What is ACC and How Can It Help You?
If you live in New Zealand, you’ve probably heard of ACC — but what exactly is it, and how can it help you?
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) is a government-funded programme that provides personal injury cover for everyone in New Zealand, including visitors. If you’re injured — whether at work, playing sport, on the road, or even at home — ACC steps in to help cover the cost of your recovery, easing the financial burden of healthcare.
Below are some of the ways ACC may be able to support you. Service approval depends on the type of injury and individual needs. Eligibility for each support service is assessed by ACC.
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Medical and Rehabilitation services such as Physiotherapy & GP visits.
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Financial support to help replace part of your lost income.
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Aids and equipment such as crutches.
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Home help
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Transport and in some cases accommodation.
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Counselling and therapy
What does ACC NOT cover?
ACC Only Covers Accident-Related Injuries
ACC can help if your injury is caused by a clear, sudden accident. They generally don’t cover:
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Illnesses like the flu or measles
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Stress or emotional issues (unless linked to a physical injury they already cover)
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Age-related conditions like arthritis
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Most hernias
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Injuries that develop over time (unless caused by your job)
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Damage to aids like glasses, hearing aids, or pacemakers
Examples they usually don’t cover:
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Appendicitis
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Sunburn or windburn
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Back pain without a clear cause
Unsure if You're Covered?
A doctor, physio, or dentist can assess your injury and submit a claim to ACC. However, ACC makes the final decision on whether your injury qualifies for cover. A medical diagnosis is needed for them to review your claim.
How to Make a Claim
Lodging a claim is simple — your healthcare provider, such as your physiotherapist or GP, can submit one on your behalf.
To lodge a claim with Massey & Waitakere Physiotherapy, you will need to fill in a consent form which includes information about your injury, including when, where and how the injury occurred as well as the type of injury and body part affected.
We will then submit the claim to let ACC know about your injury and will apply for ACC to pay for part of your appointment cost.
Once the claim has been accepted you can then also use this claim number for other services related to your injury, however some of the above services will need to be pre-approved by ACC. You can do this by logging into your MyACC account or by calling ACC on 0800 101 996.