I personally think that insurance is ESSENTIAL for a Cavalier in particular, as they are prone to so many health issues
You do need to research policies carefully, this might help
http://www.cavaliertalk.com/forums/showthread.php?35387-Insurance
I know many people now just put money aside into an account, which is fine if they don't develop problems until they are older, but if you need an MRI scan at 1 year old then there is not going to be enough money to cover it
There are compromises, maybe going for a cheaper policy with more limited benefits and saving as well, something more people in the UK are now thinking about after Halifax/Lloyds pulled out of the pet insurance market suddenly.
Veterinary bills are increasing - there are so many more treatment options available now. One thought is that I would not want to have to put a dog to sleep purely due to lack of money when there was treatment available.
Often puppies have 4-6 weeks free insurance, although it's tempting to wait until that expires, if they develop a problem within that time scale then you will be tied to that insurance company as other companies will not cover pre existing conditions.
Also it is fraud to take out a policy knowing or suspecting that your dog is suffering from a condition without declaring it to the company - and if there is anything on your vet's records, then the company will exclude it anyway.
If you do run into problems with an insurance company, there is an ombudsman
http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/
Some posts on here might help
http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?262-Pets-and-Vets
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