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How to Make an ACC Claim 6 min read

How to Make an ACC Claim (Step-by-Step)

How to Make an ACC Claim (Step-by-Step) | Lifetimes NZ

If you've slipped on a wet deck in Auckland, twisted an ankle at the gym in Christchurch, or had a mishap on the rugby field in Wellington, chances are you're dealing with an injury that ACC can help...

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Jan 31, 2026
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If you've slipped on a wet deck in Auckland, twisted an ankle at the gym in Christchurch, or had a mishap on the rugby field in Wellington, chances are you're dealing with an injury that ACC can help cover. New Zealand's no-fault accident compensation scheme steps in to support your recovery without the hassle of proving blame, but navigating the ACC claim process NZ can feel daunting if it's your first time.

This step-by-step guide breaks it down simply, so you know exactly what to do, what to expect, and how to get back on your feet faster. Whether you're a Kiwi at home, a visitor here, or recovering from an overseas incident, we've got the practical advice tailored for us in Aotearoa.

What is ACC and What Does It Cover?

ACC, or the Accident Compensation Corporation, is our country's universal no-fault injury insurance scheme. It covers personal injuries from accidents, paying for medical treatment, rehab, home help, transport, and more โ€“ from sprains to serious disabilities.[1] Importantly, it doesn't cover illnesses, gradual process injuries (like repetitive strain unless work-related), infections, or age-related conditions.[1]

Key injuries ACC covers include:

  • Physical injuries from accidents anywhere โ€“ falls at home, sports collisions, or gym strains.[1]
  • Treatment injuries caused by medical care, including those from prior ACC-covered injuries.[1]
  • Sensitive claims for sexual violence survivors, with confidential support available to all in New Zealand.[1][4]
  • Maternal birth injuries from labour or delivery on or after 1 October 2022, including pelvic physio and rongoฤ Mฤori.[1]

Who Can Make an ACC Claim?

Anyone injured in an accident in New Zealand qualifies โ€“ citizens, residents, temporary visitors, and even overseas tourists.[1] If you're a New Zealand resident hurt overseas, ACC can cover treatment once you're back home.[1] An "accident" means a specific event (or series of events) causing injury.[1]

Workplace injuries? Absolutely covered, but so are those at the beach, gym, or sports field โ€“ no need for it to be work-related.[1]

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make an ACC Claim in NZ

Making an ACC claim process NZ is straightforward, especially if you go through a health provider. Here's how to do it right, with tips to avoid delays.

Step 1: Seek Treatment Promptly

Head to your GP, physio, osteopath, or ACC-accredited provider as soon as possible โ€“ no referral needed for many services like physio or podiatry.[1] Book online or by phone; they'll assess your injury and gather details: what happened, when, where, and how.[1]

Pro tip: Don't wait โ€“ lodging quickly preserves eligibility, as late claims (over 12 months) face extra hurdles.[2][7]

Step 2: Lodge the Claim

Your provider usually handles this during your first appointment. They'll diagnose, complete the forms (like the Claim for Accident Compensation), and submit online to ACC.[1][5] You'll need to share injury details, but they do the paperwork.

If you've already paid privately by mistake, apply for a refund within one year via your MyACC account.[5]

Step 3: ACC Processes Your Claim

ACC reviews for eligibility based on injury type and circumstances.[3] They may request more info, like a medical assessment or employer statement for work injuries.[3]

  • Standard claims: Decided within 21 days.[2] Simple medical-only claims (no-risk) get paid immediately.[2]
  • Complicated claims (sensitive claims, treatment injuries, gradual process, or late claims): Up to 2 months, extendable to 9 months max.[2]

ACC assigns risk levels: no/low/medium-risk go to contact centres; high-risk (serious injuries, long time off work) to branch case managers.[2] If deadlines pass without a decision, you're automatically covered.[2]

Expect a letter, text, or MyACC update confirming acceptance โ€“ usually within days for simple claims, up to a week.[1]

Step 4: Pay Your Subsidised Fees and Start Recovering

Once approved, ACC covers part of costs (set by regulations), and you pay the rest โ€“ e.g., subsidised physio fees.[1] Create a free MyACC account for ongoing needs like rehab, equipment, or weekly compensation (up to 80% of earnings, capped).[5][6]

ACC may fund physiotherapy, counselling, home mods, or return-to-work support.[3]

Step 5: Monitor and Follow Up

Track progress via MyACC or the app. For weekly pay or entitlements, submit details promptly. Sensitive claims now factor in mental injury date per 2025 rulings (updated forms from September 2025).[4]

What Happens if Your ACC Claim is Declined?

If ACC says no, you'll pay full private fees, but don't panic.[1] Reasons might include non-accident injuries or insufficient details. You can:

  1. Request a review within 28 days โ€“ ACC re-examines.[7]
  2. Appeal to the District Court if needed (time limits apply).
  3. Discuss options with your provider; they often help navigate.[1]

Our community law resources note service centre staff make initial calls, but you have rights to challenge.[2]

Practical Tips for a Smooth ACC Claim Process NZ

  • Get treated early: Speeds approval and recovery.
  • Keep records: Photos of injury site, witness details, receipts.
  • Use MyACC: For claims, refunds, and updates โ€“ essential for visitors too.[5]
  • Know costs: ACC pays ~40% of claims for treatment/rehab; earnings comp up to 80% (2026 max rates via ACC site).[6]
  • Work injuries: Notify your employer; ACC covers lost wages and rehab.[3]
  • Sensitive claims: Call 0800 735 566 for confidential help.[4]

For Mฤori claimants, rongoฤ options are available, especially for birth injuries.[1]

FAQ: Common Questions About the ACC Claim Process NZ

Q: Do I need a GP referral for physio?
A: No, book directly with accredited providers.[1]

Q: How long do I have to lodge a claim?
A: Ideally ASAP; late claims (over 12 months) are possible but complicated.[2][7]

Q: What if I'm a visitor?
A: Fully covered for NZ accidents; residents get overseas injury help back home.[1][5]

Q: Can ACC cover mental injuries?
A: Yes, via sensitive claims for sexual violence; date of injury now key post-2025 ruling.[1][4]

Q: How much weekly compensation?
A: Up to 80% of pre-injury earnings (capped; check MyACC for 2026 rates).[6]

Q: What if ACC is slow?
A: You're covered if they miss deadlines.[2]

Next Steps to Get Your ACC Claim Sorted

Don't let injury slow you down โ€“ book that appointment today, let your provider lodge the claim, and focus on healing. Sign up for MyACC, keep details handy, and reach out to ACC at 0800 432 266 if stuck. With the right steps, you'll be back to tramping the tracks or cheering at the footy in no time. If declined, review options quickly. Kia kaha โ€“ we've got this ACC system to support us all.

Sources & References

  1. ACC in New Zealand: How It Works & How to Make a Claim - Active Health โ€” activehealth.co.nz
  2. How ACC processes the claim - Community Law โ€” communitylaw.org.nz
  3. Workplace Injuries: How ACC can Help - Mahi Law โ€” mahilaw.nz
  4. Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) New Zealand update - RANZCP โ€” ranzcp.org
  5. What is ACC in New Zealand? - PVTistes โ€” pvtistes.net
  6. No-Fault Compensation in New Zealand - PNHP โ€” pnhp.org
  7. ACC and Injury Coverage โ€” What You Need to Know - Way Finders โ€” wayfinders.org.nz
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