ACC

Eligibility for injury cover for everyone in New Zealand

Everyone in New Zealand is eligible for comprehensive injury cover:

• no matter what you’re doing or where you are when you’re injured – driving, playing sport, at home, at work
• no matter how the injury happened, even if you did something yourself to contribute to it
• no matter what age you are or whether you’re working – you might be retired, a child, on a benefit or studying.

 

What injuries am I covered for?

Sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations and work-related injuries may all be covered. Most physical injuries are covered if they’re caused by:

• an accident
• a condition that comes on gradually because of your work (gradual process)

Definition of physical injury:

Physical injuries can include:

• wounds, lacerations, contusions (bruising)
• burns
• sprains and strains
• fractures, amputations or dislocations
• work-related gradual process injuries, such as tendonitis.

ACC considers that a physical injury has not occurred unless there is actual damage to the body from the injury. You must be able to name the time and place that the injury occurred.

When you visit your physiotherapist, they will tell you if you may be covered by ACC for the injury. If there are any doubts, you should contact ACC as soon as possible.
 

What do I need to do?

1. If you or someone you care for is injured, get treatment as soon as possible. Don’t wait, as this can often make the injury worse and your recovery longer.
2. Your physiotherapist will help you fill out an ACC claim form and send it to ACC to be processed.
3. When ACC receives your claim form, they will contact you by phone or letter to let you know if your claim is accepted.

You will need to pay part of the cost of your physiotherapy treatment; If you are asked to pay the full amount, keep the receipt, because you may be able to claim some of the money back if ACC accepts your claim. Please note that a non-attendance charge equivalent to our co-payment fee will be made where an appointment is missed without any prior notice.