Why some embassy's ask for travel insurance before issuing visa?

Question

Why some embassy's ask for travel insurance before issuing visa?

Answer 1

Because the tax-payers in those countries object to having to pay the medical expenses of tourists to their country who require medical help and can't afford it.

Answer 2

because if you have an accident they do not want to pay for your medical bills in that country you will visit!

Answer 3

Many people travel overseas for the specific reason of getting free medical care (i.e. having babies overseas to attain foreign citizenship for their babies, etc).  Having travel insurance cuts down on the drain being made on the system