Originally Posted by
nancypants
Doesn’t a lot of travel insurance require you to own it at time of booking to get the full benefit anyway?
(Has been a while since I held a stand-alone policy)
Just bought a standalone policy. If you purchase within 24 hours (?) of ticket purchase, you can purchase "cancel for any reason" coverage. I didn't look at the limitations, because I was more concerned with covering medical cancellations (one of our party is an athlete and could get injured - in fact just suffered a torn meniscus, which fortunately should fully heal by our travel dates), and purchased a less costly policy.
I believe the cost of "cancel for any reason" would exceed the penalties and fees involved in the OP's case.
(And even though it is called "cancel for any reason" anyone who's dealt with travel insurance must know that's not exactly true.)