Training Specifically Tailored to Your Needs
Can you afford not to have it?
Following an interesting feed on social media last weekend, an interesting point was made. Someone commented that Ambulance transport is free however that is not entirely true. Indeed there are some circumstances where it might be covered and these days some private health insurance offers coverage. As another friend pointed out, being a pensioner will certainly cover you.
But it should be pointed out that coverage is not absolute. There will be exclusions. You should always make yourself aware of what exclusions apply otherwise a very nasty surprise will be in the mail for you. The more resources, the bigger the distance covered, the greater the care, or including a helicopter in the journey and the bill can total into the thousands.
A good friend and teacher swears by the need to have Ambulance cover after requiring hospitalisation following a vehicle collision. A former supervisor of mine recounted one bill for a roughly five block trip to hospital came in at well over $1,000.
As a trainer, I have always talked about the need to ensure adequate coverage. As a first responder I would shout it from the roof tops. I have seen some very badly injured people requiring multiple Ambulance Paramedics, numerous essential medications and helicopter transport toting up bills into five figures in value.
This makes paying less than $79.00 a year to cover your family a worthwhile expense.
So why don’t people spend the money? It’s too expensive? Well I think we covered that.
There is no need, I’ll never use it. That seems to be a huge gamble. We never know what could happen to us. Chest pain, kidney stones, a broken ankle, a vehicle collision, breathing difficulties. They can happen without warning.
My insurance has Ambulance cover included. Again I urge you read the fine print. What will they cover and what is not included? You don’t want to get caught out. Some health insurance packages actually provide for a reimbursement of Ambulance cover. This seems to me to be a worthwhile option.
My pension covers me. True unless you hold a Commonwealth Seniors Card. Even my own parents keep up their coverage for that same reason.
Membership of the Ambulance Membership coverage give you reciprocal rights in other states.
So don’t think about it, sign up today. Go to Ambulance Victoria‘s website and sign up now.
http://www.ambulance.vic.gov.au/Membership.html
An interesting point to consider is the increasing reliance on private health cover and its impact on ambulance revenue. AV is seeing a dramatic drop in subscriptions due to the amount of people relying solely on their health insurance for ambulance transport. This inevitably leads to a lessening of the service offered by the ambulance service due to budget constraints.
Additionally, if the insurer thinks they can get out of paying, they will, every time. Ambulance subscription does no such thing.
I think you are right, Cameron. While the market is now open to other players, it does inevitably impact on the operational budget of the Ambulance services. For the cheap cost of cover, it isn’t worth the risk.