WASHINGTON -- A Maryland man who was suspected in the presumed death of his traveling companion in Aruba is seeking to collect on a travel insurance policy in the woman's name.

Gary Giordano says in a lawsuit that AMEX Assurance Company owes him $3.5 million under a policy purchased before last summer's trip.

He says his companion, Robyn Gardner, is presumed dead. Giordano was detained for months after Gardner's disappearance but has denied wrongdoing. A judge ordered him released in November because of a lack of evidence.

Giordano told The Associated Press the lawsuit speaks for itself and declined further comment. The suit was filed Thursday in Cook County, Ill., where AMEX Assurance is based.

An American Express Co. spokeswoman says there's a 365-day waiting period to file such a claim.