I thought I would contribute what I have found to this thread.
The first time I went away long term I got a 12 month travel insurance through Worldcare but was very disappointed when I stepped back in Australia and my policy was instantly invalidated. I got a pro rata refund that I put toward my next trip, so no harm no foul.
The second time, I applied for a no annual fee ANZ Platinum card, and spent $250 to activate it, and used it for a 6 month trip. Then I cancelled the card.
This time around, I asked my father to put me onto his Amex card, as I am now in Manila and staying here for 6 months to set up a business. He has a
Platinum Small Business Card. I was approved as a supplementary cardholder the day before I flew out, and I was able to pick up my card in Manila (but it is only valid for 6 months).
From my conversations with the Amex CSR, who passed me through to the ACE insurance department on a conference call, I asked specifically if I was covered when not travelling with the primary cardholder, and also if I was covered without any minimum spend. I was told that yes, I will be covered and just holding the card is enough to be covered - no spend required. There is a $250 excess for a claim, but it seems to cover the same medical emergencies as my previous policies with Worldcare and ANZ Platinum.
Re:
American Express Platinum SBS Charge Card Insurance
American Express International, Inc (AEII) is the insured under a Master Policy (
09NACPLTSB) with ACE. American Express Platinum SBS Charge Card Insurance card members have access to complimentary Insurance benefits under this Master Policy Agreement.
Further to your enquiry please find attached the Insurance Terms and Conditions. Please read this document carefully as it explains the nature of the arrangement and the relevant benefits, as well as all terms, conditions and exclusions
It is important for you to understand how activation of the complimentary Insurance is defined within these terms and conditions.
If you wish to make a claim, just click the following link.
[url]https://claimslodge.ap.acegroup.com/Default.aspx[/URL]
. Alternatively, you can request a claim form from us. Claims will be assessed in accordance with the Insurance terms and conditions associated with the American Express Platinum SBS Charge Card Insurance
, which have been agreed between AEII and ACE.
Here is the attachment (from my Dropbox):
https://www.dropbox.com/s/gyyb241trsxa7km/Plat SBS 2012.PDF