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Health Insurance for Ambulance Cover

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Medicare does not cover the cost of ambulance transportation (TAS + QLD gov cover some costs for residents)
Without ambulance cover, you can pay up to $1,500 or more for ambulance transportation
Ambulance cover falls under most hospital cover, and some extras policies
Medicare does not cover the cost of ambulance transportation (TAS + QLD gov cover some costs for residents)
Without ambulance cover, you can pay up to $1,500 or more for ambulance transportation
Ambulance cover falls under most hospital cover, and some extras policies
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Accidents Happen. That’s Where Health Insurance for Ambulance Cover & Emergency Transport Insurance Comes into Play.

When it comes to unexpected accidents or illnesses, the last thing you should have to worry about is the financial burden of receiving urgent medical assistance. That's where ambulance cover steps in to provide you with peace of mind. By having the right ambulance cover, you can avoid the potentially hefty costs associated with emergency and non-emergency ambulance services and ensure that you receive the necessary treatment without any financial strain.

It's important to note that not having adequate ambulance cover, or the appropriate type for your needs, can leave you vulnerable to significant expenses in the event of an emergency.

For example, emergency air ambulance fees alone can surpass $5000! That's why it's crucial to understand the ins and outs of ambulance cover, especially considering the variations across different states and territories in Australia, as well as the concessions available to eligible individuals such as pensioners and health care card holders.

By familiarising yourself with the basics of ambulance cover, you'll gain the confidence to make informed decisions about your health care needs. So, let's dive in and make sure you have the necessary coverage to safeguard your well-being without any financial worries.

The Two Different Types of Health Insurance for Ambulance Cover

  • 1. EMERGENCY AMBULANCE

    As the name suggests, an emergency ambulance only provides cover for treatment and transport in an emergency situation where your life is at risk. This could be a major vehicle accident or a sudden collapse due to severe chest pains.
    Typically, unlimited cover is provided for emergency incidents including:
    • Major accidents
    • Sudden onset of pain or collapse
    • Severe chest pain indicating heart attack
    • Broken bones
    • Severe blood loss
    There are several events not covered under emergency ambulance such as:
    • Non-emergency medical treatment or transportation. If you require transportation from the hospital to your home, this is considered non-emergency medical transport. Likewise, if you are transported to the hospital for a non-critical illness or injury and the ambulance doesn’t require the use of lights or sirens during the journey, you won’t be covered under this policy.
    Other reasons including:
    • If you hold a state or territory ambulance subscription
    • If the treatment or transport isn’t recognised by your private health fund
    • If you require specialised transport for routine treatment due to an ongoing health condition such as severe immobility.

  • 2. COMPREHENSIVE AMBULANCE

    Comprehensive ambulance cover offers you financial protection should you need ambulance treatment or transport on the ground, at sea or in the air. This includes both emergency and non-emergency situations.
    Typically, with comprehensive ambulance you’ll be covered for:
    • Emergency treatment and transport by road, air or sea
    • Ambulance treatment on-the-spot at any time, nationwide.
    • Transportation via ambulance between hospitals when deemed medically necessary.
    There are several situations not covered under comprehensive ambulance such as:
    • If you hold a state or territory ambulance subscription
    • If you receive transport from an air or road service that is not government operated or recognised by your health fund
    • If you receive non-emergency ambulance transportation while you’re serving your policy waiting period

It's common for ambulance insurance to be included in broader private health insurance policies, offering individuals more comprehensive coverage. Depending on your location, failing to have even basic ambulance cover can leave you vulnerable to receiving a hefty bill in the mail after receiving urgent medical care.

Although it might be tempting to choose the cheapest ambulance cover available, it's crucial to carefully review the specifics of what the policy actually covers. Dealing with illness or accidents is already stressful, and the last thing you want is to discover from your insurer that you'll be responsible for paying the entire ambulance bill out of your own pocket.

Once you know the type of cover you want, you can easily compare policies with our online comparison tool. Simply select “ambulance only” cover or mix and match it with a hospital or extras package to increase your benefits. Remember to consider the type of ambulance cover you require – emergency or comprehensive.

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Does everyone need Ambulance Cover?

Ambulance cover isn’t just for those who enjoy extreme activities like skydiving or rock climbing. You never know when you might be in a car accident on the way to work or struck with extreme and debilitating pain.

While we might not like to think about these things, being protected means you and your family will have peace of mind so you won’t have to incur the costs of unexpected ambulance personnel treatment and transportation.

However, not all people need to take out ambulance insurance from their health fund. Depending on where you live and your eligibility for concessions, you may not need cover at all. For example, residents of Queensland and Tasmania are provided with free ambulance cover by their state government.

Here’s a breakdown the state Ambulance Cover arrangements:

State
Arrangement
Australian Capital Territory
Those with a Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Concession Care are entitled to free emergency ambulance service.
New South Wales
Those with a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Concession Care or Commonwealth Seniors Health Card are entitled to free emergency Ambulance Cover NSW.
Northern Territory
Pensioner Concession Card Holders or those with a Health Care Concession Card are entitled to free emergency ambulance service. Northern Territory residents have the option to purchase a subscription through a state ambulance service or opt for cover through a registered health fund.
Queensland
The QLD state government provides all residents with free Ambulance Cover.
South Australia
South Australian residents have the option to purchase a subscription through a state ambulance service or opt for cover through a registered health fund.
Tasmania
The Tas state government provides all residents with free Ambulance Cover.
Victoria
Those with a Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Concession Care are entitled to free emergency Ambulance Cover Vic. Victorian residents have the option to purchase a subscription through a state ambulance service or opt for cover through a registered health fund.
Western Australia
Those with a Pensioner Concession Card or a Health Care Concession Care may be entitled to free emergency ambulance service.Western Australian residents have the option to purchase a subscription through a state ambulance service or opt for cover through a registered health fund.
Australia wide
Those with a Department of Veterans Affairs Gold Card are covered for state ambulance service Australia wide.
It’s important to note, this applies while you’re in your state of residence. It may not apply if you’re interstate, so if you travel it’s important to check with your state ambulance authority.

Does Medicare cover ambulance costs?

It’s a common misconception that Medicare covers the cost of ambulance treatment and transport like many medical expenses. If you’ve found out the hard way, you’ll know that you cannot claim these expenses with Medicare.

Choosing Ambulance Cover Only Through a Health Fund

When it comes to securing ambulance cover, you have several options available to ensure your protection.

Standalone ambulance cover

One option is to obtain a standalone ambulance policy, which can provide either emergency or comprehensive cover. Opting for ambulance cover only has its advantages, particularly when it comes to affordability. Standalone ambulance policies typically come at a lower cost compared to combining them with hospital or extras insurance.

Since the benefits are focused solely on ambulance services, this can be a budget-friendly choice. Additionally, selecting an emergency ambulance cover might further reduce costs while offering basic coverage. This is especially beneficial for individuals on a tight budget who may not qualify for concessions, such as students.

Hospital cover with ambulance cover

Alternatively, you can consider a hospital plan that includes ambulance cover, providing you with a more comprehensive insurance policy.

Extras policy with ambulance cover

Another option is an extras policythat encompasses ambulance treatment and transportation. While combining these covers may involve higher costs compared to standalone ambulance policies, they offer a wider range of benefits. It ultimately depends on your individual needs and whether the additional expense is worthwhile for the level of cover you require.

If you decide to combine your ambulance cover with an existing or new hospital or extras package, it's important to carefully consider the level of cover provided. Keep in mind that the extent of ambulance cover can vary between different health funds. By taking the time to assess your options, you can ensure that you choose the level of cover that best suits your needs and provides you with the necessary protection.

Taking out Ambulance Cover through a subscription

If you’re a resident of the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia or Victoria, you’re entitled to take out your ambulance cover through a subscription with your state ambulance authority. Some health funds may reimburse you or pay in part or full, the cost of your annual subscription. Alternatively, you have the option to take out the ambulance cover through a registered health fund.

What are the costs of not having Ambulance Cover?

Thinking of of going without ambulance cover? That’s up to you, but be sure you’re aware of potential ambulance costs before you decide. The costs of ambulance services vary between different states and territories. Here are just some of the costs you may be up for if you require emergency ambulance assistance:

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Who needs cover?

Single Male Single Female Couple Family Family (Single Parent)

State
Emergency Fee
Charges Per Km
ACT
$1,032
$14 for every km outside ACT
NSW
$415
$3.74
NT
A non-life-threatening emergency is $370. Life-threatening is $815.
$5.25 for every kilometre travelled greater than 10km.
SA
$242 for a non-emergency ambulance and $1,085 for an emergency.
$6.20
VIC City
$1,306
N/A
VIC rural
$1,927
N/A
WA
$1,072
N/A
QLD
Free
N/A
Tasmania
Free
N/A
Remember, in the event of an accident or injury, you may not have any say in whether or not to call an ambulance. If someone calls the ambulance on your behalf, you’ll be responsible for paying the bill.

Questions to ask about your Ambulance Cover

Ready to compare ambulance cover policies? Before you search for the right cover for you and your family, we want to provide you with all the questions to ask your potential provider.
Does the policy cover non-emergency transportation and treatment?
As we’ve shared above, there are two types of ambulance cover with some limited to emergency events only.It’s worth checking to see what type of cover the policy offers and how they define emergency situations.
Is there a waiting period?
Some funds with stipulate a waiting period before you’re entitled to receive benefits of your ambulance cover. While you can’t plan an emergency, it’s wise to know when you’re actually covered before you attempt that life or death stunt!
Will I be covered Australia-wide?
Some ambulance insurance policies will only cover you if you’re requiring the service in your state of residence. It’s particularly important if you travel interstate, you check if you’ll be covered outside of your home state.
Will the call-out fee be covered?
In the event you require an ambulance for treatment, but don’t need transportation to a hospital, you’ll be charged a call-out fee. Some policies will cover this, but others may not.
Will I need to make co-payments?
Depending on your policy, you may need to make a co-payment to contribute to the cost of the ambulance fee.
What types of transport are not covered?
The cost of emergency air transportation is excessive, so check what type of ambulance transport your policy covers. Does it include road, sea and air?
Will my children be covered?
Most funds and ambulance subscription services will offer singles, couples or family ambulance cover. If you have dependents, check that your children will be covered under the policy or membership.
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Now that you know everything about ambulance cover and what to look out for, you’re ready to compare policies to find the right one for you and your family.

If you’d like to ask any of the above questions or have queries about a particular ambulance cover, give our friendly team a call on 1300 806 119. They’ll be able to direct you to the right cover that ticks all the boxes.

Ambulance Cover FAQs

1. Is ambulance cover included in my private health insurance extras cover?

Ambulance cover is generally not automatically included in extras cover. However, some private health insurance funds offer it as an optional extra. It's important to check with your health fund to determine if ambulance cover can be added to your extras policy.

2. How much is the call-out fee for non-emergency transport by Ambulance Victoria?

The call-out fee for non-emergency transport by Ambulance Victoria can vary. It's best to contact Ambulance Victoria directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date information on call-out fees and associated costs.

3. Does St John Ambulance provide ambulance transport services?

Yes, St John Ambulance provides ambulance transport services in various regions. They are known for their expertise in medical emergencies and provide critical care during transportation. However, coverage and availability may vary depending on the specific location.

4. Are ambulance rides covered by the Australian government?

The Australian government does not provide universal coverage for ambulance trips. Ambulance services are primarily funded by state governments, and coverage can vary between states and territories. It's essential to have appropriate ambulance cover, either through private health insurance or state ambulance service memberships, to ensure you're protected in case of emergencies.

5. Does taking out hospital cover mean you’re covered for ambulance fees?

The coverage for ambulance fees depends on the specific hospital cover policy you have taken out. While hospital cover typically provides coverage for inpatient medical treatments and hospital expenses, it does not automatically guarantee coverage for ambulance fees.

It’s important to remember that specific details and policies may vary, so it's always recommended to check with your health funds for accurate and up-to-date information based on your individual circumstances.