Written by

Tara Farmer

July 18, 2024

Edited by

Tamatha Hazen

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Average ambulance ride cost

The average cost of an ambulance ride is $500 to $3,500+ without insurance. An ambulance ride with insurance costs $250 to $1,500+, depending on your insurance plan and specific coverage. The total cost to ride in an ambulance depends on the location, distance traveled, and level of medical support provided.

The No Surprises Act (NSA), effective 2022, protects insured consumers from "surprise" out-of-network charges for emergency air ambulance services they did not choose. However, it does not cover ground ambulance transport charges. This means that patients may still be subject to unexpected and high out-of-pocket costs for ground ambulance transportation.

Basic life support (BLS) service

Basic life support (BLS) ambulances are staffed by paramedics or emergency medical technicians (EMTs). BLS involves basic emergency medical care using non-invasive techniques like controlling bleeding or providing CPR, and non-life-threatening situations, such as fractures, minor burns, or psychiatric issues.

• BLS service, sometimes called "first-step treatment," does not include giving injections, providing cardiac monitoring, or performing respiratory interventions.

• The cost for a BLS ambulance ride is typically between $500 and $2,000+ if you're uninsured. With insurance, expect to pay $250 to $500+ on average, provided the ride is medically necessary.

Advanced life support (ALS) service

Advanced life support (ALS) ambulances are staffed by paramedics trained to provide more advanced medical interventions, such as administering medications, giving injections, performing advanced airway management, and providing advanced cardiac care.

The average cost for an ALS ambulance ride is typically $850 to $3,500+ without insurance or $500 to $1,500+ for the out-of-pocket cost when covered by insurance.

Ambulance ride cost with insurance

The out-of-pocket cost of an ambulance ride averages $250 to $1,500, but it may be as little as $0 or as much as $5,000+, depending on your location and insurance coverage. Deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, state-allowed amounts, and whether the ambulance provider was in or out-of-network are just a few factors that impact your final bill.

• Since you can't choose the ambulance that comes to your rescue after you call 911, the chances of receiving a ride from an out-of-network ambulance provider are quite high, especially in major cities with several different providers sharing the road.

• An insurance company may deny coverage if they determine the ambulance ride was not medically necessary or was not the only available method to get you to the hospital.

Surprise billing / balance billing protection

While the federal No Surprises Act excludes ground ambulance transportation, it established an advisory committee to research the high-cost issue and make recommendations to Congress. In the meantime, 16 states have enacted laws that protect against surprise balance billing for out-of-network ground ambulance services.

• Arkansas

• California

• Colorado

• Delaware

• Florida

• Illinois

• Indiana

• Louisiana

• Maine

• Maryland

• New York

• Ohio

• Texas

• Vermont

• Washington

• West Virginia

Does Medicare cover ambulance rides?

Medicare Part B generally covers ambulance services when they are medically necessary and the patient is transported to the nearest appropriate medical facility. They typically cover 80% of the Medicare-approved amount and the patient is responsible for a 20% coinsurance payment after meeting their deductible.

Does Medicaid cover ambulance rides?

While Medicaid coverage varies by state, most state Medicaid programs do cover emergency ambulance transportation. A patient's out-of-pocket cost will depend on their specific Medicaid plan and the state they live in.

Does Tricare cover ambulance rides?

Tricare, the health care program for active-duty and retired military personnel and their families, generally covers emergency ambulance transportation to the nearest appropriate medical facility. Tricare's co-pay amounts for covered rides range from $0 to $106, while coinsurance ranges from 20% to 25%, depending on the plan.

Ambulance ride cost factors

A variety of factors influence the cost of an ambulance ride. While every provider is different, you'll often see at least two charges or codes on your bill—one for the level of care provided and one for mileage. Other factors that affect your total cost include:

• Type of service: Costs vary depending on whether it's an emergency or non-emergency, requires basic- or advanced-level care, and whether they treat and release you on-site or drive you to a medical facility. "Treat and release" situations cost $100 to $600+, depending on the level of medical care involved.

• Distance traveled: The longer the distance the ambulance has to travel, the higher the cost.

• Location: Ambulance costs often vary significantly by region, with urban areas generally having higher costs than rural areas. However, a lengthy trip from a rural location may cost more in mileage. Charges also vary by state, city, or county.

• Supplies & equipment used: The more advanced medical equipment and supplies used during transport, the higher the cost.

• Provider type: Ambulance services operated by private companies or hospitals typically cost more than those operated by local governments or non-profit organizations.

• Insurance coverage: The patient's insurance coverage and the ambulance provider's contract with the insurance company affect the out-of-pocket cost.

• Additional charges: Extra fees may apply for things like Specialty Care Transport (SCT) for more serious medical conditions, wait time due to medical complications, stretcher requirements, or pre-arranged standby charges.

Air ambulance cost

An air ambulance costs $20,000 to $80,000 on average without insurance and may be a helicopter or a fixed-wing airplane. A medical air ambulance may be required if a patient needs to be transported over long distances, to a specialized medical facility, or more urgently than a ground ambulance can provide.

Mileage & state allowances

The state you live in and the distance to the nearest medical facility can have a huge impact on the cost of an ambulance ride. Mileage charges range from $6 to $70+ per mile, with most people paying between $15 and $30 per mile, depending on the location and current fuel costs.

Research shows the following five states had the highest average mileage for ground ambulance transportation from 2018 to 2022.

FAQs about ambulance rides

When is it safe to drive yourself to the ER?

If the situation is not a life-threatening emergency, driving yourself to the emergency room or having a friend or family member drive you may be more cost-effective than calling an ambulance.

When should you call an ambulance?

You should call an ambulance if you or someone else is experiencing a medical emergency that requires immediate, life-saving care. This can include severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or signs of a stroke or heart attack.

Does insurance cover ambulance rides?

The coverage for ambulance rides can vary significantly depending on your insurance plan. Some health insurance plans may cover the full cost, while others require co-pays or coinsurance. Check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.

Regardless of the health insurance company or plan, an ambulance ride must be considered medically necessary for it to be covered.

Why are ambulance rides so expensive?

Ambulance rides are expensive due to many factors, including:

• Specialized medical equipment onboard

• 24/7 availability of highly trained staff

• Expensive, round-the-clock communication systems

• Operational costs of maintaining and fueling the vehicles

• Potential for additional charges based on the level of care provided

• Limited reimbursements from insurance companies

Can you refuse an ambulance?

Yes, you have the right to refuse ambulance transport, even in an emergency situation. However, it's important to carefully consider the potential risks and consequences of doing so, as it could impact your health and safety.

Managing the high cost of an ambulance ride

While the cost of an ambulance ride can be high, there are a few ways to manage the out-of-pocket expense:

• Documentation: Confirm that a healthcare professional documents the ambulance transport as medically necessary to avoid your health insurance company denying the claim.

• Cost comparisons: If your situation is a non-emergency you're prescheduling the ambulance trip, compare costs among different air ambulance providers to find the most affordable option that meets your medical needs.

• Membership Programs: Some local emergency medical service (EMS) providers offer membership programs that can help reduce the cost of ambulance rides. These programs typically require an annual fee but can significantly lower your out-of-pocket costs.

• Financial assistance: Many EMS providers, hospitals, and charitable organizations offer assistance programs to help uninsured or underinsured patients, so it's worth inquiring about any available options.

• Payment plans: Negotiate with the air ambulance provider to spread out the cost over an extended period that is more manageable for you.