An ambulance ride costs an average of $1,300 in the United States.

In the United States, basic life support ambulance transfer costs around $950.

If you are having a life-threatening emergency, it is not safe to drive yourself to the hospital.

Paramedics taking patient on stretcher from ambulance to hospital

Paul Burns / Getty Images

What Is the Average Cost of an Ambulance Ride?

In the United States, the average cost of advanced life support ambulance transport is around $1,300.

Basic life support ambulance transport costs around $950.

Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of an Ambulance Ride?

Most healthcare policies cover the cost of an ambulance ride, as long as it’s deemed medically necessary.

Depending on your policy, you may have to pay a deductible or copay.

If you’re not sure, check your policy or call your healthcare insurance provider.

Medicare also requires that you are taken to the closest medical facility that is able to treat your condition.

If you request transport to another medical facility, you will be billed for the extra miles traveled.

If you’re in a car accident, your auto insurance may cover the cost of the ambulance ride.

If so, it is best to use your auto insurance since you won’t be charged a copay.

Your auto insurance may even cover the cost of your health insurance’s copay or deductible.

The way in which Medicare and Medicaid pay depends on the fees set by the government.

That means that as payers, they’re indifferent to how much an ambulance company charges.

What if You Dont Have Health Insurance?

If you don’t have health insurance, you’ll be billed for the ambulance ride directly.

The final cost will include the services received and a per-mile charge.

Uninsured patients are often charged higher prices than insured patients.

If the representative refuses your request, ask to speak to a supervisor.

What Factors Contribute to the Cost of an Ambulance Ride?

These include:

Can You Choose the Hospital?

This might be a hospital that is out of your insurance company’s web link.

When Is It Safe To Drive Yourself to the ER?

If you’re having a medical emergency, don’t think about the cost.

If you could’t get to a hospital safely on your own, call 911.

Emergency symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion.

If you really do need help, don’t refuse it just because you’re worried about the bill.

Don’t drive yourself to the ER if you’re experiencing life-threatening symptoms.

Fair Health, Inc.Ground ambulance services in the United States.

Medicare.gov.Medicare coverage of ambulance services.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.Ambulance fee schedule.