Bupa offers Australia-wide ambulance cover for all Australian residents. However, different Australian states have different rules when it comes to ambulance cover.
Residents in Queensland have ambulance cover provided by the QLD government. The state-funded ambulance service offers coverage to their residents nation-wide.
Tasmania residents are covered for ambulance transportation by the Tasmanian state government in Tasmania. Reciprocal agreements exist in all states except SA and QLD.
NSW /ACT residents who either hold a concession card in New South Wales or Australian Capital Territory or who hold an eligible hospital cover with a private health insurance fund are covered for emergency ambulance services within NSW and all states except SA and QLD. Residents without private health insurance or concession entitlements are personally responsible for the cost of ambulance transportation. Bupa offers nationwide ambulance cover to avoid an unexpected ambulance bill.
Residents of South Australia need to personally ensure they are covered, either through a direct subscription with South Australia Ambulance Service or a private health fund.
Ambulance services for residents of Northern Territory and Western Australian rural areas are run by St John Ambulance Australia, under contract to the state/territory government. People in the Perth metropolitan area (From Two Rocks in the north to Port Kennedy in the south and Wundowie in the east) must get ambulance cover from a private health insurer to be covered. All Western Australian Aged Pensioners have access to ambulance services free of charge. All other senior citizens over 65 pay only 50% of the normal cost.
Residents in Victoria need to personally ensure they are covered either through a direct subscription with Ambulance Victoria or through a health fund.
The table below shows subscription rates for ambulance services provided by individual state or territorial governments. The fees show cost per individual resident per year in a particular state. Stated premiums are valid as of 15 June2012 and were sourced from providers’ websites.
Bupa offers Australia-wide Emergency Only Ambulance Cover from only $39/year1.
| Ambulance Services Provider | Fees (per year) for singles |
| Ambulance Victoria |
$38.35/year |
| ACT Ambulance Services | n/a |
| St John Ambulance WA | $75.00/ year |
| St John Ambulance WA | $75.00/ year |
| St John Ambulance NT | $75.00/ year |
| SA Ambulance Services | $67.00/ year |
| Ambulance Services of NSW | n/a |
| Queensland Ambulance Service | State Government Scheme |
| Ambulance Tasmania | State Government Scheme |
Terms and Conditions
1. Emergency Only Ambulance for singles. $78 for couples and families. Premiums quoted do not include the Australian Government Rebate.
