@Knowmad sorry to hear about the last minute cancellation.
It’s good to know that you were able to find another sit and that’s the THS insurance did reimburse you for the alternative accommodation costs .
Do you have any tips for anyone else finding themselves in the position of a cancelled sit and having to make a claim ?
Incidentally was the cancellation due to extraordinary circumstances of the HO ( without giving details) ?
@Silversitters no, the cancellation was not for extraordinary circumstances. I emailed Membership Services immediately, provided documentation of my conversations with the HO and our receipt from airbnb. Even though they had access to my TH inbox, they still wanted screenshots of the conversation, which I provided. The trick was, reimbursing to my US bank. I can’t remember why, but after numerous follow-ups and a couple of weeks, we were reimbursed.
Silversitters, I will report back when I hear something back about the insurance. I made sure I met all the requirements and I sent documentation and receipts a few days ago.
I’d like to hear how the cancellation process went for you.
And the lounges available are very limited. Plus you need to request in advance (I think 2-7 days). So I’ve tried a few times to use, but never seems to work out.
I pay the premium for the cancellation insurance; not for the lounge passes 
As most things the value is determined by personal preference, comfort felt by added security and enjoyment of lounge passes.
It’s practical but also subjective. I enjoy my premium membership and personally the queue is for those seeking me.
It’s just an option made available. Like an airline or a comfort level seat.
How would you like to travel?
May I know why you were unable to use the lounge passes? Were you able to request again after the failed attempt?
The first time I didn’t realize you had to request the passes ahead of time (I think 3-7 days) AND not all airport lounges accept them. The 2nd time I had the passes, but the lounge didn’t recognize them. The other times the airport didn’t have an eligible lounge. It’s just really hard to coordinate it all … hardly worth it.