Is there a reciprocal ambulance agreement for overseas tourists in NSW?
Explains why overseas tourists must pay NSW Ambulance’s full charge and how a receipt may support a policy-based reimbursement claim.
No. According to NSW Ambulance’s fees FAQ, NSW has no reciprocal ambulance-service agreement covering overseas tourists, so a visitor remains responsible for the full cost. The published 2024/25 full-charge schedule for residents of states and territories outside NSW lists $909 for an emergency call-out, $8.20 per emergency kilometre, $365 for a non-emergency call-out and $2.26 per non-emergency kilometre. The information was checked 1 October 2026; these are published rates rather than an individual quote, so check the invoice for the amount actually charged.
Does it matter who called Triple Zero?
No. NSW Ambulance charges the person who receives the service, regardless of who called Triple Zero (000). Charges can apply to on-scene assessment and transport, depending on the service provided.
This rule applies even if a friend, accommodation staff member or another person made the call.
How are the full charges calculated?
The ambulance service is separated into a call-out charge and a distance-related charge:
| Service | Published 2024/25 full charge |
|---|---|
| Emergency call-out | $909 |
| Distance travelled during an emergency | $8.20 per kilometre |
| Non-emergency call-out | $365 |
| Distance travelled during a non-emergency service | $2.26 per kilometre |
Non-emergency services are described as non-critical care, such as booked transport to routine medical appointments or movement between health facilities.
Chargeable distance may be greater than the direct journey to or from the hospital. NSW Ambulance calculates the total distance travelled by road, fixed-wing aircraft or helicopter. Where transport occurs, the calculation includes the trip from the nearest ambulance base station to the patient, onward to the destination where the patient disembarks, and back to that base station.
Does Medicare cover the ambulance charge?
No. NSW Ambulance states that Medicare does not cover ambulance services.
Travel insurance or private health fund cover may be relevant, but this does not mean every policy will reimburse the cost. NSW Ambulance encourages overseas tourists to have travel insurance or private health fund cover during their stay in Australia, while any claim remains subject to the applicable policy terms.
If you have OSHC, travel insurance or another private policy, check its policy documents for:
- whether ambulance services are an eligible expense;
- any exclusions, limits or conditions;
- required evidence;
- how and when to submit a claim.
Do not assume that holding OSHC makes an NSW Ambulance bill automatically payable by the insurer or fund.
For your visa requirements, separately check the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs information for your particular visa. A private insurance policy’s reimbursement decision and your visa health-cover requirements should not be treated as the same check.
Can a receipt support a reimbursement claim?
Yes, a receipt can support a claim under applicable travel insurance or private health cover, but it does not guarantee reimbursement.
- Check the policy documents before assuming the expense is covered.
- Pay the invoice using an accepted payment method.
- Request a receipt of payment.
- Submit the receipt and any other required documents through the process specified by the insurer or fund.
- Wait for the claim decision and follow any terms concerning the amount payable.
The receipt records that you paid the bill. Reimbursement, if available, still depends on your policy and the claim assessment.
How can I pay an NSW Ambulance invoice?
NSW Ambulance lists the following payment methods:
- a cheque or bank draft made payable in Australian dollars; or
- a credit-card payment online through the NSW Ambulance website.
If you use a credit card, check with your bank first about additional fees or charges. Payment is required if you are not entitled to free ambulance services.
What can happen if the bill remains unpaid?
An unpaid bill may be referred to Revenue NSW for recovery action. NSW Ambulance says this may include a garnishee order relating to wages or salary, a property seizure order, or a charge on land owned by the debtor.
Referral to the State Debt Recovery Office adds recovery costs of $65 and any applicable Sheriff’s costs.
Sources
FAQ
Is there a reciprocal ambulance agreement for overseas tourists in NSW?
No. NSW Ambulance states that overseas tourists remain responsible for the full cost of the service.
Does Medicare pay for NSW Ambulance services?
No. NSW Ambulance states that Medicare does not cover ambulance services.
Does travel insurance or private health cover always reimburse the bill?
No. Any reimbursement depends on the applicable policy terms and the claim decision. Check the policy documents before relying on cover.
Does a payment receipt guarantee reimbursement?
No. A receipt can support a claim, but it does not establish that the expense is covered or that the full invoice will be reimbursed.
Who is charged if someone else calls Triple Zero?
The person receiving the ambulance service is charged, regardless of who made the call.