Ambulance Cover - VIC

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  StewBalls on 01/10/2014 - 18:55

  +1

  Given that normal people only tend to call the ambulance when it's a perceived emergency, a reasonable person would consider that you're adequately covered.

  That wording is probably intended to discourage those few malingering scumbags who try to use the ambulance service as an end-run around Emergency Dept waiting times!

  • 

    JR63 on 01/10/2014 - 19:32

    +1

    Some people use attempt to use ambulances as a taxi, especially on Friday/Saturday nights according to some of the paramedics I've talked to.

    It's worth looking at what you're covered for in your insurance and work out if any of the exclusions affect you.

    • 

      airzone on 01/10/2014 - 19:53

      +1

      Normally junkies on the dole… But since they have a health care card for low income, they don't need to pay for the ambo anyway

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  danield on 01/10/2014 - 19:48

  +2

  The 1 Emergency probably won't cover any transfer between hostpitals, while not considered to be an emergency if you are admitted to hostpital and need to be transferred for whatever reason you probably won't have a choice in the way they transport you.

  The one trip is also a 'gotcha' that people miss in details, I recently had to make multiple trips 5+ in a matter of weeks, before going in for surgery. I was covered for only a portion of these trips and was out of pocket a few grand. Now I happily pay the $70 odd a year for a couple as it is really not a big expense for piece of mind. With 1 trip cover I would definitly get the ambulance cover separatly.

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  unco on 01/10/2014 - 23:53

  +2

  I have ambulance membership on top of my health insurance.

  What appealed to me too was that it will cover the cost of air transport if you need a helicopter.
  If there is an emergency and a helicopter was recommended as the quickest transport then I wouldn't hesitate at all.
  Especially good if you like to frequent the mountains/snow often.

  Those costs are pretty scary otherwise haha.
  http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Fees.html

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  redlover on 02/10/2014 - 09:52

  Thanks guys. i saw Bupa also offer ambulance cover. anyone have any idea what is the difference to take out from bupa or ambulance vic? bupa seems lots cheaper??

  • 

    donbot on 02/10/2014 - 12:31

    +2

    Purely speculation, but I'd guess that BUPA Ambulance cover would provide less coverage than Ambulance VIC directly.

    Ambulance VIC: $41.30
    BUPA (Emergency Only): $33.60
    BUPA (Non-Emergency Also): $44.25

    We're not talking 000's of dollars here - $7.70 difference at best. Having received an ambulance bill for a 4.2km trip (it was work related, but came to me) - I couldn't care what private health insurance says is covered, I'll maintain the Ambulance cover direct.

    End of the day - if I need an ambulance, odds are I've got bigger problems to deal with. $40/year for absolute piece of mind is money well spent.

    • 

      odyssi on 02/10/2014 - 12:36

      +1

      End of the day - if I need an ambulance, odds are I've got bigger problems to deal with. $40/year for absolute piece of mind is money well spent.

      Exactly!

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  redlover on 02/10/2014 - 13:15

  +1

  Righto!! im signing up for ambulance vic cover.
  Thanks for all the input

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  unco on 02/10/2014 - 13:31

  Good decision :) once you sign up then you won't have to think twice about calling for an ambulance if you are faced with an emergency. Those extra minutes could be vital!

  It's a shame they stopped giving bonus months at the end of last year.
  http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Membership/FAQs/Do-3-year-an…

  I signed up a few years ago with the bonus months and thought it was an extra good deal.

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  Baysew on 02/10/2014 - 14:15

  It is worth remembering where an emergency may occur.

  • At work - would be covered by Work Cover

  • Car Accident - Would be covered by TAC

  Everywhere else covered by Health Fund.

  The Ambulance subscription is a betting that you won't need the cover, you are betting that you will.