I only got travel insurance once several years ago when I was on active duty in the Marines. I had to cancel the flight due to an unexpected military exercise that came up last minute. I had got it through one of those online travel websites like expedia or orbitz.

I called up the number and was told I had to get a notarized note from my commanding officer that I couldn't make the flight. Yea, I was going to bother the CO with having him write out a letter.... I think not.

Read the fine print before you purchase it, because it could be a waste of money.