Health insurance glossary
Ground ambulance co-payment (Ontario)
Plain-English definition
In Ontario, a person with OHIP coverage is billed a $45 co-payment for a medically necessary ground ambulance trip to hospital, for example from home. Trips between Ontario medical facilities are not billed. Some people are exempt, such as those on social assistance or living in long-term care. A $240 charge applies if the trip is found not medically essential, or without a valid Ontario health card.
By the HealthRate editorial desk
Where this applies: Ontario only. Other provinces set their own ambulance fees.
How it works
The co-payment is set by Ontario regulation and billed to the patient (Government of Ontario).
Exemptions include people receiving social assistance, residents of licensed long-term care homes and some people receiving home care services (Government of Ontario).
Ambulance costs outside Ontario are handled differently. Extended health and travel plans may cover ambulance charges; check your plan's wording.
Why it matters
The co-payment is small, but the higher charge for a trip found not medically essential, or for someone without a valid health card, can be a surprise for newcomers and visitors.