Hi, Having paid UK national insurance I have read it is being proposed that expats with more than 10 year years contributions would still now be eligible to access UK NHS services for life.

This got me thinking about insurance, is there such a thing as repatriation insurance like you would get would get with a travel insurance policy but available to those living full time in Thailand or anywhere else. Is there a poilcy that would cover emergency treatment here for accidents or immediately required life saving procedures but for anything else they would get you back 'home' to the UK e.g. something serious that requires several or longer term procedures or if you required a non life threating non urgent procedure.

Thanks.

Interesting thought.

Would be interested in something like that.

As a matter of interest why would you want to go back to the UK to be treated rather than be treated somewhere like the Bummingrad Hospital.

As a matter of interest why would you want to go back to the UK to be treated rather than be treated somewhere like the Bummingrad Hospital.

Because in the UK it would be free.

I know these insurances do exist, but sorry, don't have any more information. Big companies do have these insurances though, e.g. for expats working on oilrigs etc.

did i read somewhere that if you where out of the uk for some years you would lose you right to free nhs treatment

You are right, expats living abroad on a permanent basis are expected to pay when using the NHS. However, the government is looking at plans to allow Britons free access to the NHS as long as they have paid ten years worth of national insurance in the UK.

Best way I think is to contact Allianz Assistance or Mondial Assistance. Just give them a call.