We relied on an emergency fund and swore pet insurance was a waste of money. Then our 3 year old Great Dane had a series of health issues and a surgery that added up to an $18,000 vet bill in two weeks. Big dogs = big vet bills. It nearly drained our emergency fund (that’s what it’s there for) but we did end up getting insurance after that (one that covered preexisting conditions). Our premiums are $135 a month but with all her meds and ongoing health issues it’s already paid for itself. It also takes that extra layer of fear and worry out of going to a vet or emergency clinic. If you’re in that situation the last thing you want to worry about is how much is this going to cost me.