Activation an coverage varies quite markedly by the the actual CC Plat insurance, even if the underwriting insurance company is the same.
COVERAGE TIP:
Whatever activates the insurance - make sure you have a copy of the proof of this WITH you, as it will greatly simplify any claim process. I travel with a hardcopy, plus have scanned copy stored on a folder in my, and wife's, hotmail accounts (as one of us may be incapacitated, and so each needs access)
COVERAGE OF TRIPS FLIGHTS BY FF POINTS:
Again this varies markedly. Depending where you got the points from can affect coverage (ie Citibank 15K of the points need to have been moved to the airline within one month prior to redemption)
This is crucial to me as I redeem virtually all of my international flights on points. I also might mix and match different programs, and the points may come from a variety of sources.
I have decided to use my Westpac Black (Zurich) for my next trip as my flights to and from Europe are via Krisflyer (and mainly, but not only, Amex earn) but I also have flights within Europe ( Vienan, to Barcelona to London to Munich) which originally from BMI, but have been redeemed from British Airways.
With Westpac Black activation is by PRIOR to departure having met BOTH of :
* Spent $500 spend per person travelling on the Black Card
* Having a ticket to and back to Australia (can be by buying, or by Awards...and can be two separate tickets rather than a return with one airline. Purchase does not have to be on the card, and points do not have to have been via the Altitude program.
Further Tip:
A key benefit of any TI is cancellation insurance. So note that this coverage will not commence until you have "activated" the insurance. So in my case I need to have spent $500 per person now, plus booked mu Award flight, if I want to be covered now for cancellation.
Two years ago I claimed on a Europe trip that I had to cancel due to my wife having a major accident, which prevented her from flying for 6 months, via the Amex Platninum (Charge) card insurance. Activation of that was easy as one just had to have an active Amex Plat Card. So coverage was automatic, as long as you met its fine print (duration of travel and return ticket).
