Ambulance services can be expensive, however many Australians don’t realise ambulance transport isn’t covered by Medicare.
Depending on where you live, ambulance services may be covered by a state scheme, a subscription service or included under your private health insurance.
This article explains how ambulance cover works, what it can include and why it’s important to understand exactly what your policy covers.
Key Points
- Ambulance cover works differently depending on where you live and the type of cover you have
- Ambulance cover can be provided through a state scheme, subscription service or private health insurance
- Some health insurance policies only include emergency ambulance cover, while others provide comprehensive cover
- Understanding exactly what your policy covers can help avoid unexpected ambulance costs
Does Medicare cover ambulance services?
No. Ambulance transport is not covered by Medicare.
Without some form of ambulance cover, you may need to pay the full cost of ambulance transport yourself.
Why can ambulance services be expensive?
Ambulance transport can be expensive, particularly if you require emergency treatment or transport over a long distance.
The cost can vary depending on the type of ambulance service required, the distance travelled and whether additional medical support is needed during transport.
Without some form of ambulance cover, these costs may need to be paid out of pocket.
How does ambulance cover differ between states
How does ambulance cover work in each state?
| State | How ambulance cover works |
|---|---|
| Queensland | Queensland residents are covered Australia-wide for emergency ambulance services through the Queensland Government. |
| Tasmania | Tasmanian residents are covered for ambulance services through the Tasmanian Government. |
| New South Wales | NSW residents need ambulance cover through private health insurance or a separate ambulance subscription. |
| Victoria | Victorian residents can purchase ambulance membership through Ambulance Victoria or obtain ambulance cover through private health insurance. |
| South Australia | South Australian residents need ambulance cover through private health insurance or a separate ambulance subscription. |
| Western Australia | WA residents may need ambulance cover through private health insurance depending on their age and circumstances. |
| ACT | ACT residents need ambulance cover through private health insurance or a separate ambulance subscription. |
| Northern Territory | NT residents need ambulance cover through private health insurance or a separate ambulance subscription. |
Some pensioners, concession card holders and DVA card holders may be entitled to reduced-cost or free ambulance services depending on their state or territory. Check your relevant state ambulance service website for the latest eligibility information. Ambulance arrangements can change over time and interstate rules may also apply. Always check the latest ambulance information relevant to your state or territory.
How does private health insurance cover ambulance services?
Some private health insurance policies include ambulance cover, however the level of cover can differ depending on the policy.
Some policies only include emergency ambulance transport, while others may provide more comprehensive cover for medically necessary ambulance services.
Because ambulance cover can vary significantly between health funds and policies, it’s important to check exactly what is included under your cover.
What’s the difference between emergency and comprehensive ambulance cover?
Not all ambulance cover works the same way.
Some health insurance policies only include cover for emergency ambulance transport where immediate medical treatment or transport is required.
Other policies may provide more comprehensive ambulance cover, which can include additional medically necessary ambulance services such as inter-hospital transfers or air ambulance transport.
Because ambulance cover can differ between policies and health funds, it’s important to understand exactly what is included under your cover and whether you may also need a separate ambulance subscription.
How does ambulance cover work with Phoenix Health?
Phoenix Health includes comprehensive ambulance cover with all Hospital covers.
This includes Australia-wide emergency ambulance transport by a recognised ambulance provider where medically necessary.
You can learn more about Phoenix Health’s ambulance cover, including terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.
Is ambulance cover worth having?
For many Australians, ambulance cover can provide peace of mind against potentially large unexpected costs.
Even a single ambulance trip can be expensive without some form of cover, particularly if emergency treatment, long-distance transport or air ambulance services are required.
Because ambulance arrangements differ between states and health insurance policies, it’s important to understand what cover you already have and whether any gaps may apply.
Looking for health cover that includes comprehensive ambulance cover?
Get a quote or explore Phoenix Health’s Hospital cover options online.
