JDiver

Of course such insurance is available (it's generally called Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance) - ferreting it out is the challenge. In the US we have websites like www.InsureMyTrip.com so Google might be your friend here, as well as the travel section of the largest weekend newspaper in the area. And IMO it's more likely to cost more via an agent - they have to build in commissions.

(Some Automobile Associations offer a variety of travel products, including insurance - I often use my US American AA when I travel and notice similar offerings.)