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Pricing & Cost Guide.

Transparent pricing information for medical transport services across Southern California. Costs vary by service level, distance, and insurance — here's what to expect.

Medi-Cal Accepted
No Hidden Fees
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Pricing Information

Understanding Medical Transport Costs

Medical transport pricing depends on the service level required, distance traveled, patient acuity, and insurance coverage. At West Coast Ambulance, we believe in transparency — no surprise bills, no hidden charges. We provide free insurance verification before every transport so you know exactly what to expect.

Wheelchair Transport

$70 – $200+
Typical Use
Doctor appointments, dialysis, discharges
What's Included
  • ADA-compliant van
  • Door-through-door assistance
  • Certified driver
Pricing varies by distance and requirements. Medi-Cal and most insurance accepted.
Example: Scheduled one-way from SNF to dialysis center, 10 miles — typically $110–$130
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Stretcher Transport

$170 – $400+
Typical Use
SNF transfers, patients requiring reclined position
What's Included
  • Stryker power cot
  • Two-person crew
  • Climate-controlled van
Pricing varies by distance and wait time.
Example: SNF to imaging center, 10 miles, non-ambulatory patient — typically $210–$260
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BLS Ambulance

$350 – $800+
Typical Use
Hospital discharges requiring monitoring, ER intake
What's Included
  • Two-EMT crew
  • AED-equipped units
  • Vital sign monitoring
  • Oxygen administration
Medicare and Medi-Cal typically cover BLS ambulance.
Example: Hospital discharge to SNF, 8 miles, with oxygen — typically $420–$520
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SCT/CCT (Critical Care Transport)

$950 – $3,000+
Typical Use
ICU-to-ICU transfers, ventilator-dependent patients, post-surgical transfers, step-down patients
What's Included
  • RN/RT crew
  • IV therapy & drug administration
  • Ventilator management
  • Advanced monitoring
Prior authorization typically required. Custom pricing for long-distance CCT.
Example: ICU-to-ICU transfer with ventilator, 25 miles — typically $1,160–$1,400
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Long-Distance Transport

$1,500 – $10,000+
Typical Use
Cross-state transfers, repatriation
What's Included
  • Full clinical crew
  • Route planning
  • Overnight accommodations if needed
Priced per mile + base rate. Call for a custom quote.
Example: BLS transfer from LA to San Diego, ~120 miles — typically $1,370–$1,800
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✓ Every quote includes a clear breakdown — no hidden fees, no surprise charges. Free insurance verification included.

Key Variables

What Affects Your Cost

📏

Distance

All transports include a base rate plus a per-mile charge. Longer trips increase the total cost proportionally.

🚑

Service Level

Wheelchair transport costs less than a fully staffed CCT ambulance. The clinical resources required drive the price.

🛡️

Insurance Coverage

Medi-Cal, Medicare, and commercial plans cover varying percentages. We verify benefits before transport so there are no surprises.

⏳

Wait Time

If our crew waits at a facility for an extended period (e.g., delayed discharge), additional wait-time charges may apply.

🕐

Time of Day

Standard business-hour transports are typically less expensive. After-hours or holiday service may carry surcharges for some service levels.

⚙️

Special Equipment

Bariatric transport, isolation-capable vehicles, and additional monitoring equipment may increase costs based on specific patient needs.

Billing & Coverage

Insurance & Payment

Insurance We Accept

  • ✓ Medi-Cal
  • ✓ Medicare
  • ✓ Commercial / Private Insurance
  • ✓ Workers' Compensation
  • ✓ Private Pay

How Billing Works

  • We verify your insurance before transport — no surprises.
  • If covered, we bill your insurance directly on your behalf.
  • For private pay, we provide upfront pricing before the transport begins.
  • Facilities receive net-30 invoicing with complete trip documentation.
Questions about coverage? Call us at 800-880-0556 — our billing team will verify your benefits at no cost.

Important Disclaimers

  • All prices shown are estimates and may vary based on specific circumstances.
  • Insurance coverage and copays vary by plan — we verify before transport.
  • Facility contract rates may differ from listed ranges.
  • For an exact quote, call 800-880-0556 or submit a request online.

Common Questions

Pricing & Insurance FAQ

In most cases, yes. Medi-Cal covers medically necessary NEMT (wheelchair and stretcher van) as well as BLS and SCT/CCT ambulance transport when authorized. Coverage depends on your specific Medi-Cal plan and whether transportation is deemed medically necessary. We verify your benefits before transport so you know exactly what's covered.
It depends on the service level and insurance. Medi-Cal managed care plans typically require a Transportation Authorization Request (TAR) for ambulance services. Medicare requires a Physician Certification Statement (PCS). For NEMT services, authorization requirements vary by plan. Our billing team handles the authorization process for you in most cases.
If a transport takes longer due to traffic, facility delays, or medical needs, the final cost may increase slightly based on additional mileage or wait time. We always communicate any potential overages before they occur — there are no surprise charges. For insurance-covered transports, the insurer pays for the actual service provided.
For insurance-covered transports, there is generally no additional charge for after-hours or weekend service. For private-pay transports, some service levels may carry a modest after-hours surcharge. We disclose all costs upfront when you book, so you'll know the exact price before the transport begins.
We understand plans change. Cancellations made at least 2 hours before the scheduled pickup time are not charged. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur a fee for private-pay transports. Insurance-covered transports that are cancelled are simply not billed. Call 800-880-0556 to cancel or reschedule.
Absolutely. Call 800-880-0556 or submit a request through our online form. We'll provide a cost estimate based on your service level, distance, and insurance coverage — all at no cost and no obligation. For facilities, we also offer custom contract pricing based on volume.

Get a Personalized Quote

Every transport is different. Tell us what you need and we'll provide an accurate price — no obligation, no surprises.

Request Transport → Call 800-880-0556