Public Liability Insurance Online :: Articles

Ambulance Cover: Do You Need It?

Do I need ambulance cover in Australia if Medicare doesn't include it?

Ambulance Cover: Do You Need It?

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Medicare in Australia doesn't cover ambulance services or emergency transport. These services are more often covered by private health insurance. However, private funds are not the only ambulance and emergency transportation service providers available.
State governments also have their own ambulance and emergency transport services for community residents, and the costs of these services depend on the state in which you live. In some states, these services are free, but in others they may be costly enough for you to consider adding ambulance cover to your health insurance plan.
Ambulance cover can be confusing, especially when you consider that there are four different rules for emergency medical transportation services across Australia's seven states. If you live in QLD, NSW, or TAS for instance, ambulance services may be provided either through your local government or through the payment you make on your electricity bills.
Insuring your most valuable asset
Image for Insuring your most valuable assetWhile many people would consider their home or their car to be their most valuable asset, it's your ability to earn an income that is most important in shaping your financial future. Statistically, two thirds of working Australians will suffer an injury or illness that will sideline them for 90 days or more. The majority of these people would not be able to pay their mortgage or meet car finance and other loan commitments without adequate income insurance.
Even still, these states do not pay 100 percent of the ambulance or emergency transportation costs, and you may not be covered at all outside of your home state, another reason to consider adding this service to your health insurance plan.
Of course, there are private health care funds that offer 100 percent ambulance cover, so you never need to worry about the cost of being transported to hospital in an emergency, no matter where you are.
By comparing health plans, you can find a policy that will pay for ambulance services and that meet your other health care needs as well, a real plus when you consider the bill for an ambulance can run $130 and more.
Residents of ACT, VIC, SA, NT and WA can purchase affordable ambulance cover through their local government.
However, the requirements to receive benefits for the full cost of the transport dictate that the ambulance service be medically necessary.
In other words, due to your condition or as a result of your medical emergency, you cannot be transported to hospital by any other means if you need immediate medical intervention. If ambulance cover is provided in your health insurance policy, make sure to read it carefully to understand if there are limitations on ambulance transport and if so, what they are.
Some health insurance funds provide ambulance cover automatically in certain specific policies they offer, so it is important to compare health insurance plans to see which provide this service in addition to other services you may want to secure.
Again, make sure you understand the terms of your ambulance cover, as many will have requirements for calling an ambulance to transport yourself or a loved one to hospital only when it is deemed medically necessary according to the terms of your health insurance provider.
Meeting the "medically necessary" requirement can mean any one or all of the following:
  • You must be transported to hospital or other approved medical facility by ambulance in order to receive immediate medical attention.
  • As an already admitted patient, you must be transferred to a separate hospital or facility for certain medical procedures.
  • You have called for an ambulance, but before it arrives you have received immediate professional care, then ambulance transport is no longer going to be covered.
  • An ambulance has been called, but in the meantime you receive immediate professional attention, then transport to the hospital is no longer covered.
  • When an air ambulance is required, you are covered when pre-approval has been obtained.
Ambulance Benefits are not payable under the following circumstances:
  • When any ambulance expense in already fully covered by private ambulance cover or state/territory ambulance plan. However, excess costs may be covered when the existing ambulance plan does not pay for the full amount of the services.
  • When you are transferred from one public hospital or approved center to another by ambulance while an admitted patient.
  • Once you are discharged from a hospital, you may not collect ambulance benefits for transportation.
  • When, as an admitted patient, you must be transported to another hospital for treatment because the admitting hospital does not have the facilities to care properly for you. Sometimes, the admitting hospital that orders your transfer will pick up the ambulance bill for you.
  • If you are 65 and live in WA, you are eligible for free or subsidized ambulance services. If you are eligible for subsidized services, you may be able to claim any uncovered cost from Medibank.
  • Residents of NSW ACT who already pay an ambulance levy as a part of your health insurance premium, and you are entitled to state ambulance cover, and if you have a Commonwealth concession card, you may be exempt from paying the state ambulance fee.
Of course, it's best to check with your local or state government to find out exactly what is and what is not covered under the ambulance transport scheme.
Remember, if you choose to purchase ambulance cover, or add it to your existing private health care plan, compare ambulance covers to find one with the most comprehensive coverage that fits within your budget.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: 273


Business Insurance Articles

A Beginner's Guide to Public Liability Insurance: Protecting Your Business
A Beginner's Guide to Public Liability Insurance: Protecting Your Business
Imagine you own a cozy café where people flock for their morning coffee and a slice of solace. Now picture a customer slipping on a wet floor and sustaining an injury. Incidents like this, as unfortunate as they are, can occur in any business setting and often result in legal claims that can be financially draining. This is where public liability insurance becomes a cornerstone for safeguarding your business. - read more
The Role of Liability Insurance in Managing Contractor and Supplier Risks
The Role of Liability Insurance in Managing Contractor and Supplier Risks
Engaging with contractors and suppliers is an integral facet of many business operations, fostering growth and expansion. However, with this collaboration comes inherent risks that can impact a business financially and legally, should any unexpected incidents arise. It is here that liability insurance steps in as a cornerstone of risk management, safeguarding businesses from potential pitfalls associated with these partnerships. - read more
The Importance of Public Liability Insurance in Protecting Your Business
The Importance of Public Liability Insurance in Protecting Your Business
Public liability insurance is a type of coverage designed to protect business owners against claims made by third parties for injuries or damages that occur in connection with business operations. - read more
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Public Liability Coverage
Top Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Public Liability Coverage
Public liability insurance stands as a crucial safeguard for businesses, shielding them from the financial repercussions of legal claims. These claims can arise when members of the public suffer damages or injuries in connection with a business's operations. Understanding the basics of this coverage is not just a matter of legal compliance for many businesses, but a proactive step in asset protection. - read more
Essential Public Liability Coverage for Gym and Fitness Center Owners
Essential Public Liability Coverage for Gym and Fitness Center Owners
Running a gym or fitness center comes with unique responsibilities, especially when it comes to providing a safe environment for clients. In this dynamic space, where individuals engage in activities that may pose risks, it is imperative for gym owners to understand the importance of public liability insurance. This type of coverage is a cornerstone for safeguarding your business against claims arising from accidental injuries or property damage to third parties. - read more

Insurance News

NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Industry
NSW Court Decision Escalates Liability Risks for Construction Industry
16 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
A recent landmark ruling in New South Wales has significantly altered the liability landscape for the construction industry. The court's decision removes the ability for developers and builders to rely on proportionate liability defences under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (DBP Act), thereby increasing their exposure to claims related to building defects. - read more
Rising Public Liability Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Businesses
Rising Public Liability Insurance Premiums Challenge Australian Businesses
16 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years. According to the data, premiums have risen by 40% since 2015, a rate that surpasses general inflation and places additional financial strain on businesses across the country. - read more
ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums
ICA Advocates for Overhaul of Civil Liability Laws Amid Rising Insurance Premiums
08 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years. These outdated laws are contributing to significant increases in public liability insurance premiums, affecting a wide range of businesses across the nation. - read more
APRA Data Shows Significant Rise in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
APRA Data Shows Significant Rise in Public Liability Insurance Premiums
08 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest National Claims and Policies Database (NCPD) statistics, revealing a substantial increase in public liability insurance premiums over recent years. According to the data, premiums have risen by 40% since 2015, a rate that surpasses general inflation and places additional financial strain on businesses across the country. - read more
Upcover Unveils Comprehensive Management Liability Insurance for Australian SMEs
Upcover Unveils Comprehensive Management Liability Insurance for Australian SMEs
08 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Sydney-based insurtech company Upcover has launched a new management liability insurance product designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole traders across Australia. This offering aims to provide comprehensive protection against a range of risks, including employment disputes, official investigations, tax audits, financial crimes, statutory liabilities, and allegations of legal breaches. - read more

Your free liability insurance quote comparison starts here!
Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Insurable Interest:
A financial or other kind of interest in the insured item or person, necessary for a valid insurance contract.