Can I go straight to a physio for a sports sprain?
Yes. For sprains and strains, you can go straight to a physiotherapist, and you do not always need a referral first. The physio can lodge the ACC claim for you. Once ACC accepts your claim, it pays most of the cost, so the physio may charge you the rest.
Official figures
- Who can apply
- Everyone in New Zealand can apply, whatever their age, whether or not they work, and whether they live in New Zealand or are visiting2
- No-fault scheme
- You can apply whether you caused the injury yourself or someone else caused it2
- How to apply
- See a GP or another treatment provider and ask them to lodge an ACC claim for you2
- Your claim must be accepted first
- ACC must accept your claim before it pays anything1
- Hospital emergency care
- If you need emergency treatment in hospital because of an accident, ACC pays the cost3
Official sources
- Who can get public health careImmigration New Zealand · immigration.govt.nz
- Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)Ministry of Justice (Victims Information) · victimsinfo.govt.nz
- PhysiotherapistsHealth New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora · healthnz.govt.nz
- Taking sick leaveEmployment New Zealand · employment.govt.nz
Read the full guide: Injured in an accident: ACC cover →
People also ask
- Do I have to pay to see a doctor if I get injured in New Zealand?
- I'm visiting my children in NZ on a visitor visa and had a fall. Does ACC cover me?
- How do I make an ACC claim? Do I have to fill in a form myself?
- I got hurt at work. Who pays my salary for the first week?
- How much does ACC pay if I can't work because of an injury?
- Can I get ACC if someone assaulted me?
Answers are based on official New Zealand government pages. Check the official source before you act. This is not immigration, legal or tax advice.
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