Farm Insurance :: 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


Insurance News

Summer Surge in Rural Crime: Protecting Australian Farms
Summer Surge in Rural Crime: Protecting Australian Farms
06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
WFI Insurance has reported a significant increase in rural crime during the summer months, with January experiencing approximately 14% more crime-related insurance claims than any other month. This trend underscores the need for heightened vigilance and enhanced security measures on Australian farms during this period. - read more
Achmea Australia's Comprehensive Flood Cover: A Game-Changer for Farmers
Achmea Australia's Comprehensive Flood Cover: A Game-Changer for Farmers
06 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant development for Australian farmers, Achmea Australia has announced that flood cover is built into its farm insurance policies. This offering addresses a critical gap in the market, as many leading underwriters have traditionally excluded flood coverage from their farm policies. - read more
NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: Implications and Alternatives for Australian Farmers
NRMA's Departure from Farm Insurance: Implications and Alternatives for Australian Farmers
26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In a significant shift within the Australian insurance landscape, NRMA Insurance ceased offering farm insurance policies, including Hobby Farm and Rural Farm Insurance, as of July 1, 2025. This decision has left many farmers seeking reliable alternatives to safeguard their livelihoods. - read more
Preparing for Summer Storms: Insights from Elders Insurance on Protecting Your Farm
Preparing for Summer Storms: Insights from Elders Insurance on Protecting Your Farm
26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
As the Australian summer approaches, Elders Insurance has issued a cautionary advisory to farmers, emphasising the heightened risk of storm-related damages during this season. Recent data indicates a significant increase in insurance claims due to summer storms, underscoring the need for proactive measures to safeguard agricultural assets. - read more
Climate Change and Rising Insurance Premiums: Insights from IAG
Climate Change and Rising Insurance Premiums: Insights from IAG
26 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has highlighted the growing impact of climate change on home insurance premiums, attributing rising costs to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. This trend underscores the urgent need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies to address evolving risks. - read more
Learning from Near Misses: Enhancing Farm Safety in Australia
Learning from Near Misses: Enhancing Farm Safety in Australia
18 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
In July 2025, Farmsafe Australia launched the 'Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You'll Get' campaign, aiming to transform near misses on farms into learning opportunities to prevent future accidents. This initiative underscores the critical importance of recognising and addressing close calls in agricultural settings. - read more

Farm Insurance Articles

Common Myths About Farm Insurance Debunked
Common Myths About Farm Insurance Debunked
Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, understanding farm insurance is crucial. It's more than just a safety net; it's a way to ensure that your farming business can withstand unforeseen challenges. By safeguarding your livelihood, farm insurance offers peace of mind amidst uncertainties. - read more
Top 10 Ways Australian Farmers Can Slash Insurance Costs Without Risking Coverage
Top 10 Ways Australian Farmers Can Slash Insurance Costs Without Risking Coverage
Welcome to our definitive guide for Australian farmers on managing one of the most crucial aspects of their business: insurance. As a cultivator of the land, you're no stranger to the unpredictability of nature and the market. From intense weather events to fluctuating market demands, your line of work comes with its unique set of risks. Hence, safeguarding your livelihood with the right insurance is not just important—it's essential. - read more
Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs
Essential Coverage vs. Optional Add-ons: Balancing Protection and Costs
For Australian farmers, having the right insurance coverage isn't just a safety net—it's an integral part of sustaining their livelihood. Natural disasters, unpredictable climate conditions, and the inherent risks of agricultural production underline the critical importance of robust insurance for the agricultural community. As farmers navigate the complexities of insurance, understanding the basics becomes the first step toward securing their assets and ensuring the continuity of their operations. - read more
5 Key Types of Farm Insurance Policies for Australian Farmers
5 Key Types of Farm Insurance Policies for Australian Farmers
As an Australian farmer, understanding the necessity of farm insurance is crucial to protecting your livelihood. The agricultural sector is inherently fraught with risks, ranging from natural disasters to the unpredictable market. Farm insurance serves as a vital safety net, safeguarding your farm's infrastructure, crops, livestock, and more. - read more
Secure Your Farm's Future: Understanding the Importance of On-Farm Risk Assessment
Secure Your Farm's Future: Understanding the Importance of On-Farm Risk Assessment
In the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture, the security and stability of a farm hinge on thorough preparation and strategic foresight. A pivotal component in safeguarding a farm's future lies in the critical role of on-farm risk assessment. This process provides a structured approach to identifying potential risks that could affect a farm's operations, financial health, and overall sustainability. - read more
How to Choose the Right Farm Insurance Policy for Your Needs
How to Choose the Right Farm Insurance Policy for Your Needs
Farm insurance is a type of coverage designed specifically for the unique risks and operations involved in farming. It encompasses protection for farm dwellings, equipment, livestock, and crops, offering a tailored approach that reflects the diverse needs of farm owners. This coverage can help safeguard your livelihood against unforeseen events that could disrupt farm operations or result in significant financial losses. - read more

Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Farm Type:
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
Incontestability Clause:
A provision in a life insurance policy that prevents the insurer from voiding coverage due to a misstatement by the insured after a certain period.