@Bob *********

Probably travelling with Thai spouse?

@Ralph ******

Good point Ralph. Many travel insurance companies have a 31 day per trip limit. If you entered Thailand without a return/onward ticket booked for within 31 days you wouldn’t have any cover whatsoever.

Thai Mrs hires 125 Clicks when we go to Phuket. She’s a much better rider/driver so I ride pillion. Don’t like it at all. I’m 110kg and Mrs 90kg. Worth noting the total weight limit of around 130kg. We go up and down the hills fast enough!

Serious illness or accident is, quite rightly, your concern. There has been a report of a travel insurance claim denied for failure to disclose a childhood illness. There have also been very positive reports of excellent service and treatment with all expenses covered. Can you whittle down the cost by excluding baggage etc and limiting to medical costs only? Try selecting an increased excess if you are able to pay a fair amount yourself to avoid claiming. Repatriation has already been mentioned. Bear in mind that all travel insurers will try to get you fixed up quickly and back home because then they no longer have to pay for your hospital treatment.

@Sefton *******

Thanks for this.

You need a Thai bank account to pay via QR code. Agree, it is convenient and saves the 220 baht ATM withdrawal fee. Bangkok Bank are normally the most agreeable bank for opening savings accounts for foreigners. Did they suggest you buy Personal Accident Insurance? An annual policy is worth having especially if you ride a moto, are aged under 65 and have no alternative insurance. The premium is likely to be similar to the price an agent would charge and you would be getting something in return for your money.

@Andy ********

Understand Andy. Everything I’ve searched says the 10 year validity from date of issue only applies to EU and Schengen countries. Presumably, all other countries will accept the valid until date as printed in our passports. Incidentally, I’m in the same position. My current passport has the full nine months unexpired period from the previous one ‘tacked on’.

Normally use Wise or, very occasionally, Western Union when they give a slightly better deal. Last month signed up with Zing. Worth considering!

Only problem Andy could be if you have a transit in the EU and miss the connection. Happened to me two years running. Last occasion had to check into a hotel in Munich overnight. No problem financially because Lufthansa paid for refreshments, evening meal, hotel and taxi both ways.