ACT government explores making ambulance call-outs free, consulting other states

The ACT government has consulted with the Tasmanian and Queensland governments, which both cover ambulance fees, about the potential of making ambulance call-outs free in the territory.

An emergency ambulance call-out, including transport to a hospital, costs $1,180 in the ACT, with a further $15 added every kilometre travelled outside of the ACT.

The ACT Greens have long called for ambulances to be free, arguing people without private health cover may be reluctant to call for help.

"When someone is going through a medical emergency, we don't want them to stop and think about how much it will cost them," Greens spokesperson for emergency services Andrew Braddock said.

'Unintended effects' a concern

The ACT government has now accepted a recommendation from a Legislative Assembly committee to report back on the cost associated with free ambulances and how it might be implemented.

The government has also consulted with other governments around the country that cover ambulance fees in their jurisdictions.

Through those conversations, as noted in the committee's budget estimates report, some concerns have been raised about "unintended effects", including people cancelling their private health insurance.

"Whilst ambulance services are free for patients in some jurisdictions, residents pay for the costs of the service by other means."

Health and Emergency Services Minister Marisa Paterson has previously said boosting the paramedic workforce was the government's current investment priority.

"The government has been doing some costings [about free ambulances] and it does look like it is pretty expensive to do this," she said.

Fee exemptions require 'a degree of health literacy'

On its website, the ACT government acknowledges the cost associated with ambulances "can seem daunting" but fee exemptions "are designed to support the most vulnerable members of our community".

Health Care Consumers' Association Executive Director Lachlan Atyeo said many Canberrans may not know they are eligible for a fee exemption, potentially putting them off calling an ambulance.

"A lot of the time people aren't going to know those sorts of things until they are already in that situation where they need to have that knowledge," he said.

Mr Atyeo said making ambulances free was a "great idea".

"If you need critical care, in a timely and urgent manner, then worrying about whether or not you have to pay should not be a consideration," he said.

"You've got two other states demonstrating it can be done, and I see no reason why the ACT shouldn't join with those states."

Existing ambulance fee exemptions

Among the exemptions are people injured in a car accident, students at school, mental health patients, and victims of family violence or sexual assault.

The ACT also offers free ambulance rides to Good Samaritans injured in an emergency.

Most aged pension and health care concession card holders are also entitled to free ambulance services within the ACT.

People experiencing financial hardship may also apply for a waiver of their ambulance fees.

The ACT government is expected to table the costings for free ambulances in February next year.