@Leatrice ****************

You would have to speak to Cigna Global and obtain a firm quote. They do it quite quickly and easily over the telephone. I had a collapse due to low blood glucose. However, I wasn’t diagnosed with diabetes. That was what Cigna Global were most concerned about. As there was no diagnosis, diabetes didn’t apply and therefore not excluded from my policy.

Sorry to say but diabetes and extended periods of hospitalisation don’t sound good if wanting to retire in Thailand. Having said that, Government Hospitals provide very economical treatment although you wouldn’t want to stay on a public ward. Private rooms are available in Government Hospitals for 1,000 baht = 47 Australian Dollars per day (excluding treatment).

@Leatrice ****************

Cigna Global consider whether a pre-existing condition can be regarded as ‘resolved’ or ‘controlled’. My three months of treatment in 1986 for raised blood pressure with no recurrence or treatment since was regarded as ‘resolved’. Other cheaper companies automatically excluded anything ‘circulatory’. My monthly premium is $565 USD with $750 USD deductible.

@Andy ***********

Santander say you need to notify if travelling outside the EU. Halifax have removed their travelling abroad notification for both EU and elsewhere.

@John *********

It’s Santander staff not explaining correctly. The feature ‘notification of travelling abroad’ has existed for ages. No longer necessary if travelling to EU, it’s still required for elsewhere. I use my phone diary and, every 90 days, (the maximum notification period), knock my date in Thailand forward.

@Stuart **********

Santander suspended my online access. When I phoned they told me they had written to me (UK) but received no reply. They wanted to know my intended future use for my current and savings account which had been inactive for some time. I explained that I was using Chase due to their interest rates and cash back but, if Santander once again became competitive, I would use my accounts again. They were happy with this and restored my online access.

@Phill ********

Good info! Thanks Phill.

@Ray *********

Same here Ray. Last year whilst in U.K. I opened accounts with; Zopa, Monzo, Kroo and Starling. Previously, I had opened a current account with Chase. Their requirements are that you must reside in UK. Therefore, I haven’t changed the account address from UK. Whether any of those would send a renewed/replacement card to Thailand if you told them you were here ‘on holiday’ I don’t know. Halifax definitely won’t, Santander said they would but it’s some time since I last contacted their customer services.

@Andy ***********

You have to renew your notification of being abroad every 90 days. Can’t do this any further in advance. I do it via Santander website.

@Tony ********

Can confirm. I’m from U.K. Have subscribed to Vyke for over 4 years. Works perfectly!