ACC – Everything You Need to Know
We often see patients who are new to ACC and unsure where to start, so we’ve put together a simple guide to help you understand how it all works – and what it means for your treatment with us.
What is ACC?
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) is New Zealand’s no-fault injury insurance scheme. It covers personal injuries caused by accidents, meaning ACC may pay part of your medical and rehabilitation costs following an injury.
ACC covers injury from sprains to permanent disability. They do not cover illnesses, diseases, infections, age-related conditions or non-work related gradual process injuries. Depending on your injury, ACC may pay a proportion of medical costs, provide assistance with home help, special aids or equipment, transport, therapy and support.
For services like physiotherapy, podiatry, and osteopathy, an accepted ACC injury means ACC contributes to the cost of your treatment, you simply pay a subsidised treatment fee instead of the full private price.
What Injuries Does ACC Cover?
ACC covers several types of injuries, including:
Physical Injuries: Damage to your body from an accident — such as sprains, strains, falls, or sports injuries. These are the most common claims and can happen anywhere.
Treatment Injuries: Sometimes receiving medical treatment can cause an injury, which ACC may be able to cover. This includes injuries caused by treatment for an injury ACC has already covered.
Sexual Violence: Through the Sensitive Claims Service, ACC provides confidential support for anyone in New Zealand, including visitors, who has experienced sexual abuse or assault.
Maternal Birth Injuries: ACC now covers certain birth-related injuries that occurred during labour or delivery on or after 1 October 2022. Support includes pelvic health physiotherapy and rongoā Māori healing.
Who is Eligible for ACC?
ACC covers anyone injured in an accident in New Zealand – citizens, residents, temporary visitors, and overseas visitors.
If you’re a New Zealand resident who is injured overseas, ACC may help cover treatment once you’re back home.
An accident is defined as “a specific incident, event, or series of events that causes an injury to a person.”
Does the Injury Have to Have Occurred at Work?
No!
ACC is not just for workplace injuries. You can claim for an accident that happens:
- At home
- At the gym
- At the beach
- On the sports field
Anywhere, as long as it was caused by an accident
ACC Appointments at Active Health
Yes – we offer ACC subsidised appointments.
Active Health is an ACC-accredited clinic, and we offer both ACC and private appointments.
Our services include:
- Physiotherapy
- Podiatry
- Osteopathy
- Other allied health treatments
Do I Need a Referral from My Doctor/GP?
No referral needed
You can book straight in with us. We can lodge your ACC claim during your first appointment.
If you have a GP referral, feel free to bring it, but it’s not required. We’ll simply need to know:
- What happened
- When and where it happened
- How the injury occurred
We’ll assess, diagnose, complete the ACC forms, and send your claim through for you.
You should then receive confirmation after a few days when your claim has been accepted and registered – simple as that!
What if ACC doesn’t accept my claim?
If ACC declines your claim, standard treatment fees apply.
Our team will support you through the process and discuss your options, so your care remains as simple and stress-free as possible.
How the ACC Claim Process Works
- Book your appointment – Online or by phone
- Come to your appointment – We’ll ask about the details of your injury and assess your condition.
- We lodge your claim – After providing a diagnosis, we’ll submit the ACC claim on your behalf.
- Pay your subsidised fee – If the injury is covered, ACC pays part of the appointment fees, and you pay the rest.
- Receive confirmation – If your claim is covered, ACC will text you and let you know. They may also send a letter, usually within a week.
What Will I Pay?
When your injury is covered by ACC, we pay part of the appointment fees, and you pay the rest. The amount is set by ACC’s cost of treatment regulations, and we can discuss our fees with you when you book.
What If I’m Not Sure My Injury Qualifies?
Don’t worry – we can discuss this with you at your initial appointment. As every injury and situation is different, it may not always be clear if ACC covers your injury. We’ll need to provide a diagnosis before ACC can confirm if they cover your injury, and we’ll handle all of that for you.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
If you’ve got an injury that needs attention, you can book online today.
Still unsure whether your injury is ACC-related? Come in for an initial appointment and we’ll guide you through it.
You’re also welcome to contact us with any questions about ACC, injuries, or bookings.
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The sooner you seek treatment, the better your recovery.
ACC cover means you can access professional care sooner – without carrying the full cost yourself.
Please note: While we aim to keep this information accurate, ACC policies can change. For the most up-to-date information, visit the ACC website or contact them directly.
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