If you want this, you need to get it within 7 to 21 days (depending on the company) from the first payment of the trip. I didn't know this.
I've bought travel insurance for the last couple trips but never even looked at cancel anytime. I made a reservation for a hiking tour just over a month ago and wanted to wait until I got the flight too, but decided maybe I should just get this done. But too late. It's outside of the time to purchase (Nationwide has one for cruises that doesn't put limitation on timing but I'm not going on a cruise. Probably ever). One policy specifically says if the airline cancels the flight, they won't cover it. Pending other fine print, if you get sick, it should be covered under the medical section but airlines canceling for whatever reason is only under the "anytime" plans, which you have to buy right away. On the plus side, whatever policy I get will now be much less expensive. Yay?
Please wash hands, and maybe don't touch anything for at least 6 weeks.