WASHINGTON -- A 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. based.

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