Ambulance Cover in Australia

What is ambulance cover?

Ambulance cover is a type of insurance that covers your costs if you need to call out paramedics and be taken to hospital in an ambulance. It’s really important to note that ambulance fees are very different depending in which state you live. We’ll get into that shortly.

Why is Ambulance Cover So Important?

Ambulance services in Australia are not covered by Medicare, and a single emergency callout can cost up to $1,200—or higher in some regions, such as rural or interstate areas. Without ambulance insurance, Australians face potentially overwhelming costs in medical emergencies.

Proper ambulance cover ensures you’re financially protected, whether through a standalone ambulance membership or as part of a private health insurance policy.

What Does Ambulance Cover Typically Include?

Ambulance cover ranges widely depending on the provider and policy you choose, but it generally includes:

Emergency Transport: Covers ambulance callouts for emergencies like accidents, strokes, or heart attacks.

Non-Emergency Medical Transport: Includes medically necessary transport for non-urgent care, like transfers between hospitals.

Road and Air Ambulance Services: Many policies also cover air transport if required during emergencies.

Pro tip: Check your policy’s inclusions for unlimited trips and whether coverage applies interstate or only within your home state.

Real-Life Example: Why Ambulance Cover Matters

Scenario:

Ben, a 35-year-old from Melbourne, experienced severe chest pain while visiting Brisbane. An ambulance was called, and he was transported to the nearest hospital. Without ambulance cover, Ben would have faced a bill of around $1,250 for the callout and transport.

With appropriate private health insurance that included nationwide ambulance cover, his costs were fully covered, giving him financial and emotional peace of mind. This example highlights the importance of confirming interstate coverage, especially for frequent travellers.

How much can an ambulance trip cost?

This depends on the state ambulance service you’re using - and whether or not you actually live in that state. You could be travelling interstate for example, and need an emergency trip to hospital. In this case, you could be up for a significant bill, unless you have ambulance cover.

Source: Each state ambulance service. Prices are believed accurate as of October 2024. Excludes air ambulance services.

Which states charge you for ambulance journeys?

Queensland and Tasmania don’t charge residents for ambulance services. If you live in any other states, you’ll need ambulance cover to avoid paying fees for these services.

How much do ambulance services actually cost?

New South Wales: New South Wales ambulance costs can be significant. Luckily, residents are only billed for 51% of the ambulance fee -- the rest is subsidised by the NSW government -- but you'll still need health insurance or ambulance cover to avoid the rest of the fees.

Australian Capital Territory: In general, ACT residents are responsible for paying their own way, you have health insurance.

Victoria: Victorians will have to cover the costs of an ambulance ride if it's not covered through an Ambulance Victoria membership or a private health fund.

South Australia: SA residents will be liable to pay for ambulance services, unless they're a member of the SA Ambulance Service or a private health fund.

Northern Territory: Residents will have to pay for ambulance services unless they're a member of St Johns or have private health insurance.

Western Australia: The same rules in the NT apply to WA.

What is the cost of an ambulance trip?

If you don’t have ambulance cover, here’s an idea of what you could be paying:

Ready to Compare Your Options?

Avoid the financial shock of ambulance transport bills by ensuring you have the right cover for your needs. Whether you’re after standalone cover or a private health insurance policy that includes ambulance benefits, Compare Club can help.

Let our specialists help you compare options# and find a great solution for your budget and lifestyle. Contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ambulance Cover Part of My Health Insurance?

Many health insurance policies include ambulance cover, but the extent varies. Some offer unlimited trips, while others may cap claims. Always check your policy’s exact inclusions to avoid surprises.

Do Waiting Periods Apply to Ambulance Cover?

There is often no waiting period for emergency ambulance services. However, waiting periods may apply for non-emergency ambulance transport under certain policies.

Is Standalone Ambulance Cover Enough?

Standalone cover works well for people who don’t want private health insurance but need emergency transport protection. However, private health insurance gives you additional benefits, including broader coverage for other health needs.

Does Medicare cover ambulance journeys?

No, Medicare doesn’t cover emergency transport costs or any other ambulance services.

Can I use ambulance cover interstate?

This depends on which state you live in. The QLD government pays for ambulance cover Australia wide if you’re a resident, while Tasmanian residents can only get cover within their state. Even exempt residents may not be covered outside of their home state, so if you’re travelling interstate, it’s wise to check with your state ambulance service, Concession Card provider or health insurer as to whether you’ll be covered for ambulance trips or not.

Sources: 

• Ambulance Victoria

• Australian Government Department of Health

• Private Health Insurance Ombudsman

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).