Change in Platinum Card Travel Insurance?

[Diesellife]

I am not sure this is right. Lets take the example of the trip Melbourne-London-Rome-Melbourne.

I agree. Whoever wrote this policy surely didn't think it through. I've never seen so much uncertainty in a policy... Sigh. Why can't they just copy the activation clause from the edge card?!

 

[Jane-Doe]

Is is time to take this to Twitter? Someone has already tweeted his anger

https://twitter.com/#!/wizzlesticks/status/179962617526362112

 

[k3nnis]

What is the activation clause for the EDGE card?

I agree. Whoever wrote this policy surely didn't think it through. I've never seen so much uncertainty in a policy... Sigh. Why can't they just copy the activation clause from the edge card?!

 

[serfty]

What is the activation clause for the EDGE card?

(https://secure.cmax.americanexpress...onal/shared/files/Platinum_Edge_Insurance.pdf)

ACTIVATION OF TRAVEL INSURANCE COVER:

Purchase of Trip on American Express Platinum Edge Credit Card or with Membership Rewards points.

 

[greenfrog86]

Is is time to take this to Twitter? Someone has already tweeted his anger

https://twitter.com/#!/wizzlesticks/status/179962617526362112

Too bad Amex Australia isn't on twitter...

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks Serfty. How do I prove I used sufficient MR points? just the transfer log from MR to say my FF program (i.e. VS) ?

(https://secure.cmax.americanexpress...nal/shared/files/Platinum_Edge_Insurance.pdf)

 

[serfty]

Thanks Serfty. How do I prove I used sufficient MR points? just the transfer log from MR to say my FF program (i.e. VS) ?

Dunno; until the Amex Platinum Charge, I never considered relying on CC insurance as most of my booked travel does not originate in Australia.

 

[Diesellife]

What is the activation clause for the EDGE card?

The main difference between the edge & the platinum card is that the edge card's travel insurance & transport accident cover are combined. So a full fare trip on a common conveyer originating from australia to overseas destination (air ticket) is sufficient to activate the cover. Then the cover won't cease until your return of the country of resident, certain exclusions apply.

This mean the taxi ride in overseas is irrelevant as the insurance has already been activated.

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks. Is this the same for the plat reserve? i.e. edge and plat reserve activation of the insurance...

The main difference between the edge & the platinum card is that the edge card's travel insurance & transport accident cover are combined. So a full fare trip on a common conveyer originating from australia to overseas destination (air ticket) is sufficient to activate the cover. Then the cover won't cease until your return of the country of resident, certain exclusions apply.

This mean the taxi ride in overseas is irrelevant as the insurance has already been activated.

 

[ozbeachbabe]

Saw ACA tonight on Ch9 & they had a story about a family who had Covermore Insurance purchased through Flight Centre. The guy fell of his hotel balcony & made a real mess of himself & his face & teeth yet the insurance company is refusing to pay emergency dental expenses when his policy said it was unlimited.

ACA had asked Covermore for a statement but it appears they are yet to contact ACA which doesn't seem to be a very good PR move. :shock:

 

[Flashback]

Saw ACA tonight on Ch9 & they had a story about a family who had Covermore Insurance purchased through Flight Centre. The guy fell of his hotel balcony & made a real mess of himself & his face & teeth yet the insurance company is refusing to pay emergency dental expenses when his policy said it was unlimited.

ACA had asked Covermore for a statement but it appears they are yet to contact ACA which doesn't seem to be a very good PR move. :shock:

Inebriated?

 

[yo yo ma]

Inebriated?

That was my first thought without actually having seen the story?

 

[ozbeachbabe]

That was my first thought without actually having seen the story?

The story reported that he was in his hotel room with his wife & kids & woke up a 3.00am so stepped out on the balcony to get some air but made the mistake of leaning back on the railing which wasn't very high & probably by Australian standards not to code. He was probably at least 6 feet tall.

 

[Deleted member]

Ouch! And no payout.

 

[greenfrog86]

He would have been lucky to get anything anyway as incredibly most Dental expenses are not covered unless they are an 'emergency' which would be interesting to see Amex try and define (or not define as seems to be their current ploy)...

My impression is that they just patch you up enough for you to go home and pay for it all out of your own pocket given we have absolutely no benefits for dental here (except for private health insurance but your $500 extras coverage won't go far with a Dentist).

I wonder if this is why almost all Aus travel insurance only covers 'emergency dental' - because people would go overseas and 'suddenly' their dental issues come to light and they get 'free' dental care while on their holiday...?

 

[Diesellife]

Edge & Reserve are similar... I wonder when are they going to change them - LOL

 

[Timtammi]

Still waiting to be officially advised of change by AMEX. Were it not for this thread I would still be none the wiser re the changes. Surely they have a responsibility to advise ALL cardholders of such a major downgrade of coverage??

 

[greenfrog86]

Still waiting to be officially advised of change by AMEX. Were it not for this thread I would still be none the wiser re the changes. Surely they have a responsibility to advise ALL cardholders of such a major downgrade of coverage??

There is, and they will....

Do you have any history of mail goblins making things disappear?

I'm sure you've worked it out by now, but the information is available in the platinum section of Amex Online should you want the specific details.

 

[Timtammi]

I have received several pieces of mail from Amex since I found this thread but nothing related to this change.

 

[playbargain]

Got a reply today finally after I lodged a complaint about the change two weeks ago. Pretty much take it or leave it response. Oh well, it was good while it lasted I suppose. Better to drop it now and recoup some of the annual fee. Time to look for a replacement... Good luck all.



"Thank you for contacting us about the changes to the complimentary Insurance benefits on your Platinum Card. Please accept our apologies for the delay with our response.We acknowledge your concerns and sincerely regret that you feel that the changes devalue your Card. We are making these changes because of the general increase in the cost of medical treatment and insurance over the past few years. Although the cover has changed, Platinum insurance still extends to loved ones - meaning your spouse, de facto or life partner and legally dependent children (up to the age of 24) are covered under your Travel Insurance benefits. Remember that with your Platinum Card you still have access to all the services and features that other Cards don’t offer: Comprehensive travel benefits from airline, hotel and cruise partners including entry to over 600 airport lounges worldwide; your dedicated Lifestyle Concierge service and; the ability to redeem your Membership Rewards points with nine airline rewards partners, including Qantas.

If the Platinum Card no longer suits your needs, you may wish to consider one of our other Platinum products, such as the Platinum Reserve Credit Card or the Platinum Edge Credit Card. We would be happy to discuss the other available options with you on 1800 673 760.

Should you decide that the Platinum Card no longer meets your needs, we can help you to finalise your account. You may also be entitled to a pro rata refund of any unused Card fees, which will be determined by the anniversary date of your membership.

If you feel that this issue has not been resolved you may refer a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), of which we are a member, for external dispute resolution. FOS can be contacted on 1300 78 08 08, through their website or by mail at GPO Box 3, Melbourne, VIC, 3001.

We would like to thank you for your membership since 2003. We hope that our products will meet your needs and that you will choose to retain your membership for many years to come.

Sincerely,
Email Servicing Team
American Express Digital Services"