Dialled 000? Get Ready for a $1,200 Bill. Why Medicare Won't Pay for Your Ambulance
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| Dialled 000? Get Ready for a $1,200 Bill. |
You are having severe chest pains. Your partner dials 000. The paramedics arrive, treat you, and rush you to the nearest hospital. You are safe.
Two weeks later, you open your mailbox and find an invoice for $1,350.
You assume it is a mistake. "I have Medicare! I am an Australian resident!" you shout. You call the number, and the operator tells you the cold hard truth: "Medicare does not cover ambulance services."
The Great Australian Myth
Many Australians (and almost all new migrants) mistakenly believe that ambulance transport is part of the free public health system. It is not.
Unlike seeing a GP or staying in a public hospital, Ambulance Services are state-based, and in most states, they operate on a "user pays" system.
💸 The Cost of a 15-Minute Ride (2026 Estimate)
Ambulance fees are astronomical and indexed annually. They typically charge a "Call-out Fee" plus a "Per Kilometre" rate.
- Victoria: Approx. $1,350+ for an emergency transport in metropolitan areas.
- NSW: Call-out fee of approx. $444 + $4.00 per km. (Max charge can exceed $7,000).
- South Australia: Approx. $1,100+ for a standard emergency call-out.
Even if they treat you on the spot and don't take you to the hospital, you can still be charged a "treatment fee" (often $500+).
State-by-State Rules (Where Do You Live?)
Whether you pay depends entirely on your postcode.
| State / Territory | Is it Free? | How to Get Covered |
|---|---|---|
| QLD & TAS | YES. | State Government pays for residents. Covered automatically nationwide (for QLD residents). |
| VIC | NO. | Must buy Ambulance Victoria Membership (Approx. $62/year for singles) or Private Health. |
| NSW & ACT | NO. | Must have Private Health Insurance. (Full exemptions generally apply for Pensioners/Concession card holders). |
| WA, SA, NT | NO. | Must buy St John Ambulance Subscription or Private Health. |
Private Health vs. State Membership
If you live in a "user pays" state (like VIC or SA), you have two choices:
- State Ambulance Membership: You pay a small annual fee directly to the ambulance service (e.g., Ambulance Victoria). This covers you 100% for all necessary transport.
- Private Health Insurance: Most Hospital policies include ambulance cover. BUT BE CAREFUL.
⚠️ The "Emergency Only" Trap
Some cheap private health policies only cover "Emergency Ambulance."
If your doctor calls an ambulance to transfer you to another hospital for tests, the insurer might reject the claim saying it wasn't "life-threatening." State Memberships usually cover these "Non-Emergency" transfers too.
Chief Editor’s Verdict
Do not gamble with 000.
If you live in NSW, check your private health policy today to ensure ambulance is included. If you live in Victoria, WA, SA, or NT, spend the $60-$120 a year for a direct Ambulance Subscription. It is cheaper than a single tank of petrol, and it could save you thousands.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice. Ambulance fees and regulations in Australia are subject to change. Please consult with your state ambulance service or private health insurer for the most current rates and coverage details applicable to your specific situation.
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