Is Ambulance Cover Worth It?

Hogg on 01/05/2017 - 14:46
Last edited 01/05/2017 - 16:13

I just called up to cancel my PHI because I worked out that it wasn't worth it for me.

The guy assigned to convince me not to cancel said that I should downgrade to just ambulance cover because the cover costs $30 and a ride in the ambo would cost anywhere from $1000 to $10,000.

Is this true? Is it not worth it for younger people because we're less likely to need an ambo?

I value the financially wise minds of Ozbargainers. Please lend me your insights.

EDIT: Ambulance cover is actually $55/year.

Poll Options

  • 265
    Yes
  • 12
    No
  • 5
    I Don't Know
Financial

Comments

    • amkssg on 02/05/2017 - 09:13
      +1

      The OP is from NSW. Therefore, he should get it from a health fund / PHI.
      For explanation, read comments above and below.

  • Katie2014 on 01/05/2017 - 20:29
    +2

    I'm living in VIC now, but when I was living in NSW I had Ambulance cover through a Health fund (just ambulance - no private health cover). I can't remember which fund, sorry.

    I had heard too many stories about huge ambulance bills and didn't want to risk it!

    There are exemptions, for example if you have a Health Care Card or Pension Card, but if you don't fall into an exemption category, then I'd definitely get it.

  • sparkles on 01/05/2017 - 21:20
    +1

    It costs me $11.23 per quarter for VIC Ambulance direct. It's pretty easy, they send you reminder emails before they direct debit it. It's worth it, just to know you could call an ambulance if you needed to. If you don't have private health cover that includes it, it's a no brainer really.

  • ribze1 on 01/05/2017 - 22:00
    +2

    Yes, one of the few bits of insurance that is needed and good value.

    • Hogg on 02/05/2017 - 16:30

      That is so true. That's why I was really skeptical to begin with but it's starting to look that way.

  • T1OOO on 01/05/2017 - 22:35

    Never needed it in 35 years. Not sure I will for the next 35 either.

    • try2bhelpful on 02/05/2017 - 11:00

      Did you just post because you were bored and wanted a counterpoint to the sensible posts?

      • Providence on 02/05/2017 - 22:16

        Actually he has a point. In SA the premiums are $80 for a single (double that for a family) for a year. If you banked that money instead it would pay for a metro ambo ride every 6 to 12 years. So he's in front by not having it. I'm not saying you shouldn't have insurance, just that like most insurance, the premiums of the low risk people subsidize the premiums of the high risk people and for whatever reason he is probably low risk.

        • try2bhelpful on 03/05/2017 - 08:26

          6-12 years is a long payoff period for something that costs so little per year. I'm pretty low risk and, yet, I needed an ambulance. When the thunderstorm asthma hit Melbourne people who had never had asthma attacks were affected all over Melbourne, and many of them needed an ambulance. The problem is you just never know.

  • greatlamp on 01/05/2017 - 23:56

    I don't have health insurance, but I bought ambulance cover. I figure it will take at least 20 years of paying, and not using it, to lose out financially.

  • edy4eva on 02/05/2017 - 00:16
    +1

    If you're at uni or a workplace, or your job necessitates travel, you may already be covered until their insurance (even if you're not on premises). Some body corporate also have cover for injury which includes ambulance costs if that happens on common property.

    The only time you will have to bear the cost of ambulance if they're called at home. Think of ambo's as your personal driver to the hospital.

    I never thought I needed them until one day I slipped hit my head/face on the bed side table and blacked out. Next thing I know the paramedics are saying 'let's go' and I just jump out of bed (thinking a neighbour was injured outside my door and we had called for ambulance - and I fell asleep during this whole thing - yes thoughts can be that quick). I was taken to the hospital.

    Little did I know, they had been around for like 10 minutes giving me oxygen. They said after checking me up and starting oxygen, I opened my eyes, stood up and sat on the bed! And they - along with my partner, kept talking to me while me gazing at them without any emotion/reaction.

    Uni insurance came to the rescue after receiving the bill. I paid and got reimbursed.

  • Kiato on 02/05/2017 - 03:58

    While I haven't read every comment from op to find out where they live but it should be mentioned that some states have the levy included in your utilities bills ( I know here in qld it's in our power bills).

    With that said private health cover does cost a huge amount but its hugely beneficial in times when you will be under large amounts of stress. Ages 18-23 for myself I had insurance and used it at least 7 times for major incidents and probably some ambulance rides that I were not conscious for. Generally though if you are a student and or " living at home"( according to my parents showing up every for weeks to have dinner or do laundry Is still living at home) you probably would still be covered under your parents health insurance up to about age 25, so maybe check with them before throwing away some more cash.

    Ps. Don't stick your d… in crazy, that accounts for 5 of my major incidents to hospital. Young me had a thing for the crazy ones.

    • try2bhelpful on 02/05/2017 - 11:04
      +1

      It sounds like "young" you needed to stop listening to "little" you.

      • Kiato on 03/05/2017 - 23:59
        +1

        Truer words have never been spoken. I wised up after I discovered a curling iron could be used as a stabbing weapon. I truely could not have made worse choices i think.

        Point of the story is insurance helps,hopefully you never need it but you just never know what fate has planned for you ( or the person you are laying beside).

    • Hogg on 02/05/2017 - 16:32
      +1

      Did not expect where that was going.

  • String name on 02/05/2017 - 05:27
    +3

    Yes it is.
    I was transported in two ambulances over a 3 hour drive to the nearest hospital after a potential neck injury. Was told it was going to be a two and a half thousand dollars at least.
    Turns out my mum had still been paying my ambulance cover.
    We received no bills from Amulance Victoria, and my mum got a new tablet :)

    • wtfnodeal on 02/05/2017 - 19:54
      +1

      New tablet? Panadol or Nurofen?

  • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2017 - 08:36
    +1

    Make sure you get Ambulance cover directly with the Ambulance service, not another insurance provider, so that you are funding your Ambos directly rather than letting someone else take the money/risk.

    • amkssg on 02/05/2017 - 09:16
      +2

      The OP is in NSW. If you read the comments above, you will understand why in NSW it is better to buy from an insurance provider instead of directly with the Ambulance service.

      The TL;DR is, unlike VIC Ambulance which covers interstate, NSW Ambulance has no such arrangement.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2017 - 09:24
        +2

        Well that is stupid on NSW's part. Depends if goibg to visit interstate or not.

    • Hogg on 02/05/2017 - 16:33

      I agree as I generally don't like health insurance companies or most insurance companies' practices however, Ambulance NSW doesn't offer direct cover. Maybe something I should hit up my local MP about.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/09/2017 - 08:48

      Yeah Yeah! Fund the AMBOS or they will mess you up by charging $1000 upto $10,000. A shock after a shock! Thanks Ambos!

  • antonthenet on 02/05/2017 - 09:32

    I also cancelled my PHI a month or so ago.

    Here's what I have done.

    The amount I paid every month for PHI I have now set to go into a separate account which I will use for all health related purchases.

    The first thing I did was take out an ambulance membership.

    I plan to use the money for things like an electric toothbrush, new runners, swimming at the pool, dental cleaning etc.

    I think it is important to have ambulance cover. Buy it directly and not through PHI. They actually were quoting more for the cover than what it does to buy direct from Ambulance Vic.

    • Hogg on 02/05/2017 - 16:35
      +1

      You are so right.

      I came to the same conclusion.

      If not for tax incentives. I would come out ahead if I paid the premiums to my own account and generate a conservative amount of return.

  • pdperth on 02/05/2017 - 11:06
    +2

    Every state has different rules. WA covers you if you are a pensioner or have a health care card. Otherwise it is about $1000. It is disgraceful that people are not made aware of this. If you are not working and not at pension age $1000 for a trip is nonsense. It is $50 or so to insure but this can be reduced by removing the 30% rebate at the time of payment. Everyone would pay this if they knew the charges. Qld residents pay nothing for ambulance. See https://www.bupa.com.au/health-insurance/cover/ambulance-cov…. My family members paid $1000 for a trip from way south and another brother paid for this for a trip of 500 yards. Both got bills for around $1000. Ambulance services should be funded by government, this is when we need help most. Many elderly people refuse ambulance because they know of this charge. It must be frustrating for drivers and dangerous for patients.

  • BuyoTheCat on 02/05/2017 - 11:37

    Ambulance cover also cover helicopter rides of the not scenic kind.

    For people who go skiing and snowboarding, if you get injured and you have to be heli-evacuated out, It is covered by ambulance cover.

  • [Deactivated] on 02/05/2017 - 13:10

    Guys, are you sure? is this in NSW?

    http://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/Accounts--Fees/Fees-and-Char…

    $364 plus say 10km is only plus $32.9

  • callum9999 on 02/05/2017 - 13:55
    +3

    I've always found the idea you can be charged for a service you didn't request (e.g. Someone else calls an ambulance if you fainted) quite bizarre.

    I'm assuming "I didn't consent to an ambulance" isn't accepted as an excuse not to pay, but how strict are they in claiming it?

  • boomramada on 02/05/2017 - 14:16

    If you travelling a lot, get a health insurance extras cover, which usually cover every state plus few other benefits.
    For example, SA Ambulance cover does not cover other states to my knowledge.

    • holdenmg on 02/05/2017 - 14:18

      SAAS
      From 1 November 2016 South Australians will continue to have access to interstate Ambulance Cover with the launch of a new tiered scheme.

      Standard Ambulance Cover will continue to include all ambulance attendance within South Australia, with interstate coverage available for an additional $15 per year or $30 for those on family plans.

      • usherer on 28/07/2017 - 15:46
        +1

        A few months late to this very useful discussion. Sharing some findings on SA here: Overall, the SA ambulance cover is much more expensive than Ambulance Victoria's. WITHOUT interstate coverage ($15), it is $79.50 (Victoria's is $55). This is surprising since Victoria's cost of living and salaries (so presumably, purchasing power) are much higher.

  • jindivikk2 on 02/05/2017 - 14:18

    Someone once told me that think ambulance membership as charity, if you don't use it, someone else would. For the good reasons. So yes, it is worth it.

    • Hogg on 02/05/2017 - 16:38

      I would happily do that if I could but Ambulance NSW doesn't let me so I have to give "Charity" to a private health fund.

  • beardedpeptides on 02/05/2017 - 15:18

    AMBULANCE COVER IS TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!

    Ambulance Victoria has started outsourcing some lower priority cases to non urgent companies and these aren't covered by private health in many cases. Also if you're away from home paramedics will only take you to the nearest hospital so if you need to get transported home or to a nearby hospital cash money baby!!

    • holdenmg on 02/05/2017 - 15:21
      +3

      OzUberAmbo™

      • theStinge on 02/05/2017 - 17:26

        Domain name registered. Now to squat and offer it to the startup at an insanely high markup. Mwa haha.

      • Baysew on 03/05/2017 - 12:29
        +1

        OzUberAmbo™

        Naturally surge pricing will apply.

  • DarwinBoy on 02/05/2017 - 15:49

    Been meaning to renew my cover with Saint Johns. This post was the prompting I needed, 5 minutes on the phone and all good.

  • Deridas on 02/05/2017 - 17:12
    +2

    After reading most of the contents, which are overwhelmingly pro-insurance for Ambos, I thought I might just play the devil's advocate.

    The expected value for insurance in general is meant to be lower than what it costs. In other words, for every dollar we pay in insurance (car insurance, home and contents, income protection etc), we on average don't expect to receive a dollar back.

    The reason why we get insurance is that for the very rare chances where the event occurs, we can't afford it, so the risk is spread between more people. The best example is CTP. Payouts to third party injury can be in the multiple of hundred of thousands or million +, which the majority of population can't afford. So rather than some poor unfortunate soul having to sell their house and organs, the cost is spread across many people.

    In terms of ambulance, I'm seeing numbers of $400-500 according to this (if your were just in a suburban area in Sydney)

    http://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/Accounts--Fees/Fees-and-Char…

    Three numbers of >$1000 are what it sounds like for those in rural areas needing air transport. Max is around $6k according to that website.

    The question is, so we as frugal Ozbargainers have a $500 spare on the one-off chance (seriously, maybe one in 20yr chance?) that we might need an ambulance? Even if it costs several thousand, are we all so broke that we can't spare several thousand from home loan offer accounts, help from family? Don't forget the are many categories of people that aren't billed by the Ambos.

    Lastly, if you really need an ambulance, I think 400-500 bucks is the last thing on your mind. In the absolute minute chance of needing air transport, once again, will money actually be anything that's even close to what's important?

    In NSW especially, if your Ambo cover is with some private provider, chances are you're looking someone else's pocket.

    Just my two cents, some food for thought.

    • holdenmg on 02/05/2017 - 17:34
      +2

      tl;dr

      Have received your kind offer of 2 cents and am waiting funds transfer…

    • Hogg on 03/05/2017 - 12:09

      I wholeheartedly agree regarding insurance in general hence why they only reason I took out Health Insurance was due to tax incentives.

      However, the math for ambulance cover has thrown a spanner in my default stance towards insurance.

      At $52/year and for $500, I would need to ride the ambulance once every 10 years to break even? I feel like I'm missing something and there is a fallacy in my thinking.

      Yours and RedSky has made me rethink my choice.

  • RedSky on 02/05/2017 - 20:30
    +3

    An economist's perspective would be, any cost risk that would be too great to bear is worth purchasing insurance for, everything else isn't. The theory being, at nil profit to the insurer, you're paying for your underlying actuarial risk + their administrative cost, meaning you're effectively overpaying on average.

    I would imagine even $10,000 is bound to be accessible for most people, considering it's on the worst case end of an already unlikely scenario. If you are living paycheck to paycheck, maybe not. You may also know due to a health condition that your risk of needing an ambulance is about average and again that may make it worth it.

    In general though, if we can define it as up to (but likely nowhere near) $10,000, I don't think it's rationally going to be worthwhile for most people.

    • Hogg on 03/05/2017 - 12:11

      I want to preface this that I am not being facetious here.

      Do you think you could explain the basic math for me?

      If you read my reply to @Deridas above, I am usally against most insurances (except CTP) because I can easily work out that it's not worth it.

      If I can wrap my head around the math for ambulance cover as well then I would rather not take it up as a rational consumer.

      • RedSky on 03/05/2017 - 18:25

        Not sure what else to clarify, when I say actuarial risk I mean (probability of risk * cost of risk) summed across each type of risk. If you're not taking out insurance, instead of paying regular premiums you're essentially banking on having the savings or availability of credit to cover the expense you would have been otherwise insured for.

        Ambulance at the end of the day is usually a relatively small part of overall insurance. With extras if you use dental / optical you can often get your money's worth on that basis alone. When you talk about hospital cover, that's again far more difficult to evaluate since it's such a large array of potential services.

        • Hogg on 04/05/2017 - 14:54

          I find that the rest of health insurance, not taking into account tax incentives, is not worth it in my case.

          I'm just trying to work out if it's worth it for Ambulance cover alone.

  • maxdba on 03/05/2017 - 09:13

    Every time I go back to China, I was wondering why a developing country can delivery parcels 100 times faster than a developed country.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2017 - 11:13
    +1

    Check if you qualify for free Ambulance.

    Most pensioners and people on low income health care card (earn under 30k last time I recall), don't have to pay for the Ambulance.

    If you qualify, don't waste your money and pay again.

    This includes young people on low income part time jobs. Don't waste your cash on PHI.

  • oaks101 on 03/05/2017 - 11:22
    +1

    One of the cheapest and best investments, $0.15 cents a day seriously not that $$

  • messiah1095 on 03/05/2017 - 13:10
    +1

    Mate of mine got very badly burnt when he was helping to fix up a mates car a few years ago.

    He lived in the country 3 hrs from Melbourne so had to get the helicopter to take him.

    He had no ambulance cover so a 1 hr helicopter ride cost him 10k.

    He now tells anyone who listens to him to get ambo cover. It's worth it.

  • WinterEgg14 on 03/05/2017 - 14:07
    +1

    Like everything else, it's only worth it when you need it. For peace of mind, I recommend it… The cover is affordable compared to other types of insurances.

  • djwilson303 on 03/05/2017 - 17:49
    +1

    Paramedic from NSWA, Yes get it, we hate people getting the bills, not really why we do the job.

  • TRENT86 on 03/05/2017 - 19:48
    +1

    I'd say yes because I had a lung problem a few yrs back which scared the shit out of me so I called an ambulance! Little did I know It would cost me nearly $900!

  • OzzyOzbourne on 04/05/2017 - 08:27
    +1

    You think young people are less likely to be in an accident requiring an ambulance?
    It's $5pm ffs.

  • Gomo on 04/05/2017 - 17:01

    Ive been taken in an ambulance in the past to a hospital but was not charged for it I'm in qld is it different?

    • Hogg on 04/05/2017 - 19:04

      Ambulance services is provided by the government (publicly funded) in QLD and TAS.

      • Gomo on 04/05/2017 - 19:52
        +1

        Ahhh :) glad I'm in QLD then :p

  • [Deactivated] on 05/09/2017 - 10:14

    Ambulance services should be ashamed on their practices. If you get hurt in a car accident, you would lose your vehicle, you wouldn't be able to work for weeks or months, you will have to pay damages if other party is involved and these people will charge you anywhere from 1000 to 100000 bucks for delivering you to the nearest hospital.

    • String name on 05/09/2017 - 11:36
      +1

      Waiting for the second perspective to drop

      • rbin on 05/09/2017 - 16:41

        I fear that may take a while…

        • [Deactivated] on 06/09/2017 - 14:58

          Go buy their insurance ladies.

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