Originally Posted by
Clipper801
I have claimed under CIBC Aerogold Visa as well as Amex Gold. In both cases, they were very reasonable to deal and I received my cheques within 2 weeks. The claim process with Amex is a lot simpler and easier.
My greatest concern is that I cannot find any credit card or travel insurance to cover the points if I need to cancel within 22 days of departure and I am unable to re-book then cancel, such as I originally booked at 350 days out when the flight was first open for booking. Those points will be lost in such a situtation.
Here is Aeroplan's official policy. It's not so bad - you can just delay the same trip for one year if you need to cancel 21 days or less prior to departure. I don't think there's any insurance that will cover you for mileage reinstatement (at least, in Canada):
Can I cancel or refund all my flight reward bookings online?
You may cancel or refund most bookings by visiting the Manage Your Rewards Page. The latest enhancements make it easier for you to manage you flight rewards online including the option to cancel your booking to travel at a later date or refund to reinstate your flight reward mileage.
What is the difference between Cancel and Refund?
Cancel:
Provided that you cancel your booking a minimum of two hours before departure, you can cancel your itinerary and your unused reward tickets will remain valid for travel for one year from the date of their original issue. If you have already flown a portion of your ticket, your ticket will remain valid for travel for one year from the date of the first flown flight. There is no fee to cancel a flight reward, however, when members rebook flights, there is a $90 (plus applicable taxes) change fee per person per reward ticket.
Refund:
Provided that you refund your booking a minimum of 22 days prior to departure, the miles from your unexpired and unused reward tickets will be reinstated back into your account. The refund fee is $90 per person per reward ticket, plus applicable taxes.