Ambulance subscriptions available from Guernsey Post
30 October 2024
Ambulance subscription renewals for 2025 and new memberships can now be paid for at any Guernsey Post branch. Details of the 2025 subscription costs and ambulance charges are listed below. Anyone with an existing direct debit does not need to take any action as existing direct debits will automatically be renewed.
Ambulance and Rescue Finance Director Simon Gardiner said: “We are delighted to be working with Guernsey Post to make it easier for people to take out or renew a subscription. Together with the option of online payments, which we introduced a few years ago, working with Guernsey Post means there are now more ways to pay, making it more accessible for islanders. This is particularly important this year as we want to reduce the number of people visiting the ambulance station, while building work is carried out.”
Dawn Gallienne, Head of Corporate Engagement at Guernsey Post said: “We are delighted to collaborate with St John Ambulance to offer our customers a convenient way to renew their ambulance subscription at our post office counters. This partnership aligns with our commitment to supporting the community and ensuring essential services are easily accessible to everyone in Guernsey”
Simon Gardiner added: “Having an annual subscription, which cost £68 for adults, provides peace of mind for members and avoids a bill for the full cost of an ambulance. We annually review our subscription scheme prices and charges, and while many of the costs associated with running an ambulance service continue to rise we have kept the increase in subscriptions and fees to a minimum, as we remain committed to providing high quality care and accessible emergency medical services.”
St John provides the ambulance service on behalf of the States of Guernsey through a grant from the Committee for Health & Social Care. The grant is a contribution towards the operating costs of the service, with the remaining costs being met in a variety of ways including the subscription scheme and charges.
Ambulances in Guernsey are not free, but the annual ambulance subscription provides peace of mind in the unfortunate event of someone needing an ambulance. The scheme is available to join irrespective of your age or any pre-existing medical conditions. Anyone without a subscription will be charged for an ambulance attendance, which could be up to £562.
Adult subscriptions cost £68 per year, the equivalent of 19p a day. Benefits of joining the subscription scheme include up to five free emergency ambulance responses, including assessment and treatment by qualified clinicians for subscribers; up to ten non-emergency patient transfers; up to five Flying Christine marine ambulance transfers.
Should an individual reach the allotted number of transfers within their membership period, they will have the option to purchase a top-up to the subscription. Top-ups are at an increased rate and subject to a maximum of two in any one year, which is still less than the cost of an ambulance without a subscription.
Renewal payments and new memberships can be made by debit card, cheque and cash in person at Guernsey Post locations from Monday 4th November.
Payments can also be made by card on the subscription portal via www.ambulance.gg.
The ambulance service will also be visiting a number of community centers, residential homes and other venues in the coming months to raise awareness of the subscription scheme and give people an opportunity to join the scheme. However, these desks cannot accept cash. Further details of these events will be publicised later.
Due to building works currently underway at the Ambulance Station, visitors are encouraged to use the Guernsey Post branches rather than visiting the Rohais. However, cheques can also be sent in the post to St John Ambulance and Rescue Service, Rohais, St Peter Port, GY1 1YN.
Renewal emails and letters for existing members are being sent out this month. Anyone with an existing direct debit will be automatically renewed and therefore they do not need to take any action unless their details have changed or they wish to cancel.
