Travel insurance is not required, but it can be a good idea to consider purchasing it, especially if you are planning an international trip, a cruise, or a trip where you will be engaging in high-risk activities.
Travel insurance can provide financial protection in case of unexpected events such as trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen luggage. It can also provide coverage for emergency evacuation, repatriation of remains, and other expenses that may not be covered by your regular health insurance or other types of insurance.
Some credit cards also offer travel insurance as a benefit, so it's worth checking with your credit card issuer to see if you already have coverage.
It's also important to note that some countries, especially those where the healthcare system is not as robust as in the US, may require travelers to have travel insurance before entering the country.
When considering purchasing travel insurance, it's important to carefully review the policy and make sure it covers the specific risks associated with your trip, such as extreme sports, pre-existing medical conditions, or political unrest. It's also important to understand the exclusions and the limits of the coverage and to compare different policies to find the one that best fits your needs.