What is ambulance cover and how much does it cost?
Aussies who find themselves in an emergency and in need of an ambulance could be charged thousands depending on what state they live in.
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Nothing should stop you from calling an ambulance if one is needed. However, Australians should be aware that ambulance trips are not covered by Medicare and are only free in some states, which means using one can cost.
Ambulance services typically charge a flat rate plus a per-kilometre fee, which is capped. For example, the maximum fee chargeable by NSW Ambulance for an emergency call is $6,571.
In Queensland and Tasmania, patients are automatically covered while the other states and territories give residents the option of securing either an annual ambulance subscription or cover through private health insurance.
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Who needs ambulance cover?
In Queensland and Tasmania, there’s no need to purchase ambulance cover. In-state ambulance services are paid for by the state governments, which means residents are automatically covered for emergency transport.
For out-of-state emergencies, Tasmania has reciprocal agreements with all states except South Australia and Queensland. Queensland residents are covered for ambulance services whether they are in or out of their home state.
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How much does ambulance cover cost?
In Victoria, South Australia, Northern Territory and rural Western Australia, patients can purchase an annual subscription or private health insurance. Ambulance-only cover or ambulance subscriptions cost around $50 to $100 per year for a single person, and around $100 to $130 per year for a family depending on the state or insurer.
Residents of NSW, ACT and metropolitan Perth need private ambulance cover or they run the risk of paying expensive ambulance bills themselves.
If you have a concession card and live in a state that requires ambulance cover you should be entitled to free ambulance care.
How does ambulance cover work?
When someone calls triple-0 for an ambulance, they will be treated and transported to hospital regardless of their ability to pay their ambulance bill.
Assuming they’re appropriately covered in their state, most people will never see their ambulance bill. Either the state government, subscription service or private health fund will often take care of the bill directly or reimburse people who have paid their own invoices.
What does ambulance cover include?
Private Healthcare Australia advises those with ambulance-only cover to carefully consider the extent of their plan’s coverage.
“Make sure you’re covered for an emergency ambulance for both on-the-spot treatment or hospital treatment, and ensure there are no limitations to the number of emergency trips each year.”
What if I’m not insured and can’t pay for my ambulance?
No one who calls an ambulance in an emergency will ever be refused help in Australia.
“NSW Ambulance responds to calls and treats and transports patients regardless of their ability to pay the resulting fee,” a spokesperson for NSW Ambulance says.
“While Medicare does not cover ambulance fees, the NSW government may waive fees for a range of people, including those who hold pension or health care benefits cards.”
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