Righto, here's my "vet spiel" about pet insurance.
When I was full time vetting there were only two underwriters, and you'd be able to see that they pretty much offered the same thing (right down to they even had the same claim forms, just "rebadged"). I assume its still a pretty similar landscape, because it wasn't long ago I was still in the game.
You still need the moolah up-front to pay the bill. Stick it on the credit card if you need to, and claim it back later... that's fine. But make sure you're covered for what you think you are! Be very wary of pre-existing conditions, exclusions and the likes. READ YOUR FINE-PRINT.
Any cheap policy will come back to bite you. Had a lovely old pensioner client who diligently paid her dog's pet insurance premiums only to find out she was only covered for up to $500 per issue or something like that. Any vet will tell you that, sadly, $500 doesn't get you very far. It was heartbreaking, and I was rather angry about it, because she THOUGHT her dog was covered when it got sick as an older dog... but not for any useful amount. Felt like robbery to me.
Another option that I know a few of my clients did is create a bank account for their pet when they got it - one that accrues interest - and instead of paying premiums they'd deposit that money each month in there and it'd continue to grow. Chances are your pet is more likely to have expensive issues later in life, when that bank balance is looking nice and healthy. The other big costs are puppy vaccines and desexing, which hopefully you budgeted for when you got the pup. Most adult dogs are pretty trouble-free, with usual costs being vaccines, worming tablets etc. and the odd dental clean here and there. You can't promise an accident won't happen that will clean that bank account out earlier than expected - and maybe more - but if you're able to make up anything extra should you need to, that option might work out fine for you.
Pet insurance does have a place, but its not for everyone. Even though I've left full-time practice I still don't have pet insurance. Other vets I know - even while working in clinics - have pet insurance. You have to do your homework and work out what's best for you.
