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The HfP chat thread – Tuesday 20th October

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We have decided to run this daily chat thread on Head for Points during the coronavirus outbreak.

Historically, the daily ‘Bits’ articles were the de facto repository for random comments and questions.  With the news flow being lighter, we are running fewer ‘Bits’ articles.

The comments under this article are where you should post questions about travel and, indeed, anything else on your mind.  At this tricky time, and given that many of you are at home, we want the HfP community to have a place to chat.

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General

Comments (207)

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

  • James. says:
    20 Oct20 October 17:02

    What’s everyone approach here with the ATM withdrawals on Curve? I tend to make a withdrawal a week but heard some are withdrawing their max on a daily basis. Is that allowed? Curve wont then threaten closure of account?

    • rams1981 says:
      20 Oct20 October 17:29

      I understand if it’s 20% of your normal spend you are ok, though don’t know for sure.

    • stevenhp1987 says:
      20 Oct20 October 17:29

      You’re more likely to have your current account closed down for suspected money laundering if you’re constantly depositing thousands a week…

      Curve don’t seem to bat an eyelid though.

    • BJ says:
      20 Oct20 October 18:45

      I don’t bother with withdrawals at all.

      • Travel Strong says:
        20 Oct20 October 20:17

        +1. There is just no need. Much easier ways to move money around.

      • The Urbanite says:
        20 Oct20 October 21:12

        I was warned off cash withdrawals despite being less than 1% of spend. The only safe strategy really is to stick to the £200 a month limit!

      • Crafty says:
        22 Oct22 October 21:55

        I haven’t touched physical cash for at least 6 months…

    • bazza says:
      21 Oct21 October 14:12

      I used to £600 per day, take it out of one bank on TCR and pay it in to the one next door. I hardly did any other spending but then would not increase my limit! :o(

  • Roger says:
    20 Oct20 October 17:27

    My work is asking me to return to office in Spain (complete bonkers I know).

    I cancelled my Amex Platinum card.
    I normally travel every week.

    Is it possible to get any sort of travel insurance which might cover COVID19 pandemic?

    I am prepared to walk away from the work but trying to see if any insurance policy might cover the risks and I travel for a trip or two before I hang up for good.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      20 Oct20 October 18:02

      Your work should have an adequate insurance policy to cover you for work travel?

      Or is your job in Spain and therefore it isn’t actually travel?

    • Sukes says:
      20 Oct20 October 19:04

      It’s unclear what your situation is and what you’re looking for. At a start Its unclear where you are resident as this will affect the country you buy insurance from. and it’s unclear whether you’re trying to get cover for when you’re travelling back to uk (travel insurance?) or when you’re at your work in Spain (private healthcare cover?)

      getting travel ins cover for medical costs from a case of Covid is generally not available. Your EHIC will however cover necessary healthcare inc Covid (i assume you are eligible for EHIC) until at least 31 Dec 2020, but repatriation would not be covered.

      If you want travel insurance that provides other typical insurance protection but not most Covid related costs that is available – google ‘Which’ and ‘ Coronavirus travel insurance: who will cover me?’ & you’ll find a useful article Which? published 6 days ago on this issue inc providers.

      • Anna says:
        20 Oct20 October 19:44

        Travel insurance won’t cover anyone who’s travelling for work purposes. Does the Spanish employer not make arrangements for health care? Or would at least know how to do this. But UK residents in Spain will get EHIC cover after the end of the year.

        • TGLoyalty says:
          20 Oct20 October 20:02

          UK residents that travel to and from Spain for work won’t though.

          Platinum covers business travel but I’d be surprised if weekly travel to work is considered as being on business.

          I suspect what you need is private healthcare in Spain.

          • Roger says:
            20 Oct20 October 20:18

            Thanks everyone for your response.

            It is likely that commuting weekly may not cover but however I may get a specific letter to agree a business trip as part of assignment and would like to cover my trip to and from Spain and the medical benefits during stay in Spain.

            I am UK citizen and have curve metal having spoken to AXA insurance they would not cover any benefits due to pandemic.

            I am not worried about cancellation or baggage issues. The main benefit I am looking for is the medical while away from the UK, in case something goes wrong. I have no known medical conditions.

            Thanks

          • Heathrow Flyer says:
            20 Oct20 October 22:13

            HSBC Prem still covers medical in spite of FCO guidelines.

          • Tony says:
            20 Oct20 October 22:45

            Most Spanish banks will offer private health cover for about £80 a month ( min a year ).

  • Rahaney says:
    20 Oct20 October 19:52

    If my creation statement is the 5th of the month. How does this interact with the New Year reset?

    Lastly, if you get Spire Elite and the bonus does that mean that next year your target is less or are they simply bonus points.
    Ta

    • Sundar says:
      20 Oct20 October 20:05

      New year resets on 1st Jan.
      Extra accumulated points beyond Spire qualification do not contribute to next year’s quota

    • The real John says:
      20 Oct20 October 20:18

      If you want to qualify on poitns for Spire you need to do it before 5 Dec

      • Rahaney says:
        20 Oct20 October 20:21

        Thought it would be December.
        What about the bonus points you get for achieving spire? Do they count towards next year revalidation?

      • ChrisC says:
        20 Oct20 October 20:33

        IHG status is based on 1st January – 31st December.

        Bonus points awarded when you become spire arent; qualifying points for status.

        5th December is to do with creation card year

        • TGLoyalty says:
          20 Oct20 October 22:29

          That different for everyone. Mine is in the 24th.

          • TGLoyalty says:
            20 Oct20 October 22:30

            Statement on the 22nd-23rd and actually December has posted on the 28th or so

          • ChrisC says:
            21 Oct21 October 02:58

            Again that creation stammer date not IHG status year end

            Shows how easily a post can get derailed though!

  • Nick says:
    20 Oct20 October 20:29

    Free Uber ride up to £20 – got an email this evening. No code so clearly targeted, use by end of Oct. Check your emails/app!

  • Jeremy says:
    20 Oct20 October 20:33

    Did anyone get Gold welcome bonus before their 2-year absence was over?

    • Rob says:
      20 Oct20 October 20:45

      Historically Amex is strict to the exact day. If you are hoping to cut it fine, I recommend ringing Amex first to check that the day they think your account was closed is the same day you think it was closed. And if you get it wrong, you’re stuck for another 2 years …..

    • TGLoyalty says:
      20 Oct20 October 22:31

      Yes had bapp and gold bonus after far less than 24 months but probably a one off

    • Crafty says:
      22 Oct22 October 21:59

      Yes

  • ChrisC says:
    20 Oct20 October 20:42

    Quick Q re IHG Ambassadore status

    Do I get AMB benefits on a points booking? – upgrade etc etc

    • BuildTheWall says:
      20 Oct20 October 20:54

      From what I remember reading Ron’s articles, the benefits are not guaranteed for reward stays. At the hotel’s discretion

      • meta says:
        20 Oct20 October 21:10

        The way to do it is book first night for cash and the second night on points. They usually let you keep the same upgraded room.

    • Heathrow Flyer says:
      20 Oct20 October 22:17

      I’ve always been given them.

    • TGLoyalty says:
      20 Oct20 October 22:31

      I’ve always had upgrade and late checkout.

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

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