@John ******

We all know that local offices do whatever they want, but this particular query on my part seems to have thrown up a lot of local variation. In Bangkok that particular requirement seems to have gone, if it ever was so in Bangkok! Boy, does it all make life difficult for customers - together with not updating net entries as requirements change. I guess those are the things that make groups like this so valuable.

Perfect, Brandon. Crystal clear + yes I have available all requirements + the "if you haves". Thank you so much.

@Jo *********

Here's another vote for don't know what the hell it's about.

Yep banks and driving licence too.

@Linz ***********

I think the point being made is not that. You are covered all year in one place but can go to others for certain periods of time. Even a Thai international policy will cover you for time outside of Thailand. But Facebook is no place to discuss this. It is just too difficult and needs specific policy research. Sometimes you will be covered for a lesser number of days in USA than elsewhere, sometimes USA not at all, sometimes it's a list of places whereby you have no cover, USA included but maybe, say, Japan as well. Or again a reduced number of days cover. Region categories need to be considered for your prime cover Thailand is normally Region 2. Throughout researching the complexity your primary thought after Thailand is what coverage you have in UK since you seem to envisage visiting there. In fact William Russell a UK international health risk insurer are very good but likely not affordable. Take a look at their policies to see the shape of top-end policies to start to be able to make comparisons then it's research, research, research down to the deepest detail - and it is your research. Don't trust what a self-interested broker says and certainly don't trust what Bill says over the garden fence. One to look out for in Thailand is coverage only for using State hospitals not private ones at all - obviously that brings prices down massively, as do limitations on which private hospitals and/or the amounts covered under each category from bed costs to the medical aspects.

@Linz ***********

Insurance is the way forward but be very careful with what company. There are some massively dubious schemes here focused on expats needing cheap and late, meaning late start but also late continuance. Thai schemes tend to cut out early. Actually, they tend to be expensive too. But best not to go in the other direction, going for super-cheap. Remember you get what you pay for. Particularly look out for what financial authority a business is registered with. In fact try to check that for both insurance provider and agent.

Once out of the UK for 2 years, given you won't have been working for a British firm in Thailand, you will not have free access to use the NHS. Your access will be the same as a visitor ie emergency access, with definitions of that tightly defined. Beyond that you pay. Simply return to UK and all is well is an utter fallacy. Your need is to investigate international health insurance.

@Darragh **********

How about 1. Looking at the Park site so you knw what and where you are talking about. 2. Inform the Park authorities of the missing person. 3. Inform the Royal Thai Police station

@Linz ***********

May I suggest taking a look around other islands. Even such popular ones as Koh Samui are a lot cheaper than Phuket. Koh Chang is quite nice and has a quite close expat community.