Canine Medical Insurance

I'm planning to insure my next puppy. We nearly insured the last one ten years ago, but our vet talked us out of it stating that it wasn't quite up to par (in the US) yet.

For those of you who have used pet health insurance in the US, can you tell me the pros & cons as you see them? Also, I've heard that the AKC has a good policy - can anyone confirm that?

My dog breed is prone to bloat (aka colic / gastric torsion) so I am particularly interested in knowing if any insurance agencies would cover a prophylactic gastroplexy operation.

Thanks in advance,
w