I didn't really like Direct Line, but even though Danny had hip dysphasia and had had £1800 of dental work work done the year before he developed Lymphoma, his insurance at renewal was on £42 at age 7. In that final year we went through another limit claim value of £6k and an extra £2k we paid ourselves.
When we lost Fudge 2 years before we went through over £5k in less than 6 months.
I would never be caught without insurance. Its pricey, yes, but at least it covers most of any unexpected costs.