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I've got a friend who has this as she uses an ambulance often 6 times a year. St John's is a charity, and while govt funding covers 70% of the average $600 for an ambulance, they need patients to help cover the rest. A part charge is $98 per time.
If you have a health risk and might need it even once a year, the fee is half that of a single ambulance trip. And if you don't need it? You're giving to a very worthy cause.
From their site:
By paying an annual subscription and becoming a supporter you will receive:
free medical emergency attendance if required
free emergency ambulance transport to hospital or an emergency medical clinic if required
free attendance in a medical emergency and transport to hospital or an emergency medical clinic, if required, for accident related injuries more than 24 hours old (ACC may cover those less than 24 hours old).
The fact that St Johns, a charity that keeps ambulance staff wages among the lowest in the developed world, is what we use for a critical service is insane. Ambulances should be a free government service and staff should be paid what they deserve.