Travel Insurance - Japan - Coronavirus?

DIYhelp76

Hi
Friends of ours booked a flight, train and accommodation (separately) to Japan for a family trip in Spring.  They booked it in December before coronavirus was a "thing". 
They did not - and do not - have travel insurance.  (I know, it's madness, if it were me I'd have the insurance!)
Can they quickly take out a policy now that will still cover them in the event they have to cancel the trip because of the virus risk, or is it too late as they have already booked the elements of the holiday and now that coronavirus is widely known?
Just not sure about the effectiveness of buying insurance after booking. 
Very grateful for any advice.

phatbear

Of course they can still get coverage.

The insurance company’s price will take into account any perceived risks.

WorkHealth

Yes can still take out now. I booked for Thailand and Malaysia in summer and took travel insurance out recently - it only covers though if FCO advice goes to a minimum of avoid all but essential travel to are going. Mine only pays out if you've tried to get a refund and failed and FCO advice is still that way 48 hours before travel so quite last minute - I have pre-existing medical conditions so less choice in insurers. To be covered I had to get travel insurance starting now for an annual policy, if you have a later start date and FCO changes before you are not covered. So yes they should get it but check small print and in general doesn't cover the virus per se but FCO advice changing. 

WorkHealth

Mine didn't appear to have raised costs but would imagine they might raise pretty soon so would get travel insurance asap but look round at what covered.