Ambulance Ride: Why Isn't Insurance Enough?

Ambulance rides can be extremely expensive, often ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Even if you have health insurance, you may find that your insurance doesn't cover the full cost of your ambulance ride. This is because insurance companies will only cover the cost of an ambulance ride if it is deemed medically necessary. In these cases, you will likely still have to pay a copay, coinsurance, and a deductible. If your ambulance company is out-of-network, you may be faced with a surprise bill, as insurance companies have contracts with in-network providers to make their services more affordable. If you are unable to pay your ambulance bill, you can try to negotiate with your insurance company and ambulance company, or check your state's laws for protections against surprise medical bills.

Ambulance rides are often only covered by insurance when deemed medically necessary

Medically necessary ambulance transport is typically covered by private health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. However, even if the ambulance ride is deemed medically necessary, patients may still have to pay a copay, coinsurance, or deductible, depending on their insurance plan. Additionally, insurance coverage may vary depending on whether the ambulance company is in-network or out-of-network with the patient's insurer. Out-of-network charges can result in surprise medical bills for patients, even if they have health insurance.

In the case of car accidents, auto insurance can also cover ambulance services. In no-fault states, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage will pay for ambulance costs, regardless of who caused the accident. Medical payments (MedPay) coverage is another option that will cover ambulance rides. If the other driver is at fault, their bodily injury liability coverage will typically pay for the injured person's ambulance ride and other medical expenses.

To avoid unexpected costs, it is essential to understand your insurance coverage and, if possible, work with an ambulance company that is in your insurance network. Patients should also be aware of their state's laws regarding surprise billing and protections for ground ambulance charges in emergencies.

You may have to pay a deductible, copay or coinsurance

Even if your insurance covers your ambulance ride, you may still have to pay a deductible, copay or coinsurance. This is because, in most cases, you will need to meet your deductible before your insurance provider will cover any of the costs of your ambulance ride. A deductible is a fixed amount that you agree to pay when you sign up for a new insurance plan. For example, if your deductible is $2,000 and your ambulance ride costs $1,500, but you haven't paid anything towards your deductible so far, you may not receive any coverage at all for your ambulance ride.

Even after you've met your deductible, you may still be responsible for paying a copay or coinsurance. A copay is a flat fee associated with certain healthcare services, such as an ambulance ride. For example, your copay may be $100 or $200 for an ambulance ride. Coinsurance refers to when you and your insurance company split the bill, with you paying a percentage of the total cost. For example, your coinsurance rate may be 80% (paid by your insurance company) and 20% (paid by you, out of pocket).

The amount you pay in deductibles, copays and coinsurance will depend on the specific terms of your insurance plan. It's important to carefully review your insurance policy to understand what costs you may be responsible for in the event of an ambulance ride.

Auto insurance usually saves you more money than health insurance

Auto insurance is usually a more cost-effective option than health insurance when it comes to covering ambulance rides, particularly in the event of a car accident. Here's why:

No Deductible, Copay, or Coinsurance

Auto insurance typically saves you more money than health insurance when it comes to ambulance rides, especially if the ambulance ride is related to a car accident. With auto insurance, you generally don't have to pay a deductible, copay, or coinsurance for the ambulance service. This can result in significant savings, as these out-of-pocket expenses can quickly add up with health insurance.

Coverage for Medically Necessary Ambulance Rides

Both auto and health insurance policies usually cover ambulance rides when they are deemed medically necessary. However, auto insurance may be more advantageous in this regard, as it often covers a wider range of medical situations related to car accidents. For example, personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage (MedPay) under your auto insurance policy can help cover ambulance rides when you need immediate medical attention or medical supervision on the way to the hospital.

Lower Overall Costs

The cost of an ambulance ride can be expensive, typically ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. By using auto insurance, you may be able to avoid the high deductibles, copays, and coinsurance associated with health insurance, resulting in lower overall costs for the ambulance service.

Overlapping Coverage with Health Insurance

In some cases, both auto and health insurance policies may provide coverage for an ambulance ride. In these situations, auto insurance typically takes priority and covers the expenses first, followed by health insurance if there are any remaining costs. This means that using auto insurance as your primary coverage can help reduce your overall out-of-pocket expenses.

Protection Against Surprise Billing

When dealing with ambulance services, it's important to be aware of surprise billing, which occurs when you receive a bill for out-of-network services. This can happen with health insurance if the ambulance company is not in your insurance network. With auto insurance, you may have more protection against surprise billing, as the priority is usually given to covering medically necessary expenses, regardless of the network status of the ambulance company.

In summary, while both auto and health insurance can provide coverage for ambulance rides, auto insurance often offers more comprehensive and cost-effective protection, especially in the event of a car accident. By understanding the differences between these insurance types, you can make more informed decisions about your coverage options and maximize your savings.

Ambulance rides are more expensive in some areas

The cost of an ambulance ride varies depending on several factors, and it can be challenging for individuals to estimate the price before receiving the bill. One of the factors that influence the cost is location; ambulances may be more expensive in certain areas of a country compared to others.

The cost of an ambulance ride is not solely determined by the distance travelled but also includes other factors such as the type of ambulance, the level of care provided, and the services and supplies utilised during the trip.

The type of ambulance used can impact the cost, with air ambulances being significantly more expensive than ground ambulances. The level of care provided, such as advanced life support or basic life support, also affects the price, with advanced life support being more costly.

The services and supplies used during the ambulance ride can include life support, medication, and other medical treatments. These additional services can increase the overall cost of the ambulance ride.

Furthermore, the distance travelled in an ambulance is usually a small portion of the total bill. In some cases, individuals may be charged per mile, which can add up if the hospital is farther away.

It is important to note that ambulance rides are often covered by insurance, but the extent of coverage depends on the insurance plan. Some insurance plans may only cover ambulance rides in specific situations, such as emergencies or medically necessary transports. Additionally, individuals may still be responsible for out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copays, or coinsurance, even if their insurance covers ambulance rides.

Ambulance services often include a per-mile charge

Ambulance rides can be extremely expensive, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The cost of an ambulance ride depends on a few factors, one of which is the distance travelled. Ambulance services often include a per-mile charge, which means that the longer the distance travelled, the higher the cost of the ride. This is especially true if the ambulance has to travel on unpaved roads.

In Washington, for example, the fee for a basic life support or advanced life support ambulance is $1,000, plus an additional $15 per mile. In Anchorage, Alaska, residents pay a mileage fee of $12, in addition to the base fee for the ambulance. In New York City, the cost of an advanced life support ambulance ride is $1,525, plus a $15 charge per mile.

The cost of an ambulance ride can also depend on whether you have health insurance, and whether the ambulance service is in your health plan's network. Without insurance, you are likely to face the full charge of the ambulance ride because you do not have the financial protection of negotiated rates.

If you have Medicare, you will have to pay a percentage of the cost of the ride, as long as you have already met your yearly deductible. If you are in a car accident, your auto insurance may cover the cost of the ambulance ride. If so, it is best to use your auto insurance, as you won't be charged a copay. Your auto insurance may even cover the cost of your health insurance's copay or deductible.

Frequently asked questions