudden change in appearance. Many cited that they could not even recognise her from her past photos. One fan commented on a fan forum post about Wendy that she looks like she has serious body image issues… It's kind of sad. And honestly, that super skinny look doesn't suit her face or frame. She'd look better with a bit more weight on her. Another fan showed concern and stated, 'How does she sing with such a powerful voice despite being that skinny? It's wild. I watched her busking performance, and she sang so well. She's gorgeous too.' Another K-netizen commented on her viral photos, stating, 'She was already thin in a past photo, but now that she's lost even more weight, that sunshine-like image of hers is gone, which is kind of a shame…"
