Ambulance cover in Australia: what you need to know
Settling into life in Australia comes with a lot of new information to take in. Health insurance can work a little differently here to what you might be used to back home. One topic that often comes up is how ambulance services are covered, and how that fits in with your existing health insurance.
Ambulance and Medicare
One thing that catches many overseas students and visitors by surprise is that Australia's public health system, Medicare, doesn't extend to ambulance services. Instead, ambulance cover is often handled separately, either through private health insurance or through state government arrangements.
The good news is that if you hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) or Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC), ambulance cover is included. OSHC policies are required to cover 100% of the charge for medically necessary emergency ambulance transport. Most OVHC policies also include unlimited emergency ambulance cover as a standard feature. So for the majority of members, you are already well looked after. But, it is very important to look carefully at what your cover does and does not cover.
State Ambulance Schemes
Here is where things can get a little confusing. Across Australia, the way ambulance services are funded varies from state to state. Some states also have their own government-run schemes that cover residents directly.
Queensland and Tasmania offer fully government-funded emergency ambulance services for residents, which is a real benefit. In Queensland, this cover extends Australia-wide. In Tasmania, it covers residents within the state and in most other states (although not in Queensland or South Australia).
For members in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory and the ACT, there is no equivalent government scheme for the general public, which means your OSHC or OVHC policy is what provides your ambulance cover.
Knowing your cover
For most overseas students and visitors, the state schemes will not apply to you, so your private cover steps in as normal. For example, International students on student visas are generally not considered residents under Queensland's scheme.
If you do live in Queensland or Tasmania and are unsure whether the state scheme applies to your situation, you can contact us to help you understand exactly where your cover comes from.
Helpful information to keep in mind
Taking a little time to familiarise yourself with your cover is always worthwhile. A few things to check:
Look at your policy's ambulance section to understand what is included and whether any state scheme exclusions apply to you
If you travel interstate, your state scheme (if applicable) may not follow you, but your private cover usually will
Keep your OSHC or OVHC current. Maintaining your cover means you can access your benefits whenever you need them.
If you have any questions about your specific policy, we are your best point of contact. Understanding your cover is part of feeling at home here and we are happy to help.
This article is intended as general information only. Cover details vary between insurers and policies. Always refer to your cover or contact nib for advice specific to your situation.