How to Pay Your Ambulance Bill: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting transported by an ambulance can be a scary and stressful experience The last thing you want to worry about is how you’ll pay the bill Ambulance services are expensive – the average cost for a ride can be anywhere from $200 to $2,000 depending on the level of care needed.

I know first-hand how confusing and intimidating these bills can be. A few years ago, I took an ambulance to the hospital after a bad fall. The bill that came in the mail was staggering! Thankfully, with some persistence and know-how, I was able to get it lowered significantly.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process I used to pay my ambulance bill. You’ll learn:

• How ambulance billing and insurance coverage works
• Steps to take when you receive your ambulance bill
• Ways to lower your ambulance bill if it’s too expensive
• What to do if you simply can’t afford to pay

Let’s get started!

How Ambulance Billing and Insurance Coverage Works

When you take an ambulance to the hospital, you’re actually getting care from two different healthcare providers – the ambulance company and the hospital.

This means you’ll likely receive two separate bills:

• One from the ambulance company for transportation services
• One from the hospital for medical care

The ambulance company will try to bill your health insurance provider first. Depending on your plan, insurance will cover some portion of the ambulance trip, but likely not the full amount.

Unfortunately ambulance transportation is notoriously difficult to get fully covered by insurance. You’ll likely be left with a balance you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket.

The good news? There are ways to reduce or even eliminate what you owe. Keep reading to find out how.

What To Do When You Receive Your Ambulance Bill

So you’ve gotten home from the hospital and find an ambulance bill in your mailbox. Don’t panic! Here are some key first steps:

• Read the bill carefully Make sure you understand what’s being charged and whether your insurance has been billed. Look for any errors.

• Call your insurance company. Confirm they received the ambulance claim and see how much is covered under your plan. Ask about your out-of-pocket responsibility.

• Contact the ambulance company. Ask questions if the bill is unclear. See if they offer financial assistance or payment plans.

• Determine if the charges are reasonable. Do some research online to estimate typical ambulance costs in your area.

• Act quickly. Ambulance bills are time sensitive – the faster you act, the better. Payment deadlines and interest charges can add up.

Okay, now you have a solid understanding of the charges. Next, it’s time to take action to pay, lower, or potentially even waive the bill.

How to Pay Your Ambulance Bill

If your insurance covers a portion of the ambulance trip, you’ll need to pay the remaining balance. Here are some options:

• Pay the bill in full to avoid interest charges or collection actions. Many ambulance companies accept credit cards, checks, or online payments.

• Request an extended payment plan. Most ambulance providers allow you to pay in installments over several months for no additional fees.

• Use a medical credit card. This allows you to pay off the balance over time. Just be cautious of high interest rates.

• Negotiate for a discount. It never hurts to call the billing department and politely ask for a lowered rate. Stress your financial hardship if appropriate.

• Take out a loan. Personal loans or financing options like CareCredit can cover medical bills with reasonable rates.

Pay close attention to payment deadlines, and call the ambulance company right away if you think you’ll need more time. Many are willing to provide extensions.

How to Lower Your Ambulance Bill

Looking at that balance due and cringing? Before you pull out your wallet, consider these tips to reduce your ambulance charges:

• Contest incorrect charges. Billing errors do happen, so closely review your bill to ensure all information and charges are accurate. Dispute any discrepancies in writing.

• Negotiate itemized charges. Ambulance services typically provide an itemized bill listing all services, supplies, and fees. Call to negotiate removal of any unnecessary or unreasonable charges.

• Ask about discounts. Many ambulance companies offer prompt payment discounts (e.g. 10% off) if you pay within a certain time period.

• Inquire about financial assistance. Most ambulance providers have financial hardship or charity care programs with reduced rates for qualifying low-income individuals.

• Submit secondary insurance claims. If you have more than one health insurance plan, submit the ambulance claim to both. This helps lower your responsibility.

• Appeal insurance denials. Don’t take no for an answer from your insurance provider. File appeals if coverage was denied and escalate to a supervisor if needed.

With persistence and these tips, you may be able to lower that alarming ambulance bill significantly.

What If You Simply Can’t Afford Your Ambulance Bill?

Despite your best efforts, you may simply not have the financial means to pay your ambulance bill. Don’t lose hope! Here are some final options to explore:

• Request a discount. Ask the billing department if they can offer any reduction in fees due to your situation. Many ambulance companies have “self-pay discounts” and other concessions they can make.

• Apply for charity programs. Most ambulance providers offer financial assistance or write-offs for very low income, uninsured patients. Complete the application and provide documents to prove eligibility.

• Set up a reasonable payment plan. Explain your financial limitations and work with the company to set up installment payments you can actually afford – even $20 per month.

• Consider bankruptcy. Medical debt is a very common cause of bankruptcy. Consult with an attorney if your debts are insurmountable.

The bottom line is ambulance companies would rather receive some payment than no payment at all. Be honest about your financial constraints – many times they will work with you on a solution.

Key Takeaways on Paying Ambulance Bills

Dealing with ambulance bills can be confusing and frustrating. Here are some key tips to remember:

• Act quickly to understand the charges and whether insurance will cover any portion.

• Negotiate unnecessary fees, request discounts, and appeal insurance denials.

• Set up manageable payment plans or apply for financial assistance programs if the balance is unaffordable.

• Keep an open dialogue with the ambulance billing department.

While ambulance transportation is very expensive, there are often ways to significantly reduce what you pay out of pocket. Follow this process, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself every step of the way.