How Much Does an Ambulance Ride Cost in San Antonio?

Jun 02, 2026 |

Ambulance rides in San Antonio typically cost $1,500 plus $12 per mile for emergency medical services, with additional surcharges that may apply depending on the circumstances. The final bill can climb quickly for longer transports, and patients are often caught off guard by the expense when they are already dealing with injuries and insurance questions after a personal injury accident.

San Antonio Ambulance Costs

The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) sets the rates for emergency medical services through its EMS billing schedule. The rates are the same whether the transport involves basic or advanced life support, but surcharges can add to the $1,500 + $12 per mile total, including:

Transport fee surcharge for each nonresident patient is $100
Non-transport emergency medical services call is $100
Transportation of a deceased person to the morgue is $70

Who Pays for Ambulance Fees After an Accident?

Several sources may cover your ambulance bill after a car accident, and the answer depends on your insurance coverage and the crash’s circumstances. Responsibility for the bill can shift between parties:

Your auto insurance: If you carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay, your own auto policy can pay for ambulance transport regardless of who caused the accident.
Your health insurance: Most health insurance plans cover emergency ambulance rides, though you may still owe a copay or portion of the bill after the insurer pays its share.
Payment options: Uninsured patients can typically arrange payment plans directly with the San Antonio Fire Department or request financial hardship assistance through the city’s billing office.
At-fault driver’s insurance: If another driver caused the crash, their liability insurance may ultimately reimburse the ambulance cost as part of your personal injury settlement.

Personal Injury Liability for Ambulance Costs

If your ambulance ride was necessary because of another party’s negligence, the cost may be recoverable as part of your personal injury claim. Several types of accidents can lead to ambulance transport and a related liability claim:

Car accidents: Crashes caused by impaired, reckless, or distracted drivers often require immediate medical transport. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance is typically the first source of recovery for ambulance costs.
Truck accidents: Collisions with commercial trucks often result in severe injuries and longer ambulance rides. Trucking companies and their insurers can be held responsible for transport fees and related medical expenses.
Pedestrian accidents: Pedestrians struck by vehicles often need emergency transport. The driver who caused the accident is usually responsible for the ambulance bill through their insurance.
Slip-and-fall injuries: Serious slip-and-falls on poorly maintained property may require ambulance response. Property owners whose negligence caused the fall can be liable for ambulance charges and follow-up care.

Because ambulance costs are part of your total medical expenses, they should be included in any demand for compensation. Keeping detailed records of the transport and any related charges will support your claim.

How Does Texas Comparative Negligence Affect Ambulance Costs in San Antonio?

Under Texas’s modified comparative fault rule, as outlined in Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001, your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault. This applies to every category of damages, including ambulance transport costs. If you are found more than 50% responsible for the accident, you cannot recover any damages, including ambulance costs. If you are 30% at fault, your recovery for a $1,560 ambulance bill would be reduced to $1,092.

Can You Pay Your Ambulance Bill After Your Case Is Settled?

In many cases, injured people can delay payment of medical bills, including ambulance charges, until their personal injury case is settled. A letter of protection from an attorney can be provided to the ambulance service or collections department, promising payment from any eventual settlement. Providers often agree to wait when they receive this assurance. This arrangement can relieve significant financial pressure while your case moves forward, giving you time to focus on recovery rather than collection notices.

Questions About Your Ambulance Bill? Contact Gamez Law Firm

Facing a steep ambulance bill after an accident that was not your fault is stressful enough without having to fight an insurance company at the same time. At Gamez Law Firm, our attorneys work to ensure that every medical cost tied to your injuries, including ambulance transport, is accounted for in your claim.

We serve all areas in San Antonio and throughout Texas.

Gamez Law Firm

2943 Mossrock, San Antonio, TX 78230

(210) 736-4040

Open 24 hours

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