Change in Platinum Card Travel Insurance?

[kpc]

I have emailed the Manager, Public Affairs and Communications at AMEX whom we met at the AFF gathering in Canberra last October for a comment about this. I will post her reply if I get one, and she agrees for it to be posted online.

 

[Flashback]

I have emailed the Manager, Public Affairs and Communications at AMEX whom we met at the AFF gathering in Canberra last October for a comment about this. I will post her reply if I get one, and she agrees for it to be posted online.

If you're aiming for it to be reversed, I doubt you'll get anywhere as this is something being done worldwide.

Speaking of which, I will be canceling a trip in a few hours that was paid for not on my AMEX but before the UK change took affect (therefore under the old T&C) ; will report back, but don't foresee there being any issues.

 

[simonsyd]

Seems like my fears were true! I too will dump the charge card in a shot simply cant justify the $900 anymore.

 

[Flashback]

FWIW here are the details on the UK Charge Card: https://secure.cmax.americanexpress...tinum_Charge_Insurance_Documentation_v1_0.pdf

 

[kpc]

If you're aiming for it to be reversed, I doubt you'll get anywhere as this is something being done worldwide.

I don't doubt that AFFers can reverse a major corporation's change in policy. We are entitled to a comment and an explanation, tho. However, I agree ALL existing travel booked before this change in insurance policy needs to be honoured. If this is the case, I will keep my AMEX charge card til after my travel at the end of this year, and then reasses whether I can justify the $900 annual fee (probably not!)

 

[Flashback]

I don't doubt that AFFers can reverse a major corporation's change in policy. We are entitled to a comment and an explanation, tho. However, I agree ALL existing travel booked before this change in insurance policy needs to be honoured. If this is the case, I will keep my AMEX charge card til after my travel at the end of this year, and then reasses whether I can justify the $900 annual fee (probably not!)

As I've said .. I've just gone through all this with my UK Charge Card and it's stated that it will only affect bookings MADE after that date, all booking MADE prior to the date regardless of when travel is undertaken has the existing T&C apply.

 

[kamchatsky]

Ouch. It was good whilst it lasted I guess. Had to say the insurance is good and easy to use and make claims.


So now I will cancel my card at October before the new annual fee comes, and I will revert my spending onto my Platinum Edge card. Unfortunately I will also have to cancel my Platinum Reserve CC as it was originally free.

 

[Flashback]

Ouch. It was good whilst it lasted I guess. Had to say the insurance is good and easy to use and make claims.


So now I will cancel my card at October before the new annual fee comes, and I will revert my spending onto my Platinum Edge card. Unfortunately I will also have to cancel my Platinum Reserve CC as it was originally free.

Or, wait till renewal then ring up and cancel, saying you don't see value in the card anymore and see what gets offered.

 

[awilcockson]

I have emailed the Manager, Public Affairs and Communications at AMEX whom we met at the AFF gathering in Canberra last October for a comment about this. I will post her reply if I get one, and she agrees for it to be posted online.

Interested to hear what she has to say.

It's a joke you know, I applied for this card after she convinced me of the benefits.

But then:

* I get a call 20 days after getting the card, saying that they are "uncomfortable with the current balance, and wondering when I'd be paying it off?". This was a balance of $6K, $900 of which was the annual fee!!
* They decide to remove the major incentive for having the card, that being the travel insurance. They want me to pay for travel to be covered, but they aren't happy with me carrying a balance that only covers half the cost of a return J fare to Europe!

So long Amex, it was interesting while it lasted.

 

[Flashback]

You have to wonder what AMEX's business model is. Higher merchant fees then VISA/MC, devaluing cards, etc.

 

[Flashback]

You have to wonder what AMEX's business model is. Higher merchant fees then VISA/MC, devaluing cards, etc.

I wonder if they have the same business coach as Qantas

 

[simonsyd]

You have to wonder what AMEX's business model is. Higher merchant fees then VISA/MC, devaluing cards, etc.

And posting changes on their website before officially announced, then wonder why so many of us crack the sh!ts...

 

[kamchatsky]

Now that Amex Plat CC insurance is being devalued, what is the next best Credit Card travel insurance in Australia? Which has the next best cover?

 

[simonsyd]

Now that Amex Plat CC insurance is being devalued, what is the next best Credit Card travel insurance in Australia? Which has the next best cover?

Those underwritten by Zurich have excellent cover but generally require majority of travel spend on card to activate cover. From memory Westpac, CBA and many others are underwritten by Zurich.

 

[awilcockson]

So as it looks as though I am going to have to cancel this card, can anyone recommend a good source for an annual multi-trip insurance policy? I was quite happily travelling under my work provided policy until I lost a $300 pair of Ray Bans in Oslo, went to make a claim, and found out that the policy is medical only

And a question for all the accountants out there, if I'm purchasing such a policy to cover work travel, am I entitled to make a tax deduction for it? (I didn't claim for the $900 fee for the Amex, as there were other benefits provided for the payment, but in this case I figure that I should be ok...)

 

[11sjw]

Just called AMEX and spoke to ACE.
They confirmed that yes you do need to now pay for ENTIRE trip on your card to get insurnace.
This will start in June(I think she said the 10th)
All travel up to then is covered under the old arrangment.

So yes a massive devalu of the card.

Just got off the phone and June 15 is the date. If you've already booked the travel you'll still be covered as per existing conditions. The new terms take effect for travel booked after June 15.

 

[awilcockson]

I just spoke to Amex before and it seems the operators are well aware of the changes. He said they would refund the $900.

The full $900, or pro-rata?

 

[11sjw]

Looks like I'll give the Qantas AMEX a try next year.

 

[nlagalle]

The full $900, or pro-rata?

I was told the full $900

 

[awilcockson]

I was told the full $900

Excellent, I will call and cancel my card after the bossreggie AKL lunch trip.