NSW school students travelling to Victoria and the ACT for excursions and requiring the services of an ambulance in the event of a medical emergency will remain covered by insurance.
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Concern was raised last week with member for Albury Justin Clancy about a change to NSW Ambulance's school and group cover scheme about an end to the present arrangements.
Upon a ministerial request for clarification on the issue, NSW Ambulance has extended the coverage for school excursions to Victoria and the ACT until December 31 with a longer term solution to be agreed upon in coming months.
"All school students in NSW attending approved, fully supervised school activities in NSW, Victoria and the ACT, continue to be covered by NSW Ambulance's school and group cover scheme for emergency ambulance services," a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said.
"The scheme is available to all schools in NSW and costs $153 per 100 children."
IN OTHER NEWS
NSW school excursions to Victoria and Canberra are held regularly during the year.
"The health minister's office has addressed the issue to ensure there is capacity for the remainder of this year," Mr Clancy said.
"There are still aspects of it that need to be examined, but certainly this school year is covered."
In the past, NSW Ambulance has acted as the intermediary between the Victorian and ACT ambulance services and parents who have received an invoice for care provided to their child.
Ambulance Victoria has advised if a Victorian student has a valid Ambulance Victoria membership and travels interstate, they are covered for any emergency transport and any clinically necessary medically approved non-emergency transport to the nearest most appropriate medical facility.
In 1983-84 reciprocal rights arrangements were put in place across all states and territories and included school children.
But Queensland and South Australia withdrew from the scheme in 1999 and 2003 respectively.