There's a thread here on insurance
http://www.cavaliertalk.com/forums/showthread.php?35387-Insurance
My main reason for insurance was to never be in the situation that although there was treatment available, we could not afford to have it done...and would have to make decisions on that basis.
You will need to carefully check the terms and conditions of the policy - you should be able to obtain a copy before committing to go ahead - a few companies do state that you do not have to vaccinate annually but if your dog develops a condition for which it could have been vaccinated against, then you will not be covered for treatment for that condition.
We have a basic policy with Virgin with that condition, I have been pleased with their service to date, they paid out over £2,000 on Kayleigh's diagnosis and treatment for CM last year and I expected rather a price hike on the premiums but that did not happen not sure if they cover Ireland too, but worth checking out.
Even if you do not have health insurance for your dog, at the very least you need third party insurance:
Pet owners can be legally responsible for the actions of their animals. If your pet were to injure someone or run across the road and cause an accident, as owner of that animal you could be liable to prosecution and claims for compensation.
Third party liability insurance basically protects you financially in the event that your pet harms another person or causes them injury, or if your animal were to damage or destroy someone else's property. Under the 1971 Animals Act this includes damage to vehicles too. Some third party liability options extend to insure pet owners in circumstances where the animal is responsible for the death of another person. If your pet's actions were to cause such an incident the claim for compensation could be substantial -- and if you do not have third party liability cover you might even have to sell your home in order to make the settlement!
In the UK membership of the Dog's Trust includes FREE third party insurance - up to £1,000,000 cover per claim if your dog causes damage or injury to another person, their property or pets.
I understand this covers you for up to 10 [pet] dogs so for those with multiple dogs it may be very beneficial.
It also includes unlimited access to Vetfone™, 24 hour emergency advice from qualified veterinary nurses 365 days of the year.
Standard membership is £25 per year but if you’re 60 years or over it costs just £12.50 per year.
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/giving/m...q/default.aspx
Obviously you are also providing valuable support to an important rescue organisation