Compare ambulance cover in Victoria

What is ambulance cover?

In some states, ambulance cover is free. This isn’t the case in Victoria. You’ll have to foot the bill for any emergency transport yourself, unless you have ambulance cover through your private health fund or you’re a member of Ambulance Victoria.

Without ambulance cover, a ride to hospital in Victoria will likely leave you with an expensive bill to pay, on top of whatever emergency you’re dealing with.

Does Medicare provide ambulance cover in Victoria?

Medicare does not provide ambulance cover in Victoria.

If you’re not one of the concession card holders listed below, and you want cover, you’ll need an Ambulance Victoria membership or appropriate private health insurance. Ambulance cover is included in many Basic tier hospital policies. Find out more about the tiers of cover here.

With Ambulance Victoria membership cover^, you’re covered for non-emergency patient transport to the nearest pre-approved medical facility, where deemed medically necessary.

Who gets free ambulance transportation in Victoria?

Unless you’re covered for ambulance services, emergency transport to hospital can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars. In Victoria, free ambulance trips are only available for those with a Pensioner Concession Card or Health Care Card, and only if it’s considered clinically necessary.

In addition, even if you’re a concession card holder, if you’re transported from a private healthcare facility, the sending private facility is responsible for payment and they may pass this cost on to you.

How much is the cost of an ambulance in Victoria for the rest of us?

The cost of ambulance transport services depends on where you're located in Victoria, whether the incident is an emergency or non-emergency, and the type of transport (land, sea, or air).

The starting cost for emergency road ambulance transport is $1,306 in metro Victoria (including Melbourne, Bayside and Frankston) and $1,927 in regional or rural Victoria^. Note that Geelong is not considered a metro area.

For non-emergency transport, it costs $353 (stretcher) and $116 (clinic car) for metropolitan areas and $596 (stretcher) for rural areas^. For treatment with no transport, it could cost $563^.

Air ambulance costs in Victoria depend on whether transport is done through an aeroplane or helicopter. An aeroplane transport costs up to $3,132, while a helicopter call-out can cost up to $27,732^.

Do you need ambulance cover in Victoria?

Because Victoria doesn’t subsidise emergency ambulance services, you can end up spending a lot of money for emergency transportation - and this is probably the last thing you want to be thinking about if you or anyone you love needs urgent medical care. Having ambulance cover means one less thing to worry about, should you need an ambulance.

How much is the cost of ambulance cover in Victoria?

Like all health cover policies, the cost will vary with your fund, but it’s possible to purchase ambulance cover in Victoria for less than $100 a year.

That said, it’s always wise to check the terms and conditions to ensure you’re covered for all your needs - such as if you needed an ambulance while interstate, or another type of ambulance (such as an air ambulance).

Speaking with an expert can help you sort out the details:

What should I look for in ambulance cover?

There are a few things to look out for when purchasing ambulance cover as a Victoria resident. Ensure your policy covers non-emergency situations, interstate travel, call-out fees, emergency air ambulance and other transport.

What’s included in my ambulance cover in Victoria?

Each policy and provider comes with its own set of conditions and inclusions. This is why we recommend taking the time to compare private health policies before purchasing ambulance cover in Victoria.

The experts at Compare Club make it easy to compare funds, and policies, to find a great value option for you and your family*.

Are there any waiting periods?

Typically, ambulance cover only requires a one day waiting period. This is pretty standard across all health funds.

Which health funds offer ambulance cover?

All the major health funds - and many of the smaller ones - offer ambulance cover.

Will I be covered if I'm interstate?

Some health funds only provide ambulance cover within a particular state, while others provide it Australia-wide cover. However, with an Ambulance Victoria membership, you are provided the same level of cover in other states as you have within Victoria^.

How do I choose the right cover in Victoria?

Not all cover is equal. Many health insurance policies with Ambulance cover sit in the Basic Hospital Cover tier, which generally covers ambulance trips, helps you avoid paying the Medicare Levy Surcharge and covers a few hospital services.

For a few dollars more a week, you can upgrade to Bronze Hospital Cover, which often includes ambulance transport, plus a number of other common health situations, like ear, nose and throat, gynaecology, and cancer treatment.

Compare Club’s experts are here to help you find a great value cover* for your and your family’s needs*. Click below to start comparing health cover today.

*Compare Club compares selected products from a panel of trusted insurers. We do not compare all products in the market. ^Ambulance Fees

Chris Stanley is the sales & operations manager of health insurance at Compare Club. With extensive experience and expertise, Chris is a trusted leader known for his deep understanding of health insurance markets, policies, and coverage options. As the sales & operations manager of health insurance, Chris leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their health insurance needs.

Meet our health insurance expert, Chris Stanley

Chris's top health insurance tips

• 1

  Australia’s public health system is world-class, but wait times for public hospitals can be long, inconvenient - and leave you living in constant pain while you wait.

• 2

  An appropriate private health insurance policy can speed up your surgery, relieving your pain sooner.

• 3

  Family health cover means your children are covered under the same policy as you.

• 4

  Many health insurance policies come with a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related cover, so it’s a good idea to get a family policy organized well before starting your family. This means your child will be covered from birth until at least their early twenties (depending on which health fund you select).