In the latest published draft N2960, section [associative.reqmts], paragraph 8, it is specified that that insert does not invalidate any iterators. As per [container.requirements.general], paragraph 12, this holds true not only for insert, but emplace as well. This gives the insert member a special treatment w.r.t. emplace member in [associative.reqmts], par. 8, since both modify the container. For the sake of consistency, in [associative.reqmts], par. 8: either reference to insert should be removed (i.e. count on [container.requirements.general], par. 12), or reference to emplace be added (i.e. mention all members of assoc. containers that modify it).