Well, I bought the cheapest tickets I could get on Emirates, thought they were non-changeable, non-refundable etc. Fell ill in Oz and was medically unfit to fly back, rang Emirates, one free change of date (for both of us) and I was advised to keep the booking open until I was certain I could fly back as there was a (relatively small) charge if I wanted to change it again.
Don't see why other airlines don't do the same.
UFO