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Why you should include ambulance cover in your policy
Emergencies can occur out of the blue – they’re not something you can plan for. And if you’re ever in a situation where you need to call an ambulance, the last thing you want to be thinking about is how much it will cost.
For a lot of us, calling emergency services and then receiving a large bill after the event can be a shock. In fact, one in three Australians believe that Medicare covers the cost of calling an ambulance. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. The average ambulance claim CBHS paid out in the 2022 financial year was $975.79.
“If you hold any level of Hospital cover with CBHS, you’re automatically covered for emergency ambulance transport.”
It’s also important to know that ambulance fees still apply if someone else calls an ambulance on your behalf or if you didn’t want the ambulance called.
Your state-by-state guide to ambulance cover in Australia
The cost of calling an ambulance in Australia depends on several factors including which state or territory you live in and if you have private health insurance.
We’ve put together this guide to help you understand what ambulance cover you’ll need depending on where you live. You’ll also get an insight into how ambulance cover works from state-to-state.
NSW
If you don’t have ambulance cover and you – or a loved one – needs emergency ambulance treatment or transport, you’ll have to pay a fee. NSW residents without Ambulance cover will pay 51% of the cost of service, while the NSW Government provides a 49% subsidy.
Ambulance fees include the following:
- Call-out charge
- Kilometre charge which includes the round trip between the ambulance station, pick up address, destination and return to the ambulance station.
You can find out more details on the costs at NSW Ambulance.
Pensioners can access free ambulance services for all medically necessary trips in NSW.
A CBHS member?
If you have Hospital cover with CBHS, you’re covered for medically necessary emergency and non-emergency ambulance services. If you have stand-alone Ambulance cover with CBHS, you’re covered for emergency ambulance transportation services only.
“To avoid large out-of-pocket costs, it’s a good idea to check your insurance policy and make sure it includes ambulance cover.”
Victoria
If you don’t have ambulance cover, you’ll need to pay a fee for emergency transport services. You can choose to pay a membership with Ambulance Victoria to cover your ambulance costs. Visit Ambulance Victoria for more details.
Pensioners or concession card holders can access free transportation and on-the-spot treatment.
A CBHS member?
If you have Hospital cover with CBHS, you’re covered for emergency ambulance transportation services.
Australian Capital Territory
If you don’t have ambulance cover and you – or a loved one − needs emergency ambulance treatment or transport, you’ll have to pay a fee unless special circumstances apply. The cost for emergency ambulance service (treatment and transport) is a fixed fee plus a per kilometre charge. And emergency treatment that doesn’t include transport is charged as a fixed fee. You can find out more details at ACT Government.
Pensioners or concession card holders can access free emergency ambulance services.
A CBHS member?
If you have Hospital cover with CBHS, you’re covered for medically necessary emergency and non-emergency ambulance services. If you have stand-alone Ambulance cover with CBHS, you’re covered for emergency ambulance transportation services only.
“CBHS provides you with peace of mind and protection against the high costs associated with emergencies.”
Queensland or Tasmania
If you don’t have ambulance cover, the state government will cover your ambulance costs in most cases if you’re a resident of either Queensland or Tasmania.
You can find out more at:
South Australia
If you don’t have ambulance cover, you’ll need to pay a fixed fee. South Australian residents have an option to purchase a South Australian Ambulance Service membership from the South Australian Ambulance Service.
A CBHS member?
If you have Hospital or Ambulance cover with CBHS, you’re covered for emergency ambulance transportation services.
Northern Territory
If you don’t have ambulance cover, you’ll need to pay a call-out fee and per kilometre fee. NT residents also have the option to purchase a St John Ambulance NT subscription.
A CBHS member?
If you have Hospital or Ambulance cover with CBHS, you’re covered for emergency ambulance services only.
Western Australia
If you don’t have Ambulance cover, your fee will vary depending on the type of call-out. So, if you’re a WA resident and you’d like to be covered for emergency ambulance services, you should consider taking out Hospital cover or stand-alone Ambulance cover with a private health fund.
Aged pensioners may be covered for ambulance transport. You can find out more at Ambulance fees for seniors and pensioners.
A CBHS member?
You’re covered for emergency ambulance transportation services under Hospital cover or Ambulance cover. Residents of WA holding a CBHS Hospital or packaged product are also eligible to claim a benefit for non-emergency ambulance transport services up to a maximum of $5,000 per person per calendar year.
Veterans and ambulance service cover
If you’re a veteran holding a Department of Veteran Affairs Health Card or Veteran Card, you’re automatically covered for state ambulance services in every state and territory.
For more details, visit the Department of Veteran Affairs.
Give yourself the reassurance of ambulance cover
When you need emergency transportation, the last thing you should be worrying about is the cost of the service. That’s why it makes sense to ensure ambulance cover is part of your policy – your peace of mind is paramount.
The cost of ambulance treatment and services differ from state-to-state. For instance, NSW ambulance cover differs to what the residents of South Australia can expect.
Ultimately, without the correct ambulance insurance, you could be handed a big bill for your trip to hospital. And it will be an out-of-pocket expense. The good news is that, if you already hold any level of Hospital cover with CBHS, you’re automatically covered for emergency ambulance transport.
Remember, if you’re not certain whether your current policy covers Ambulance services, feel free to get in touch with our Member Care team on 1300 654 123.
Sources
https://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/our-services/accounts-and-fees
https://www.privatehealth.gov.au/health_insurance/what_is_covered/ambulance.htm
https://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/membership/fees-terms/
http://www.saambulance.com.au/ProductsServices/AmbulanceCover.aspx
https://www.stjohnnt.org.au/ambulance/ambulance-cover.php
All information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only. It’s best to contact your ambulance service provider in your state or territory for latest cost information.