How Much Does an Ambulance Ride Cost?

An ambulance ride can feel like a ride on an emotional rollercoaster. You may feel scared and anxious about what’s happening and at the same time relieved that help has arrived. But once the ride’s over, you’re also likely to feel disbelief at the cost of the ambulance ride.

Below, we'll cover the various factors that impact the cost of an ambulance ride and some of the different ways to help you pay for it.

BLS vs. ALS Ambulance Services

When a person calls for an ambulance, the dispatcher will typically send either a basic life support (BLS) ambulance or an advanced life support (ALS) ambulance. In some cases, the type sent may come down to availability, but most of the time, the type of ambulance dispatched is based on the information given by the caller about the condition of the person in need of help. This is because of the services each can provide.¹

BLS ambulance

BLS ambulances are staffed by emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and offer what's referred to as first-step treatment. They provide transport for patients in need of basic medical monitoring for issues like lower body fractures and medical and surgical patients who don't require cardiac monitoring. They can provide first aid, CPR and AED and basic airway management.¹

ALS ambulance

ALS ambulances are staffed by paramedics who've been trained to provide more advanced clinical monitoring and interventions, such as cardiac monitoring, advanced airway management and IV and medication administration.¹

Average Cost for an Ambulance Ride

The national average cost* of an ambulance ride varies by the type of service provided — $1,481 for a BLS ambulance ride and $1,613 for an ALS ambulance ride. These costs can vary depending on location, distance traveled, level of care provided and equipment used during the ride.²

Costs by type of ambulance service

Below is the average cost* and cost range of ambulance rides by type:²

Average ambulance ride cost by state/district

Below is the average cost* of ambulance rides by all 50 states and the District of Columbia:²

Factors That Influence the Cost of Ambulance Rides

Several factors can impact how much you pay for an ambulance ride, including:¹

• Insurance coverage. Whether you have health insurance at the time the ambulance is called and whether the responding ambulance is in your provider network both affect how much you'll pay.
• BLS or ALS. It costs more to provide advanced life support (ALS).³ Everything from the equipment to the training and wages of the responders is more expensive with ALS.
• Ambulance owner. The ambulance dispatched may be owned and operated by a public entity (like a local fire department), a hospital or a private ambulance company.
• Ambulance origin. Ambulance services originating from home, accident scenes and nonhospital medical facilities are more likely to incur out-of-network charges.⁴
• Treatment provided. In addition to the differences between BLS and ALS, the specific treatments provided by the medical crew in the ambulance or on the scene can also impact what you pay. For instance, receiving oxygen, medications, CPR or intubation can increase the total charge.
• The state you live in. In some states, an out-of-network charge may result in a surprise bill due to an additional charge known as balance billing. While some state and local governments have banned this practice, it remains in effect in others.
• The county/city you live in. In some counties — such as Montgomery, Alabama — residents don't receive a bill or pay a copay or deductible if they call 911 for an ambulance. The rides are covered by the resident's private insurance or Medicare, if they have it, and are covered for county taxpayers who don't have insurance.⁵
• Mileage. An ambulance ride cost typically includes a base fee and mileage charges.³ Ambulances usually transport patients to the nearest hospital or trauma center. However, in some situations — such as living in a rural area or needing specialized care — an ambulance may need to travel longer distances, increasing the cost if mileage fees apply.

Does Health Insurance Cover Ambulance Rides?

Many private health insurance policies cover a portion of the cost if the ambulance ride is deemed an emergency or medically necessary by your doctor.⁶ Your auto insurance plan may cover ambulance fees if you have a car accident.⁷

Keep in mind that unless you have the option to choose an ambulance service contracted with your insurance provider — which is unlikely in most cases — you'll likely pay more out of pocket for an ambulance ride.¹

Medicare Part B covers both emergency and, in certain cases, nonemergency ambulance transport. If you meet the eligibility criteria, Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount, leaving you responsible for a 20% coinsurance after meeting your Part B deductible.⁸

Why Do Ambulance Rides Cost So Much?

Ambulances are expensive to operate. They contain medical equipment and supplies essential for lifesaving services and require highly trained personnel, including EMTs and paramedics, who are available 24/7, year-round.⁹

There are also operating costs you don’t see when you ride in an ambulance, such as:⁹

• Administration
• Communications systems
• Fuel
• Insurance
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance

How to Help Pay for an Ambulance Ride

You have several options for paying for an ambulance ride, including cash or a credit card. Before paying, check with your insurance provider to see if your plan covers part or all of the cost.

Additionally, remember that your auto insurance may cover ambulance expenses after a car accident.

You can also use a CareCredit credit card to cover costs not included in your health insurance.**

Negotiate a Discount for an Ambulance Ride

There are a few ways to reduce the cost of ambulance rides. One option is to consider an ambulance membership program. Some companies, fire departments and hospitals offer programs with discounts for members who pay an annual fee. If you enroll in one of these programs, be sure to review the details, as the service may be limited to a specific provider or service area.¹⁰

If you receive an out-of-network ambulance bill, you may be able to negotiate a discount. Start by contacting your insurance provider to request a review of your claim and ask if they can cover more of the balance. If that doesn’t succeed, consider filing an appeal.¹¹

If your insurance provider doesn't adjust the bill, try contacting the ambulance company directly to see if they can reduce the charge or offer an installment plan.¹¹

Alternatives to Ambulance Rides

It may be tempting to try to drive yourself to the hospital to avoid paying the ambulance bill. While there are situations when an alternative is possible, in a medical emergency, it's important to prioritize your health and call 911. It's the best way to access immediate, lifesaving care.¹²

In nonemergency situations, rather than calling 911 for an ambulance, consider asking a friend or family member for a ride to the hospital, hailing a cab or calling a rideshare service. If you feel capable, you could drive yourself, though this is not recommended if you are injured or experiencing symptoms that could impair your ability to drive.¹²

Managing Health and Wellness Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card

If you are looking for an option to help manage your health and wellness costs, consider financing with the CareCredit credit card. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for the care you want and need and make payments easy to manage.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Your CareCredit credit card can be used in so many ways within the CareCredit network including vision, dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases and spa treatments. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a writer who has been covering health and lifestyle for almost two decades. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Insider, Medical News Today and more.