As we age, our health becomes increasingly important and the need for medical assistance can become more frequent. For pensioners, this can be a major concern as they may not have the financial means to cover expensive medical bills.
In South Australia, there is a public ambulance service that provides emergency medical care, but the question remains: do pensioners get free ambulance cover in South Australia?
In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide information on how pensioners can access free ambulance cover in South Australia.
The Public Ambulance Service in South Australia
In South Australia, the public ambulance service is provided by SA Ambulance Service (SAAS). This service is responsible for providing emergency medical care and transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
The cost of using this service can be quite expensive, with a call-out fee of $1,029 and a per kilometer charge of $5.60. For pensioners, this can be a significant financial burden.
Free Ambulance Cover for Pensioners
The good news is that pensioners in South Australia are eligible for free ambulance cover through the Pensioner Ambulance Cover Scheme.
This scheme is available to all South Australian residents who hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Commonwealth Seniors Health Card, or Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card.
This cover includes emergency ambulance services and transport to the nearest appropriate medical facility.
How to Access Free Ambulance Cover
To access free ambulance cover in South Australia, pensioners must present their eligible concession card to the ambulance officer at the time of service.
If the pensioner does not have their card with them, they will be required to pay for the service and then claim a reimbursement from SAAS. It is important for pensioners to always carry their eligible concession card with them to avoid any unexpected costs.
Additional Options for Ambulance Cover
While pensioners are eligible for free ambulance cover through the Pensioner Ambulance Cover Scheme, there are also additional options available for those who may not qualify for the scheme.
SAAS offers a range of subscription options for individuals and families, including a Pensioner Plus subscription which provides unlimited emergency ambulance cover for a discounted rate of $60 per year.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pensioners in South Australia do have access to free ambulance cover through the Pensioner Ambulance Cover Scheme.
It is important for pensioners to always carry their eligible concession card with them to avoid any unexpected costs.
For those who may not qualify for the scheme, there are also additional subscription options available. By having access to free ambulance cover, pensioners can have peace of mind knowing that they will receive the necessary medical care without the added financial burden.
