40 50, 60 years ago most pets would be uninsured .. if you cat or dog was ill you would but a packet of some patent remedy, if you dog or cat got run over or had broken limbs the usual remedy was to "put it out of its misery" ie. euthanise it. Most people who lived next to very busy roads would not have a dog or cat and of course few people would have more than one dog or cat .. childrens pets would something kept in a cage or hut .. rabbit, guinea hamster, mouse etc again there would be no thought of insurance .. most puppies or kittens would drowned straight after birth. Yes pet insurance is a racket but the biggest cunts are the stupid owners often paying huge sums to keep crippled dogs and cats alive and in pain from ailments such as extreme old age, kidney failure etc. If a vet who should know better chooses to fleece them then they deserve fleecing .. now don't get me started re "therapy "pets". Animal lovers my arse!