Hey Howdy Hey Dana and welcome to planDisney!
Thank you so much for your question about travel insurance for a room-only reservation. I will be happy to try and provide a little more insight into the details. Let's get to it!
I will say YES, you are right in that the default option for
travel insurance that Disney offers is available online with Guests booking vacation packages. You should still be able to purchase travel insurance but will have to call Disney at (407) 934-7639 and speak to a Cast Member about adding this option to your reservation.
Looking over the
room-only terms and conditions, Disney does have a very flexible policy when it comes to cancelations and changes needing to be made to your reservation. Cancelations made more than 5 days from your date of travel can be done without penalty. Changing the dates of your reservation can be done before your trip without penalty as well, the only fees you may see are the upcharges if you move to a date that is more expensive than when you booked your trip. You will be responsible for the difference. This may be one of the reasons that it is not automatically an option when it comes to room-only reservations.
As you continue planning your trip for next year, make sure to really look over the policy for Disney's travel insurance to ensure it covers anything you may be concerned about. There are plenty of third-party companies that have travel insurance you may way to consider as well. Some companies that offer car and homeowner's insurance also have a travel insurance policy you might find at a cheaper rate due to you already being their customer.
I hope that helps give you a little more understanding of travel insurance and the change/cancel policy for room-only reservations. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions, we would be happy to help!
Have a Magical Day,
Nick