Emergency ambulance cover
Why do I need Emergency Ambulance cover?
Every year, thousands of Australians need emergency ambulance transport services.
If you're into the great outdoors, whether it's skiing, bushwalking or playing sport, you know how easy it can be to find yourself further from a hospital than you'd like if an accident or acute illness strikes, which can make for a very long and expensive ambulance ride.
Having MBF Emergency Ambulance cover means that when every second counts, you won't be counting the costs later on.
Some people may already be covered for emergency ambulance transport services, depending on where they live and other circumstances. Please see Do I need Emergency Ambulance Cover?
What am I covered for?
With MBF Emergency Ambulance cover, you're covered for 100% of recognised casualty or medical emergency transportation costs, up to $5,000 per person, per year in total, anywhere in Australia. That includes the cost of emergency air ambulance services, excluding helicopter services.
Please note that not all air services (including helicopter services) and road transport services are operated by state or territory governments or an organisation recognised by MBF.
What is not covered?
MBF Emergency Ambulance cover is designed to protect you against the cost of ambulance transport received due to emergencies. Non-emergency ambulance charges, or charges for interhospital transfers which occur as part of hospital treatment, are not covered, unless you have prior approval from MBF. Please note: Benefits are only available for emergency or casualty transportation where, in the opinion of a medical officer, a customer requires immediate treatment in circumstances where there is serious threat to the customer's life or health. Benefits are not payable for transportation from a hospital to your home, nursing home or other hospital, or for transportation for ongoing medical treatment.
How much does it cost?
If you are eligible for Medicare benefits, there is a Federal Government rebate on MBF Emergency Ambulance cover fees. These fees are only payable yearly in advance.
| State | Premiums after 30% rebate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Couple/ Family | Single Parent Family | |
| NSW, ACT, SA and WA residents | $24.84 | $49.56 | $41.40 |
| Vic and NT residents | $23.52 | $47.04 | $39.24 |
| State | Premiums after 35% rebate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Couple/ Family | Single Parent Family | |
| NSW, ACT, SA and WA residents | $23.04 | $46.08 | $38.40 |
| Vic and NT residents | $21.84 | $43.68 | $36.48 |
| State | Premiums after 40% rebate | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | Couple/ Family | Single Parent Family | |
| NSW, ACT, SA and WA residents | $21.24 | $42.48 | $35.52 |
| Vic and NT residents | $20.16 | $40.32 | $33.72 |
Now that's great value peace of mind!
How do I join?
Joining MBF Emergency Ambulance cover is easy. You can join online today in two easy steps for immediate cover.
Do I need Emergency Ambulance cover?
Ambulance services are funded in different ways in different states. The basis on which MBF pays benefits for Emergency Ambulance transport varies from state to state. Also, some people who receive Federal Government pensions or social security entitlements may be covered for ambulance services through those entitlements.
If you already have either MBF Hospital Cover (except Public Hospital Cover only), MBF Extras cover or an MBF package, then you are covered for Emergency Ambulance services provided by MBF recognised providers. Emergency Ambulance services are provided free to most Tasmanian residents. In NSW and ACT, as all hospital cover premiums cover the ambulance levy, customers with hospital cover are entitled to ambulance services without charge. Customers in NSW or ACT who hold Department of Social Security cards may be exempt from the ambulance levy. From 1 July 2003, Queensland residents will covered by Community Ambulance Cover by making contributions through electricity accounts. This will provide Australia-wide cover for ambulance services. MBF does not pay a benefit for these contributions. For more information contact the Queensland Ambulance Service on 1300 369 003.
For customers with hospital cover in other States (with the exception of Public Hospital Cover which has no ambulance benefit), MBF will only pay a benefit for ambulance services where the services are provided by a State Government service or an organisation recognised by MBF. Benefits are only available for emergency or casualty transportation where, in the opinion of a medical officer, a customer requires immediate treatment in circumstances where there is serious threat to the customer's life or health. Benefits are not payable for transportation from a hospital to your home, nursing home or other hospital, or for transportation for ongoing medical treatment.
If you are unsure about whether you are already covered, call MBF on 132 623.
What else do I need to know?
Non-emergency ambulance charges, or charges for inter-hospital transfers which occur as part of hospital treatment, are not covered unless you have prior approval from MBF.
You can choose single cover for one person, or family membership which includes one person, his or her partner, any children under 21 years old and any student dependants registered with MBF.
When does my cover start?
Once you've made your payment and MBF has accepted your application, your MBF Emergency Ambulance cover will begin. So emergency ambulance transport you receive for accidents or treatment that occur after joining will be covered by MBF.
Claiming details
You can claim for the cost of emergency ambulance transport that was incurred as the result of an accident or emergency after joining.
To receive payment from your MBF Emergency Ambulance Cover, claims must be made within two years of receiving the services.
Other great benefits from MBF membership
Joining MBF Emergency Ambulance Cover gives you the cover you need for emergency ambulance transport and more.
You can get useful health information through our customers' lifestyle magazine, Living Well.
Your MBF membership also offers you access to MBF in2life Partners, with discounts and special deals from some of Australia's leading health and lifestyle outlets.