How do ambulance services work in Australia?

Ambulance services in Australia are run at a state and territory level, which means the way they operate varies depending on where you live. 

Whether or not you have to pay for treatment by paramedics or transport by ambulance also depends on where you live.

In QLD and TAS, ambulance services are free for residents of those states.

Other states and territories operate on a ‘user pays’ system:

• ACT
• NSW
• NT
• SA
• VIC
• WA.

If you live in one of these states or territories, you have to pay for ambulance services (unless you fall into one of the exceptions). You may want to consider taking out Ambulance Cover.

How much is ambulance treatment where you live?

Ambulance treatment costs vary by state and territory, ranging from free state-covered service in Queensland and Tasmania to over $1,000 for uninsured residents in Victoria and South Australia. Find out more with our interactive map.