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The travel insurance provided with my MIA membership was a powerful incentive to maintain my membership with them. Particularly as it covered both me and my wife, regardless of age. Seeing now that I do my CPD's with Migration Alliance and such people as Peter Bollard there is no longer much of an incentive to stay with the MIA.
Sadly, on this occasion, I agree with you.
Overall I support the MIA and there have been signs of improvement of late but I am concerned at the decision to unilaterally cancel the 'Free' travel insurance mid term of my membership. (The Travel Insurance Policy expires September and my membership does not expire until March next year so I lose 6 months of coverage)
I travel lot and this benefit was a deciding incentive to rejoin the MIA.
This insurance was useful in that I often need to provide copies of my travel insurance policy when I apply for visas. I find it much more convenient the MIA insurance than using Credit Card 'Free' Travel Insurance and do not like AMEX. (AMEX is not well received in the market place).
There was no consultation, no survey or vote to determine if members wanted to scrap this benefit ( I note there no planned planned reduction in the membership fee as a result of this decision).
Attempts to discuss this decision on face book have been met with unfair criticism and false statements. I do not mind them making the decision but why mid term and why no consultation before the decision?
I would have even considered it reasonable if they offered this benefit as an add-on option to my membership had the opportunity been available - Not all members need or desire this benefit.
I will continue my membership with the MIA as I believe it is important and worthy of support even if they make such rash decisions at times.
When I was sitting on MIA national board, I recall the survey conducted by MIA indicated travel insurance was the number 1 incentive for members to stay with MIA. That survey result actually surprised me then. I am just wondering how the MIA board comes to the decision to cancel this member's benefit without properly consulting members.
The travel insurance was a great incentive for me to retain membership with MIA and it was the one I missed when I left in 2017 after many years of membership in the membership year after the dismal performance of the President on national television when the sweeping changes were announced. Now that that's gone, there's not much to miss!
I am above certain age with pre existing medical condition which adversely affected my eligibility for most travel insurance. None the less MIA's travel insurance, even with pre existing condition, was an incentive. Definitely their CPD was no goer with me as it was merely reading compliance to PAM and regulations, which any beginner can do.
Christopher, yes I will take up the new travel offer you are are arranging. Please arrange for the insurer to accept AMEX card.
I am not renewing my membership with the MIA