Here at Frank we’ve noticed that people seem confused about Ambulance cover and Private Health Insurance.
Let’s clear that up shall we?
The confusing bit is that what you’re covered for / how to claim will change from state to state.
Here’s a quick reference guide for Frank members:
VIC SA NSW ACT QLD TAS WA
Victoria:
To be covered, you need to take out an Ambulance Victoria subscription.
Frank Extras members can then claim 50% or 80% of the cost of the subscription back (Depending on your cover).
You’re then covered for free ambulance transport, paramedic care and treatment, including air ambulance throughout Australia.
For more information about what’s covered, or to take out a subscription, check out the Ambulance Victoria website: http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/
South Australia:
To be covered, you need to take out a subscription with the South Australian Ambulance Service.
Frank Extras members can then claim 50% or 80% of the cost of the subscription back (depending on your cover).
Ambulance Cover from SAAS provides pre-paid medical emergency care, Australia-wide, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It covers all your ambulance transport costs, whether it’s an emergency or not.
For more information about what’s covered, or to take out a subscription, check out the SAAS website: http://www.saambulance.com.au/index.html
New South Wales:
Take out hospital cover, and you’re automatically covered for emergency transportation within NSW.
If an ambulance is called, you’ll receive a bill. Send this onto Frank, and we’ll let the NSW Ambulance service know you’re covered.
Want cover Australia wide? You’ll need to look at taking out domestic travel insurance.
Want more info? Check out: http://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/index.html
Australian Capital Territory:
Take out hospital cover, and you’re automatically covered for emergency transportation within ACT.
If an ambulance is called, you’ll receive a bill. Send this onto Frank, and we’ll let the ACT Ambulance service know you’re covered.
Want cover Australia wide? You’ll need to look at taking out domestic travel insurance.
Want more info? Check out: http://www.esa.act.gov.au/ESAWebsite/content_actas/home_page/ambulance_home_page.html
Queensland
From 01/07/2011, all Queensland residents are automatically covered for the cost of emergency services Australia wide.
You don’t have to do a thing!
Previously Queensland residents were charged a “levy” via their electricity accounts, but this has just changed, and is now free!
Want more info? Check out: http://www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/
Tasmania:
Live in Tasmania? The Tasmanian Ambulance service provides a free service to residents.
You don’t have to do a thing!
Want cover Australia wide? You’ll need to look at taking out domestic travel insurance.
Want more info? Check out: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/service_information/hospitals/tasmanian_ambulance_service
Western Australia
Live in country WA? Take out a policy with St John’s Ambulance Service WA and be covered Australia wide
Live in Metro WA? HBF administer Ambulance subscriptions on behalf of St John’s Ambulance service. Take out an Ambulance product through HBF to be covered Australia wide.
Got extras cover with Frank? Frank will pay either 50% or 80% back on the cost of a subscription, no matter whether you take it out with St John’s or HBF (depending on your level of cover).
For more info, check out: http://www.stjohnambulance.com.au/home.asp
Or Metro: http://www.hbf.com.au/health-insurance/ambulance-cover.html
Not sure who to ask? Just let Frank know your postcode, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Northern Territory
Take out a subscription with St John’s Ambulance Service NT, and be covered Australia wide.
Frank Extras policy holders can get 50% or 80% back on the cost of their subscription (depending on your level of cover).
For more info, check out: http://www.stjohnnt.com.au/
So that’s Ambulance cover for each state.
What’s “Emergency transportation within the state”?
It’s up to the Ambulance service to decide, but basically it means that if it’s medically necessary transportation, and you don’t leave your home state, it will be covered.
So if you are a NSW resident, on holidays in WA, you aren’t covered automatically.
What’s this “Domestic travel insurance”?
If you’re only covered within your home state, and want to be covered Australia wide, there’s a few different “Domestic Travel” and “Ambulance only” covers available. Frank doesn’t offer travel or Ambulance only cover, but does hope you enjoy your holidays!
Huh?
Still confused about what’s covered or how to claim? Just email Team Frank, for some quick answers.
*Disclaimer:
Frank isn’t an expert on other company’s products. Frank will always recommend reading the full terms and conditions about what’s covered, restrictions, exclusions, costs etc, before purchasing a subscription with anyone. Common sense really.
