Originally Posted by
coplatsat
If you fly United frequently and/or plan to us them in the future, I would buy P, and accept that it will cost $450, if something happens. A lot better than the 6k or so,
Note that you cannot change the name on a ticket when used in this fashion, so the real question is whether or not OP's spouse would be traveling frequently on United.
OP: There may be other options. Try specifying a Z, D, or C fare class in advanced search and look at the fare rules that come back. Here's what you're looking for:
Non-Refundable: (what you have):
CANCELLATIONS ANY TIME TICKET IS NON-REFUNDABLE IN CASE OF CANCEL/NO-SHOW/ REFUND.
Refundable with a fee (a random Z fare on that route):
CANCELLATIONS
BEFORE DEPARTURE
CHARGE USD 900.00 FOR CANCEL/NO-SHOW/REFUND.