Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Ambulance (Ground) Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Life Support (BLS) | $400 – $1,200 | $100 – $400 |
| Advanced Life Support (ALS) Level 1 | $600 – $1,800 | $150 – $600 |
| Advanced Life Support (ALS) Level 2 | $800 – $2,500 | $200 – $800 |
| Mileage Charges (per mile) | $10 – $30 | $3 – $10 |
CPT/ADA Code: CPT A0427
What Affects the Cost
- Facility type (freestanding center vs. hospital — hospitals cost 2-3x more)
- Geographic location
- Complexity of the visit or test
- Whether additional tests or procedures are needed
- In-network vs. out-of-network provider
- Time of day (emergency/after-hours may cost more)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Covered as emergency transport; subject to deductible and coinsurance (typically 20%)
Most diagnostic tests and urgent care visits are covered when medically necessary with a doctor's order. You'll pay your deductible first, then coinsurance (typically 20-40%). Preventive screenings are covered at $0 under the ACA. Always use in-network providers to avoid surprise bills.
How to Save Money
- Freestanding facilities cost 50-70% less than hospital-based
- Ask for cash-pay pricing upfront — often 40-60% less than billed rate
- Compare prices on MDsave.com or Healthcare Bluebook
- Use urgent care instead of ER for non-emergencies (save $1,000+)
- Telehealth visits cost $50-$100 for many conditions
- Check if the service qualifies as preventive care ($0 with insurance)
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
A ground ambulance costs $400-$2,500 for the base rate plus $10-$30 per mile. The average ambulance bill is $1,200-$1,600. BLS (non-emergency) costs less than ALS (advanced life support with IV, cardiac monitoring, medications).
Yes, for medically necessary emergency transport. Most plans cover 80% after your deductible. The No Surprises Act protects against surprise out-of-network ambulance bills. Medicare covers 80% of the approved amount.
Yes. Request an itemized bill, check for errors, ask about financial hardship programs, negotiate a lower amount, and set up a payment plan. Many ambulance services will reduce the bill by 25-50% for self-pay patients.