Find out about ambulance transfers, who they’re for, and the other ways we can help you get to appointments.
Hospital transfers / Discharge
For inter-hospital transfers, hospital staff will make the booking, and the cost will be covered by the hospital. For hospital discharges these are often booked by hospital staff, in most cases the cost of the discharge will be the responsibility of the patient. You should be advised by hospital staff. If the cost of the discharge is covered by the hospital you will be advised by hospital staff..
Patient transfer ambulances can be booked for non-emergency private transport when the patient requires stretcher transport (i.e., they are not able to sit). Examples include transferring a whānau member from an aged-care facility to an appointment or taking someone home following discharge from hospital.
There is a user charge for this service, which is based on the kilometres travelled and the type of transfer. A minimum charge applies. Please, note that private ambulance transfers are not covered under the annual ambulance membership or home alarm schemes.
To find out more, please call 0800 ST JOHN (0800 785 646) or email us.
Questions
- How much does an Ambulance Transfer cost?
If booked by a healthcare professional, the cost of an ambulance transfer may be covered by Health NZ. Please check if this is the case before the transfer takes place.
If the ambulance transfer is a private booking (booked by a member of the public), the patient/whanau are responsible for the cost of the service. The cost depends on the number of kilometres travelled, the number of staff required, and whether the distance requires an overnight stay for Hato Hone St John staff. A quote will be provided and must be accepted by the patient/whanau prior to the transfer commencing.
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Distance travelled
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Charge (GST inclusive)
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35km or less
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$243.80
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Over 35km
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$9.17 per km
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Non-eligible visitors (minimum charge)*
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$976.00
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*Additional per km charges apply for journeys of more than 35km.
Additional charges may apply for complex ambulance transports, including requests for additional staff and airside retrievals from aircraft.
- What is a high-need patient? How do we know who’s eligible?
A complex patient transfer reefers to a high needs patient. Someone who requires specialist staff, equipment or vehicle type.