When buying your first home, compare pet insurance premiums with your mortgage, council rates and other ongoing costs, and check whether cover includes accidents, illnesses, surgery and specialist treatment. Pay close attention to waiting periods, annual limits, excesses, exclusions, benefit percentages and how pre-existing conditions are treated. Some policies may offer optional routine-care benefits, but these can increase the premium and may not provide value for every pet. Read the product disclosure statement and confirm the policy’s suitability with the insurer before deciding.