In Australia, regionally administered universal health insurance known as Medicare is offered to all citizens. The federal government provides funding and support for things such as inpatient and outpatient care and prescription medications. Each state also contributes its own finding and oversees public hospitals and community health. The universal health care option, or Medicare, covers many services, from doctor visits to stays at a public hospital. Unfortunately, Medicare doesn't typically cover the cost of emergency ambulance transportation or other ambulance services. Depending on where you live, you might receive a discount or have ambulance services covered on a limited basis.
During an emergency, you may be in for a large
out-of-pocket expense if you have to call for an ambulance ride. Many
Australians don't realize that Medicare doesn't cover the cost of emergency
ambulance services. If you live in Queensland or Tasmania, the state will typically
pick up the bill for your ambulance ride. For everyone else, however, you could
face a significant bill if you or a family member requires an emergency
ambulance service. The average emergency ambulance charge can run over $1000, and you will have to pay that without
ambulance coverage.
Without the proper coverage, many people in
Australia would have to pay the full cost of ambulance transport each year.
However, depending on the state or territory, many private health insurers
include ambulance cover as part of their policies. Let's take a look at ambulance
coverage and how it might benefit you.
Types of Ambulance Insurance
Most private
health insurance companies offer ambulance coverage to help with certain
expenses incurred when you require treatment and transportation by paramedics. Emergency
transportation is often essential in urgent medical situations but isn't
covered under the federal Medicare plan. Private insurance companies usually
offer ambulance coverage as a separate cover as well as part of many
comprehensive insurance plans.
There are
two types of ambulance coverage offered by most insurance companies. Emergency
cover and comprehensive cover both offer financial help with an ambulance bill.
Specific coverages will vary by insurer. Some offer cover for all ambulance
rides, while others only cover emergency services and medically necessary
ambulance transport. Additionally, some ambulance policies set limits such as
cover only in your state or territory.
It's
important to be aware of any limitations or exclusions when looking for
ambulance insurance coverage. You'll want to investigate whether your provider
covers all types of emergency transport, or only road services, for example.
Also, some policies don't cover "call-out" fees if an ambulance is
dispatched but treats you at the scene and doesn't take you to the hospital.
Make sure that you do your research to determine the best type of ambulance
insurance for you and your family.
Benefits of Ambulance Insurance
If you don't
subscribe to your state's ambulance membership scheme and you don't have
coverage for emergency ambulance transportation, you'll likely have to pay the
full cost of an ambulance ride. However, with ambulance coverage, the cost of
ambulance services is covered and will result in very little out-of-pocket costs
should you require services. No matter if you require emergency treatment or
medical transport, an insurance plan can help you cover the costs.
Additionally, in an extreme emergency, you may require a life flight that comes
with a high cost. Your ambulance insurance can also help with these costs.
Recent
reports indicate that around 3.7 million emergency incidents have resulted
in 4.3 million ambulance service responses throughout Australia each year. From
medical conditions to car accidents, many people rely on critical emergency
medical care. There is no need to be caught off guard by the cost of an
ambulance ride. With ambulance transport cover, you will be taken care of, and
you won't have to worry about the cost of the ambulance trip for you or your
family.
When you contact Air Ambulance 1, you can be confident that your loved ones will be treated with the highest professionalism, medical repatriation USA team provide best service for your loved ones.
