How Much Does It Cost to Use an Ambulance in New York City?
How Much Does It Cost to Use an Ambulance in New York City?
Summary
If you call an ambulance in NYC, you could pay around US$1,385 for a standard ambulance ride with FDNY. That’s the base rate without extra charges like medical supplies, tests, or high-level emergency procedures. amNewYork
It depends on your condition.
My Personal Experience: What Happened
My husband was struck by a sudden, severe dizziness—so bad he couldn’t walk—and we worried it might be something serious like a stroke. We ended up calling an ambulance. Here’s what happened, and how much it cost.
- Only dizziness; later doctors thought it was due to aging, possibly also contact lenses.
- With insurance, we used ambulance + Emergency Room (ER). Got no medical instruments used in the ambulance (no heart monitor, respiratory device, etc.).
- Total bill ≈ US$975 (about ¥120,000) after insurance.
- If it had been a more serious condition (heart attack, etc.), cost would be much higher.
What Happens When You Call an Ambulance: Process
- You call 911. They ask for:
- Your address & phone number
- Symptoms
- They evaluate how urgent the case is (for serious issues like chest pain, breathing trouble, you’ll get faster response).
- Paramedics may bring equipment; they might ask questions about pulse, breathing, etc.
- Depending on condition, you may be asked if you want to ride in the ambulance.
- Then transported to hospital ER if needed.
What the ER Does & What to Expect
- ER = Emergency Room. Meant for urgent / life-threatening situations.
- Many people waiting, triaged by severity. If your situation isn’t serious, you might wait a long time.
- Tests like CT scans, imaging, IVs, etc., done depending on symptoms.
- Sometimes you’ll stay overnight if needed.
Other Experiences
- A friend with extreme depression once collapsed at night. No insurance. Went to ER (by cab). Monitored, symptoms checked; cost later ~ US$1,000.
- Another time, I had a bad headache + vomiting after hot yoga. No ambulance. CT scan, pain relief, rest. Stayed overnight. Don’t remember cost exactly, but with insurance it was manageable. Without insurance, much more stressful.
Alternatives: Urgent Care, Free/Low-Cost Options
- Urgent Care: e.g. CityMD and similar facilities. Good for non-life-threatening issues: cold, minor injuries, etc. Less expensive than ER. Must check whether facility is in your insurance network.
- NYC Care: A program for people who don’t qualify for other insurance. Provides free or low-cost care at NYC Health + Hospitals’ clinics/hospitals depending on income. Wikipedia
- Medicare / Medicaid: For those eligible (elderly, low-income, etc.), many emergency services are covered. But you may still have copays or deductible depending on your plan. Medicare+1
Updated Stats & What You Need to Know Now (2025)
| Service | Approximate Cost (insured vs uninsured) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FDNY standard ambulance ride | ~$1,385 base rate (before extra charges) amNewYork | As of May 1, 2023 rate increase. Per-mile charge increased too. amNewYork+1 |
| Urgent Care visit | If insured: small copay; uninsured: often $100–$200 for simple treatments. ehealth+1 | |
| ER visit cost | Non-emergency ER visit can easily cost $2,400+ without insurance. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket can be high. GoodRx+1 |
Also important:
- Many ambulance rides are out of network for insurance plans, which can lead to unexpected (“surprise”) bills. You often can’t control which ambulance service responds in emergencies. Axios
- Ambulance service from FDNY has a sliding scale or discounted rates for those without insurance or with low income. New York City Government
Conclusion
In New York City, using an ambulance and going through an ER can get expensive fast, especially without insurance or for serious symptoms. But there are options: urgent care, ambulance discounts, Medicare/Medicaid, NYC Care. It helps to know what your insurance covers, where to go for what kind of symptom, and to prepare in advance if you can.
