Originally Posted by
Clipper801
Unfortunately, the rule requires that the award flight must be operated by Air Canada, Air Canada rouge or Air Canada Express to use the Maple Leaf Lounge. If your flight is operated by Brussels Airlines, you do not qualify. However, there is no harm to try. You may get lucky. Please read rule #13 at the bottom of this link:
https://www.cibc.com/ca/visa/aerogol...dInfinite-E-A2
As for travel insurance, you do not have coverage with Amex. TD and CIBC Aeroplan Visa cards are the only cards that offer you this protection when flying on an Aeroplan reward ticket and you must pay the taxes and fees with the card to validate the coverage. You now have to buy separate travel insurance if you want the coverage. The out-of-province medical coverage that comes with the CIBC Aerogold Visa for 15 days is still good. You don't have to use the card to pay to validate. In your case, only a non-medical travel insurance plan is needed so long as your trip is shorter than 15 days.
Notwithstanding, there have been posts here that some FT'ers were successful in making claims with Amex and cards other than TD and CIBC Aeroplan Visa when travelling on Aeroplan reward tickets. So YMMV but you should know that is pure luck, not according to the policy written.
Very often it takes to spend the half an hour to read through all the materials that come with the card to know exactly where you stand.
Can't stress enough how important this is. I also recommend calling provider with additional questions. The loopholes on travel insurance never cease to amaze me. I posted a lot of info on travel ins in that thread.
Note: CC ins doesn't typically apply if over a certain age. Stability clause is also critical. You may think you are insured but.... Insurance agent recently told me even if you talked about something such as an innocuous med change with your doctor but agreed to think about it or make change in future (after travel complete), you don't meet stability clause criteria. Therefore, no coverage.