I've never had insurance for any of my hounds and keep a vet bill savings account.
Last year with Sparks, I was averaging $500 a month, every month. The previous year, I spent about $1000 a month in Oct, Nov, Dec for Sparks. I haven't had a vet bill since I sent him to the bridge in Feb.
Last summer Passion was my problem child and her vetting was around $2000 for a bone infection, pancreatitis and a dental.
I've had hounds since 2002 and the last 2 years were the only years that I really had any vet bills other than annual exams, shots.