Ambulance Costs by State
| State | Cost | How to Get Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| QLD | Free | Funded through electricity bills |
| TAS | Free | State-funded |
| VIC | ~$1,400 metro, $2,000+ rural | Ambulance Victoria membership: $56.47/yr single, $112.95/yr family |
| NSW | $464 call-out + $4.18/km | Ambulance cover through private health insurance extras, or NSW government covers some concession card holders |
| SA | $270–$4,653 depending on distance | SA Ambulance cover: $106/yr single, $211/yr family |
| WA | $1,253 call-out (emergency) | Country Ambulance Benefit Fund $107–$141/yr family — not available in metro Perth |
| NT | $900+ (emergency) | St John Ambulance membership available |
| ACT | $992+ (emergency) | ACT Ambulance levy is included in rates, but inter-hospital transfers may be charged |
Costs are approximate and may vary. Long-distance transfers, helicopter retrieval, and multiple-patient callouts can cost significantly more.
Who's Covered
Pensioners and concession card holders are often exempt or subsidised in their state. Check with your state ambulance service. Private health insurance extras often include ambulance cover — check your policy.
The Bottom Line
If you're in VIC, WA, or SA, ambulance membership is one of the best value insurance products in Australia. For $50–100/year, you're covered for trips that can cost thousands. In NSW, check whether your private health extras include ambulance cover — many do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover ambulance?
No. Medicare does not cover ambulance services in any state. You need separate ambulance cover through state membership, private health insurance, or a concession card.
Does private health insurance cover ambulance?
Many extras policies include ambulance cover, but not all. Check your policy. Hospital-only policies generally don't include ambulance.
What if I can't pay an ambulance bill?
Contact your state ambulance service about payment plans or hardship provisions. Some states offer reduced fees for concession card holders.