PLANNING to go interstate to visit family or friends this Christmas? Better sort out your ambulance cover before you go.
Seniors advocacy group combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association is advising seniors to take out ambulance cover if they are planning on travelling to other states as coverage rules vary and can be quite complex; and if you need an ambulance ride you could find yourself in for a very expensive trip.
For example, NSW residents who hold a Health Care Card or a Pensioner Concession Card and travel to Queensland or South Australia are covered for emergency ambulances. However, they will receive an invoice, which needs to be sent to the NSW Ambulance Service who will process the invoice and make the payment.
NSW pensioners are also covered for emergency ambulances in all other states and territories and won't receive an invoice.
However, any NSW resident receiving non-emergency ambulance services in other states and territories are liable for the cost of these services.
To be absolutely sure you are covered while you are travelling, it is a good idea to take out ambulance cover or travel insurance.
Some private health insurers sell ambulance only cover (about $75 a year for a couple) and many travel insurance policies also cover ambulance services.
If you already have private health insurance check your policy for interstate emergency and non-emergency ambulance cover before you pack your bags this holiday season.