SA Ambulance cover

AMBULANCE COVER FAQ

July 2016

Why are we now charging for interstate cover?

Following the proposed removal of interstate coverage in April; an independent review of the scheme was undertaken in response to community concerns. A tiered pricing system was identified as the most appropriate option to cater for members who need nationwide cover.

These changes to the terms and conditions were made following a regular review of South Australian Ambulance Cover, to ensure SA Ambulance (SAAS) continues to offer a high-quality, sustainable product for South Australians.

Choosing a level of cover with interstate coverage will cost individuals an extra $15 and families an extra $30 per year.

So what does Ambulance Cover now include?

Standard Ambulance Cover will continue to include all ambulance attendance within South Australia for permanent SA residents (current qualifications still apply).

The qualifying Period for Ambulance Cover commences on the day after the date of joining for emergency transports and two months after the date of joining for non-emergency transports.

What does the interstate coverage include?

It adds the same level of interstate coverage as your South Australian membership.

If you have standard ambulance cover, it will cover you for all ambulance attendances Australia wide. If you have ACE ‘Ambulance Cover Extras’, it will cover you for non-emergency ambulance transports Australia wide.

How did SAAS come up with the cost for interstate coverage?

This fee has been determined in order to offset the charges to SAAS by Interstate Ambulance Services.

How does this affect Ambulance Cover Extras?

Interstate coverage only covers non-emergency transfers, in line with your local coverage.

We encourage all of our members who also have private health cover to review their policy to determine what level of Ambulance Cover best suits their needs.

When will these changes take place?

From 1 November 2016, the standard SAAS Ambulance Cover will no longer cover the cost of ambulance attendance and/or transport that is provided for members who are interstate.

Current SAAS Ambulance Cover members are covered under the existing terms and conditions until they renew their Ambulance Cover on or after 1 November 2016. This will be a phased approach which will change as renewals come up.

For new members who sign up to SAAS Ambulance Cover on or after 1 November 2016, the new terms and conditions will apply.

If you have received a copy of the current terms and conditions along with your renewal, that is what you are covered for if you choose to renew your membership.

What if my renewal is due after November 1 but I want to process it before 1 November?

We will renew your membership, but will change the expiry date on your existing cover to one year from the date of renewal.

Why do other states not have to pay more for interstate cover?

Each jurisdiction in Australia operates a different fee structure and funding model. South Australia, as with some other states and territories in Australia, operates a user-pays ambulance service. There is also variation in the reciprocal arrangements each state and territory applies.

Why should I continue to have ambulance cover?

Ambulance costs are not covered by Medicare and even if you have private health insurance, your policy may not cover the cost of an ambulance. Many private health insurance schemes only cover you and your family for emergency ambulance services. Many illnesses or injuries require additional patient transportation which are classified as ‘non-emergency’ (e.g. for tests, ongoing treatment or transfer to another hospital).

I have emergency cover with my private health fund, do I need full Ambulance Cover with SA Ambulance Service?

If you have emergency cover with a private health fund, you may not require full Ambulance Cover with SAAS. Ambulance Cover Extras, a non-emergency cover may be all you need. We encourage all members with private health insurance to check the level of ambulance cover that it provides.

I treat my Ambulance Cover membership as a donation to the organisation. Can I continue to support SAAS in another way if I decide I no longer need Ambulance Cover?

If your private health offers you adequate coverage but you still want to support SAAS, you can make a tax deductible donation.

Your generous donation to SAAS will assist us in many ways – from buying specialised equipment to broadening our training programs. Every bit counts when it comes to providing the best ambulance service in the country.

· Cheque or money order – SA Ambulance Service, GPO Box 3, Adelaide SA 5001
· Visit head office – 216 Greenhill Road, Eastwood SA 5063

For more information on the changes to Ambulance Cover:

Please visit http://www.saambulance.com.au/ProductsServices/AmbulanceCover.aspx

Or email our Customer Service Centre at healthsaasambulancecover@sa.gov.au