New Zealand's ACC scheme is one of the most comprehensive injury compensation systems in the world, yet many people are unsure exactly what it covers or how to access it. 

If you have had an accident, a sudden injury at work, or hurt yourself playing sport, there is a good chance ACC will contribute to the cost of your physiotherapy. This is our simple, plain-English guide to what’s covered, how a claim works, and what to expect when you come in for treatment.

What does ACC cover?

ACC is a no-fault scheme, meaning it covers the cost of treatment for accident-related injuries regardless of who was responsible – and it applies to citizens, residents and visitors alike. Contrary to the common assumption that it is only for dramatic accidents, ACC covers a wide range of everyday injuries, including:

• muscle strains and sprains from sudden movement
• falls at home, at work or in public
• sporting injuries
• work-related injuries caused by a sudden event
• motor vehicle accident injuries, including whiplash
• some injuries sustained during medical treatment

It’s worth knowing what falls outside this cover, too. ACC does not fund treatment for injuries that develop gradually over time – lower back pain that has built up over months from posture or repetitive strain, for example. These conditions can still benefit from physiotherapy, but they would be treated as a private, rather than ACC-funded, appointment.

Do I need a GP referral to access physiotherapy covered by ACC?

No referral is required. You can book directly with a physiotherapist for an accident-related injury, and your claim can be lodged at your first appointment. If your recovery would benefit from further input (such as imaging or specialist review) your physio can help coordinate that as part of your treatment plan.

What happens at your first physio appointment?

When you arrive for your first visit, your physiotherapist will talk you through how and when the injury occurred, complete an ACC claim form (known as an ACC45) with you, and lodge it electronically. 

Your assessment and initial treatment usually begin in the same appointment, so there is no need to wait for approval before starting your rehabilitation.

Straightforward claims are typically approved quickly. More complex injuries can take ACC a little longer to assess, and in some cases they will request further information before confirming cover.

What will I pay, and how many physio sessions will I get?

Once your claim is approved, ACC contributes towards the cost of each appointment, and you pay the remaining co-payment. The exact amount depends on the type of appointment and its length, and your clinic can give you a clear estimate before you book.

There is no fixed number of sessions – your physiotherapist recommends a plan based on your injury, your goals and how you are progressing. If your recovery needs more sessions than initially expected, your physiotherapist can request further approval from ACC on your behalf, so you are not left managing that process alone.

Common questions about ACC-covered physiotherapy

Claims generally need to be lodged within twelve months of the injury occurring, though exceptions exist, so it is always worth asking if you are unsure whether an older injury still qualifies. If a claim is declined, you have the right to request a review, and your decision letter will explain how to do this.

If your injury happened overseas and you are now seeking treatment back in New Zealand, cover is assessed on a case-by-case basis, so it is worth checking directly with ACC or discussing your situation with your physiotherapist.

Need to get started with an ACC registered ACC provider?

Understanding what ACC covers takes some of the uncertainty out of getting the treatment you need after an injury. As a registered ACC provider, Active+ can lodge your claim, explain your co-payment and get your rehabilitation started from your very first appointment. Find your nearest Active+ physiotherapy clinic to book in.