Why can’t a price be given straight away?
No two transfers are alike. A short trip to a nearby hospital and an intensive-care transfer to another city differ in duration, crew and equipment. Six items set the price.
- Distance — including the vehicle’s approach and its empty return, which is a major cost on intercity journeys.
- Service duration — collection, handover and any waiting at the hospital.
- Crew — number and qualifications depend on the patient’s condition.
- Equipment — a stretcher-only journey differs from one needing oxygen or monitoring.
- Building access — an upper floor without a lift takes more effort and sometimes extra staff.
- Time of service — nights, weekends and public holidays may be priced differently.
What to say to get an accurate quote
Give the pick-up and drop-off addresses (ward, floor), date and time, the patient’s condition and weight, equipment in use, building details and whether a return is needed.
The lowest figure is not always the best offer; ask what is included. See 8 questions to ask when getting a quote and the private ambulance page.