If you are traveling domestically and staying with relatives, you probably do not need travel insurance.  However,  if you are investing several thousand dollars in a trip or cruise, traveling outside the country, or going with a group of relatives or friends, then travel insurance is a good idea. Generally, travel providers do not offer easy refunds, so without travel insurance, you may be out of luck.  Additionally, not all medical policies cover you when traveling outside the country or provide extra benefits such as paying for someone to escort you home. Comprehensive travel insurance offers emergency medical, medical evacuation, baggage loss, travel delay and numerous other benefits in addition to trip cancellation.