Queensland ambulance fees from 1 July 2026: what do international visitors pay?
Queensland ambulance fees from 1 July 2026 include $1,559.57 for emergency transport, while overseas visitors remain responsible unless another payer accepts the invoice.
From 1 July 2026, the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) lists a fee per service of $1,559.57 for emergency transport Code 1 and Code 2, $577.72 for non-emergency transport Code 3 and Code 4, $158.39 for treatment without transport, and $26.63 for a casualty-room consultation. Queensland has no reciprocal ambulance arrangements for overseas visitors, so the visitor remains responsible for QAS service costs and must pay the invoice in full unless another payer accepts it. These figures and guidance were checked 1 October 2026 against the Queensland Ambulance Treatment and Transport guidance on qld.gov.au.
What do the Queensland ambulance fees cover?
QAS publishes the following fee-per-service amounts:
| Service | Category | Fee from 1 July 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency transport | Code 1 and Code 2, flat rate | $1,559.57 |
| Non-emergency transport | Code 3 and Code 4, flat rate | $577.72 |
| Ambulance treatment without transport | Callout, flat rate | $158.39 |
| Casualty Room Consultation | — | $26.63 |
These are the individual service fees listed by QAS. An invoice may therefore need to be read against the services actually provided and invoiced.
Who is responsible for an international visitor’s invoice?
QAS operates under the Ambulance Service Act 1991. Its guidance states that a person whose principal place of residence is not Queensland is responsible for paying a QAS invoice issued after using its services.
For overseas visitors, QAS says there are no reciprocal ambulance arrangements. Visitors are responsible for the cost of services provided and are instructed to pay their QAS invoice in full. Medicare does not cover the cost of ambulance services in Queensland.
A possible insurer or other payer does not change the need to check the actual coverage and billing arrangement.
Could an international student qualify for an exemption?
Payment may be exempt if the applicable condition was met at the time of the ambulance service. QAS lists these exemption categories:
- Under 25 and a full-time student at a Queensland educational institution: provide a letter confirming that you were under 25 and enrolled full-time when the ambulance service occurred.
- Under 25, a full-time student elsewhere in Australia, and the child of a Queensland resident: provide proof of the parent’s Queensland residency, proof of the family relationship, and a letter confirming your age and full-time enrolment at the time.
- Eligible Department of Veterans’ Affairs cardholder: provide copies of the DVA Gold or White card.
- Workers’ compensation or Motors Accident Insurance Fund coverage: the relevant coverage must have applied when the ambulance service occurred.
Student status alone does not establish an exemption. The age, enrolment, residency and other conditions had to be met at the time of service, together with the requested evidence.
Could OSHC, health insurance or travel insurance pay?
For an OSHC or other private health policy, check whether ambulance services are included and what process the insurer requires. QAS specifically advises visitors who held private health insurance covering ambulance services at the time to:
- advise their insurer;
- check their coverage; and
- forward the invoice to the insurer for processing and payment if covered.
Travel insurance works differently. QAS advises international visitors to request a receipt for their payment so they can claim through applicable travel insurance. A receipt does not itself mean the travel insurer will accept the claim.
QAS also has separate guidance for interstate visitors, including possible payment by a home-state or territory ambulance service for valid concession cards or ambulance memberships. However, it says there are no general reciprocal arrangements between QAS and interstate ambulance services.
How should I pay or query the invoice?
QAS publishes the following account-payment details:
| Payment field | Published detail |
|---|---|
| Bank account name | Queensland Health – Queensland Ambulance Service |
| BSB | 064-013 |
| Bank account number | 10000396 |
| SWIFT code for international payments | CTBAAU2S |
If you did not receive the ambulance service, want to dispute the invoice, or need to request an exemption with supporting evidence, contact:
Queensland Ambulance Service
c/- Queensland Shared Services
GPO Box 173
Brisbane QLD 4001
- Phone: (07) 5479 7200
- Email: mcy.debtadmin@chde.qld.gov.au
This is general information, not confirmation of a particular invoice, exemption or insurance claim. Check your policy documents for ambulance coverage and the Department of Home Affairs information relevant to your visa.
Sources
FAQ
Does Medicare cover ambulance services in Queensland?
No. QAS states that Medicare does not cover the cost of ambulance services in Queensland.
Does being an international student automatically make me exempt?
No. QAS lists an exemption category for a person who was under 25 and enrolled full-time at a Queensland educational institution at the time of service, but it requests a letter confirming both circumstances.
Does OSHC automatically cover a QAS ambulance fee?
Do not assume it does. QAS refers visitors to the relevant private health insurer and advises them to check whether the policy covered ambulance services at the time.
What if I did not receive the ambulance service or dispute the invoice?
Contact QAS on (07) 5479 7200 or at mcy.debtadmin@chde.qld.gov.au. The same published contact details are also available for exemption requests and supporting evidence.