ACC - Everything you need to know
We come across a lot of clients who are new to ACC and unfamiliar with how it all works, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers to help you understand this system a bit better.
If you are lucky enough to not have had any previous ACC claims and want to know more about how this may apply to you, then read on to find out more!
What is ACC?
ACC is New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation. They provide compulsory insurance cover for personal injuries, meaning they may pay some of your medical and rehabilitation costs following an accident or 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.
When it comes to physiotherapy, having an ACC injury claim means ACC will contribute to the costs of treatment. So rather than paying the full (private) price, you simply pay a subsidised treatment fee and they pay the rest!
Who is eligible?
ACC covers anyone who has been injured by an accident in New Zealand, whether a citizen, resident or visitor. An accident is described as “a specific incident, event, or series of events, which causes an injury to a person.”
There are a few different types of injuries that ACC covers, including:
Injuries caused by an accident
Sexual violence
Treatment-related injuries
And gradual process conditions that are caused as a result of the work that you do
Does the injury have to have occurred at work for me to be covered?
This is a common misunderstanding. No! ACC cover is not just for workplace injuries; you can claim ACC for an accident that happened anywhere from the beach to the sports ground to something that happened in your own home. As long as there was an accident involved, then you’re covered.
Does Four Physio and Health offer ACC appointments?
Yes! We offer both ACC and private appointments at Four. You can read more about our services here.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No! We are able to lodge an ACC claim for you at your initial appointment.
We just need the details of your injury, when and where it happened, and how it happened. We will come up with a diagnosis before submitting this to ACC.
You should then receive confirmation after a few days when your claim has been accepted and registered - simple as that!
Book online today if you have any injuries that are needing attention. If you’re still unsure whether yours is an ACC injury or not, we can go through this with you at your initial appointment.
Otherwise feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding an injury or booking.