If you’ve ever wondered how much an ambulance ride costs in the United States, you’re not alone. Whether it’s a true emergency or a precautionary hospital trip, the bill that follows can be surprising. In this article, we break down the average cost of ambulance services in 2025 — with and without insurance — and share what you can expect depending on where you live.
What you need to know:
- The average cost of an ambulance ride in the US in 2025 is around $1,200 without insurance.
- With insurance, out-of-pocket expenses typically range between $250 and $1,500.
- Costs vary significantly by state. For example, a basic ambulance ride in NYC is $1,385, while in Texas it’s $656.
- Air ambulance rides are significantly more expensive — from $12,000 to $55,000.
Average cost of an ambulance ride
The final cost of an ambulance ride depends on several factors:
- Whether the provider is in-network or out-of-network
- Your health insurance coverage
- The level of medical care provided during the ride
- Distance traveled
| Type | Average Cost (2025) |
|---|---|
| Ground ambulance (no insurance) | $1,200 |
| Ground ambulance (with insurance) | $250 – $1,500 out-of-pocket |
| Air ambulance | $12,000 – $55,000 |
Ambulance ride costs by state
| State | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New York City (NY) | $1,385 | Basic life support; up from $900 in 2023 |
| Texas | $656 | Above national average |
| Georgia | $2,125 | Ranges from $343 to $1,628 depending on county |
| Chicago (IL) | $2,969 – $3,040 | Higher-tier services |
| Ohio | $1,277 | Average cost pre-insurance |
| North Carolina | $400 – $1,200 + $10–$30/mile | Depends on distance |
| Florida | $600 – $1,300 | Varies with city and insurance |
| California | $1,000+ | New law caps out-of-network billing in 2025 |
| Washington | $1,000+ | No surprise billing allowed starting 2025 |
How insurance affects ambulance costs
Health insurance can reduce ambulance costs, but many patients still face significant bills, especially if the ambulance company is out-of-network.
- Medicare: Covers 80% of the approved amount after the annual deductible. You’re responsible for the remaining 20%.
- Private insurance: May require a deductible or coinsurance. In-network providers cost less than out-of-network ones.
- Medicaid: Coverage varies by state, but often includes emergency ambulance services.
Cost-saving tips
- If it’s not a life-threatening emergency, consider urgent care or other transport options.
- Know your insurance network and preferred ambulance providers.
- Review ambulance bills carefully and dispute errors or surprise charges.
- If needed, work with your insurance or local ombudsman for balance billing help.
Ultimately, an ambulance ride can be one of the most expensive parts of emergency care. Understanding your options and being informed can help reduce out-of-pocket expenses — especially in states with new billing protections in 2025.