Ambulance cover in Australia can be a bit confusing, but without it you might be left stumping up a large bill. Ambulance trips aren't covered by Medicare and how you're covered for ambulance varies in each state or territory.

Ambulance trips are classified as either emergency or non-emergency transport.

What's the difference between emergency and non-emergency ambulance trips?

  • Emergency ambulance trips are situations where immediate medical treatment is necessary.
  • Non-emergency ambulance trips on the other hand are situations where immediate medical treatment is not necessary, or for transportation from a hospital to your home or another hospital. There are also call-out fees where non-emergency treatment may be provided in an ambulance, without transport to a hospital.

It’s at the ambulance service’s discretion to classify a trip as emergency or non-emergency.

Emergency ambulance services are covered on all Frank hospital policies and on eligible Frank extras with a recognised provider Australia-wide.

Ambulance subscriptions (VIC, SA, WA and NT only) are covered on some closed Frank extras policies.

Check your fact sheet for further information and see below to ensure you’re covered for all necessary ambulance trips by having the right cover for where you live. 

What you need to be covered for your state or territory

If you live in VIC, SA, WA or NT:

You’re required to purchase an ambulance subscription directly from your state ambulance service provider to ensure you are covered for all ambulance services, not just emergency.

If you live in QLD or TAS:

You're automatically covered for ambulance services through your state government for trips that occur within your home state. Make sure you check with the ambulance service provider for details regarding national cover and non-emergency transport.

If you live in NSW or ACT:

If you have any Frank hospital cover, you are automatically covered for emergency transportation within NSW or ACT. It is a Levy Based Scheme (health insurers pay a levy to the State government on behalf of eligible members) which is why it operates under your hospital cover. 

Some states provide ambulance services free of charge to people holding a valid pension or concession card at the time of transport and meet certain criteria. Check your relevant state ambulance service to see if you're eligible. 

Ensure you’re covered for all necessary ambulance trips by having the right cover for where you live.   

Is ambulance covered under hospital or extras cover?

Emergency ambulance is covered on all Frank hospital policies as well as some extras. Ambulance subscriptions are covered on some closed Frank extras policies (no longer for sale). For specific information regarding your coverage, please check your product fact sheet.

How do I claim my ambulance subscription?

To claim your subscription, log in to the Frank app or member area. It’s important when you submit your claim that you provide an official paid receipt from your ambulance service provider. Please note that you can only claim one subscription fee per calendar year. If you’ve purchased a multi-year subscription, you are only able to claim for the current year and will need to submit each year as it passes. Please check your product fact sheet for further information specific to your level of cover.

How do I claim my emergency ambulance trip?

You’ll need to settle your ambulance bill first, then claim it in the app by uploading a copy of your receipt in the claims section – Frank will reimburse you for the full amount within 5 days.

Member Info

Claiming Guide

Cover Changes

Health Insurance

Product Info

Going to hospital guide